Home to one of Japan’s oldest shrines, Izumo is a coastal city where the Kobe River snakes towards the Sea of Japan. Along with being close to Tachikue Gorge, it’s home to an impressive ancient history museum and a towering lighthouse.
Things to do in Izumo
Admire one of the oldest shrines in Japan at the Izumo Taisha, built for the god of marriage, Ōkuninushi. Watch as people toss small change into the sacred straw rope (shimenawa) at the Worship Hall, then admire the traditional Taisha-zukuri architectural style of the Main Hall.
A short walk from the shrine takes you to the architecturally striking Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, which houses an impressive design of the original Izumo Taisha. Learn about the development of the Iwami Ginzan silver mine in the 16th century and admire the outstanding collection of Kofun-era ceremonial bronze bells and swords on display.
Make a day trip to the Hinomisaki Lighthouse, the tallest of its kind in Japan. Soak up the spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and the small uninhabited island of Fumishima, renowned as a breeding site for black-tailed gulls.
Hike through the magnificent Tachikue Gorge, which once served as a retreat for the "mountain-warriors" of Shugendo. Witness hundreds of red-capped Buddhist statues at the base of the cliffs, stop in at the charming Reiko-Ji temple, then wander across the hanging bridges that traverse the Kando River.
Getting around Izumo
Izumo Airport is a 30-minute drive east of the city centre and there are train connections across Honshu from Izumo-shi Station. Izumo is around 6.5 hours by train from Tokyo and buses travel throughout the city.