Izumo Taisha in Shimane: Scenic Travel Itineraries and Local Flavors to Savor

Izumo Taisha: Itineraries to Experience History’s Power!

Izumo Taisha (also known as Izumo Oyashiro) in Shimane Prefecture is a shrine dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Kami, famously revered as the deity of matchmaking. While many visitors travel from across Japan to see Izumo Taisha, Shimane Prefecture also offers numerous other charming attractions.

In this article, we’ll introduce detailed itineraries for sightseeing around Izumo Taisha, tailored to half-day, day, or two-day schedules. If you’re planning to visit, feel free to use this as a guide.

Half-Day (Afternoon to Evening) Model Itinerary

If you are sightseeing Izumo Taisha Shrine in the afternoon, we recommend exploring the nearby area, as traveling further out will be challenging. Below, we present our model itinerary for a half-day visit to Izumo Taisha Shrine.

Half-Day (Afternoon to Evening) Model Itinerary
Izumo Taisha Shrine → Goen Yokocho → Inasa Beach → Dinner (King)

Izumo Taisha Shrine

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Izumo Taisha Shrine is a representative sightseeing destination in Shimane Prefecture. Revered for enshrining the deity of matchmaking, it is also mentioned in the “Kojiki,” Japan’s oldest historical record.

If you're visiting the Honden (main sanctuary), it’s recommended to enter through the front gates. The large torii gate, located next to a stone monument inscribed with Izumo Taisha, marks the entrance and leads to a long mountain trail. After visiting the worship hall, head to the Honden, a National Treasure.

Kaguraden is a must-see when visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine. It serves as a stage for festivals and prayers, and features one of Japan’s largest shimenawa ropes adorning the front of the hall.

Izumo Taisha Shrine
Address: Shimane, Izumo, Taishacho Kizukihigashi 195
Visiting Hours: 6:00 - 19:00
Closed: Open year-round
Official Website: Izumo Taisha Shrine
Official Social Media: Instagram

Goen Yokocho

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Goen Yokocho is a commercial complex located opposite Izumo Taisha Shrine. It features nine specialty shops where you can enjoy local dishes such as Izumo soba (buckwheat noodles), Izumo zenzai (sweet red bean soup with mochi), and more.

Wagashi (traditional Japanese confections) and soba making events are held on the weekends, so participating would be a great way to make your sightseeing memorable. You can also experience fortune-telling using tarot cards or Western astrology.

Goen Yokocho
Address: Shimane, Izumo, Taishacho, Kizukiminami 840-1 In front of the gates
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (winter) / 9:00 - 18:00 (summer)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Official Website: Goen Yokocho (Japanese)
Official Social Media: Facebook

Inasa Beach

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Inasa Beach is the setting of Kuniyuzuri, the transfer of lands, in Japanese mythology. The beautiful scenery overlooking the Sea of Japan has earned it a place among the “100 Best Beaches of Japan,” attracting visitors from both Japan and abroad.

Bentenjima, an island at the center of Inasa Beach, is one of its highlights and is lovingly called “Bentensan” by the locals. Until around 1985, waves would crash at the front of the island, but now it is possible to walk around to the back of the island.

Inasa Beach
Address: Shimane, Izumo, Taishacho, Kizukikita
Hours: 24-hours
Closed: Open year-round
Official Website: Inasa Beach

King

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King is a restaurant where you can savor the local shrine cuisine. Taisha ramen, Taisha yakisoba, and Shinwa teishoku are especially popular, offering flavors that have been passed down over three generations.

Taisha ramen boasts a broth that has been perfected over 50 years. The medium-thick, slightly curled noodles pair perfectly with the broth.

Taisha yakisoba is known for its tender yet springy texture, achieved through a unique method of boiling the raw noodles before cooking. It’s traditionally enjoyed with sauce, giving it an addictive flavor.

Shinwa teishoku is a luxurious set meal featuring your choice of either Taisha ramen or yakisoba, paired with fresh local sashimi. This meal allows you to enjoy seasonal fish caught at a nearby harbor, along with other local ingredients.

King
Address: Shimane, Izumo, Taishacho, Kizukihigashi 599
Hours: 11:00 - 14:30 / 16:30 - 22:00 (last order at 21:30)
Closed: Wednesdays, New Year’s holiday *Subject to temporary closures
Official Website: King (Japanese)
Official Social Media: Facebook

Day Trip (Morning to Evening) Model Itinerary

If you want to fully enjoy Izumo’s stunning scenery and cuisine, we recommend starting your sightseeing in the morning. Below, we present a model itinerary for a day trip to Izumo Taisha Shrine.

Day Trip (Morning to Evening) Model Itinerary
Izumo Taisha Shrine → Goen Yokocho → Lunch (Kaneya) → Inasa Beach → Hinomisaki Shrine → Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse → Dinner (King)

Kaneya

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Kaneya is a restaurant where you can eat Izumo soba, one of Japan’s top three soba dishes. This signature regional dish of Shimane is known for its unique, rich flavor.

The Three-Color Tiered Soba, made with different condiments in each tier, is popular. Awayuki, hot soba in dashi broth, is another of Kaneya’s signature dishes.

Kaneya
Address: Shimane, Izumo, Taishacho, Kizukihigashi 659
Hours:
Weekdays: 10:30 - 14:00
Weekends: 10:30 - 14:30
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Official Website: Kaneya (Japanese)

Hinomisaki Shrine

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Hinomisaki Shrine is a famous sightseeing destination designated as an important cultural property of Japan for its esteemed shrine architecture. It is said that Ise Shrine protects the day in Japan, while Hinomisaki Shrine protects the night.

Hinomisaki Shrine consists of two shrines: the lower shrine, known as Hishizumi no Miya, where Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined, and the upper shrine. If you visit in the evening, the sunset will align with Hishizumi no Miya, creating a truly magical moment.

Hinomisaki Shrine
Address: Shimane, Izumo, Taishacho, Hinomisaki 455
Hours: 24-hours *Omamori Office hours are 8:30 - 16:50
Closed: Open year-round
Official Website: Hinomisaki Shrine (Japanese)

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse

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Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse boasts the tallest height in Japan from sea level to the top of the lighthouse. Its beautiful pure white exterior earned it a spot as one of the 'World’s 100 Most Historic Lighthouses' and is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan.

A telescope is placed at the base of the lighthouse, and depending on the season, you may even spot a flock of black-tailed gulls.

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
Address: Shimane, Taishacho, Hinomisaki 1478
Hours:
March - September
Weekdays: 9:00 - 16:30
Weekends and holidays: 9:00 - 17:00
October - February: 9:00 - 16:30 *Last entry is 20 minutes before closing
Closed: Irregular holidays
Official Website: Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse

Two-Day Model Itinerary

There are many charming spots around Izumo, so if you have extra time in your schedule, we recommend a two-day, one-night trip. Below, we introduce a model itinerary for sightseeing Izumo Taisha Shrine over two days and one night.

Two-Day Model Itinerary
Day 1
Izumo Taisha Shrine → Goen Yokocho → Lunch (Kaneya) → Inasa Beach → Hinomisaki Shrine → Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse → Dinner (King) → Hotel
Day 2
Matsue Castle → Yaegaki Shrine → Lunch (Sushi Nihonkai Izumo Taisha Shrine) → Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

Matsue Castle

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Matsue Castle was built by Yoshiharu Horio, who became governor of Izumo and Oki after his achievements in the Battle of Sekigahara. The castle keep features a hip-and-gable roof with curved eaves that resemble a plover spreading its wings, resulting in the nickname Plover Castle.

In 2015, it became a National Treasure and is one of the 12 existing castle keeps that have preserved its original architecture from over 400 years ago. From the top floor of the castle, you can enjoy a 360° view of Izumo’s landscape, including Yomegashima Island and Lake Shinji.

Matsue Castle
Address: Shimane, Matsue, Tonomachi 1-5
Hours:
April - September: 8:30 - 16:30
October - March: 8:30 - 17:00 *Last entry is 30 minutes before closing
Closed: Open year-round
Official Website: Matsue Castle
Official Social Media: Instagram / Facebook

Yaegaki Shrine

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Yaegaki Shrine is a famous sightseeing destination known as a powerful spiritual spot for love and relationships. Love fortune-telling, where a coin is placed on washi paper and floated across a pond to divine the time and distance until it sinks, has become immensely popular.

The shrine also offers a variety of amulets, which are popular because you can choose one in your favorite color. Yaegaki Shrine enshrines the divine couple, Susanoo no Mikoto and Inatahime no Mikoto, and is said to bring blessings for harmonious marriages and successful matchmaking.

Yaegaki Shrine
Address: Shimane, Matsue, Sakusacho 227
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Closed: Open year-round
Official Website: Yaegaki Shrine (Japanese)

Sushi Nihonkai Izumo Taisha

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Sushi Nihonkai Izumo Taisha is a restaurant where you can enjoy Nodoguro Don (blackthroat seaperch rice bowl), which won the Grand Prix at the Japan Local Donburi Championship for two consecutive years. The uniquely firm texture of nodoguro pairs extremely well with the restaurant’s original tare sauce.

Their freshwater clam miso soup is another exquisite dish, which we recommend enjoying as part of a set. Grilled mackerel sushi is also a popular souvenir choice.

Sushi Nihonkai Izumo Taisha
Address: Shimane, Izumo, Taishacho, Kizukiminami 840-1
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Official Website: Sushi Nihonkai Izumo Taisha (Japanese)

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

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The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, located adjacent to Izumo Taisha Shrine, is a spot that displays numerous artifacts aimed at unraveling the mysteries and wonders of ancient Izumo. The exhibition rooms are divided into three themes, each introducing a different perspective on ancient Izumo. Among them are excavated bronze wares and over 200 reconstructed bronze sword models, which are truly incredible.

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Address: Shimane, Izumo, Taishacho, Kizukihigashi 99-4
Hours: 9:00 - 18:00 (last entry is 30 minutes before closing)
*November - February: 9:00 - 17:00
Closed: Every first and third Tuesday
Official Website: Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Official Social Media: Instagram / Facebook

Recommended Hotels Near Izumo Taisha

You can fully enjoy Izumo Taisha in a day, but if you have extra time in your schedule, we recommend staying at a hotel. Below, we introduce recommended hotels around Izumo Taisha.

Centurion Hotel & Spa Classic Izumo

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Centurion Hotel & Spa Classic Izumo is a charming hotel conveniently located just a three-minute walk from JR Izumoshi Station. The rooms feature a stylish space, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious experience.

The hotel is fully equipped with separate large public baths for men and women, where you can thoroughly relieve your fatigue from sightseeing. Additionally, the hotel offers a high-temperature sauna, cold water baths, and an outdoor relaxation area, so you can fully relax your mind and body.

NIPPONIA Izumo Taisha Shrine Town

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NIPPONIA Izumo Taisha Shrine Town is a Japanese-modern hotel located within walking distance of the former Taisha Station. You can enjoy your stay while surrounded by history, as the building was renovated from a former clinic. This hotel is recommended for those seeking a high-quality and extraordinary stay.

Enjoy Sightseeing at Izumo Taisha!

This time, we introduced detailed model itineraries for sightseeing around Izumo Taisha. Izumo is not only home to Izumo Taisha Shrine, but also to many other fascinating sightseeing spots.

You can fully enjoy the area by train, making it great for a wide range of groups from friends to couples. If you have extra time in your schedule, consider staying for two days. Use this article as a guide and enjoy sightseeing at Izumo Taisha Shrine!