Location: Izumo
Top Things to do in Izumo
What to do and see in Izumo, Japan: The Best Places and Tips
Izumo in Japan, from Asia region, is best know for Sacred & Religious Sites. Discover best things to do in Izumo with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Izumo
1. Izumo Taisha Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Grant T - Melbourne, Australia
Have just visited this stunning shrine at a time when most of Japan appears to be visiting....for religious not tourist reasons and it is simply an astonishing shrine to visit. There must have been tens of thousands of people and to my knowledge we were the only westerners here. Not many people make the journey to see the shrine and it is disappointing to think they are missing out on an absolute treasure. the buildings are simply stunning and if I get the opportunity to return in a less popular season I will make the effort to return. There are plenty of websites that relay what each of the shrines are for so take the time to review them. There are several ways to get to the shrine from Matsue ranging form 40 minutes to 1 hour. You will need to change trains a couple of times but I cannot express just how amazing this shrine is. it is SO well worth the effort.
2. Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
The origins of Japan,enfolded in mystery. Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is dedicated to exhibiting the heritage of the ancient Izumo culture. Central Lobby Exhibition In the Central Lobby stand the "UZUBASHIRA PILLAR" a pillar found in the ruins of the Izumo Grand Shrine,discovered in 2000. Theme Exhibitions ”Izumo Grand Shrine and the Festivals of the Land of the Gods” offers an introduction to the mysteries of Izumo Grand shrine, said to have been vast in scale in ancient times. "Bronze implement and decorative sword" showcases the bronze inplement of the Yayoi period (approx.500 BC-250 AD) and the luxuriously decorated long swords,(tachi,) of the Kofun period (approx.250-600 AD)
Reviewed By Stephenbkk20156 - Okayama Prefecture, Japan
You will find it all here. Literally, every document, every artifact, every folk tale relating to the Izumo area. Illustrated, explained. lavishly contextualised both in national and international terms. Folk tales? We have folk tales. Here they are illustrated and brought to life, along with folk tales from around the world. Battles? Artefacts? Roof tiles? Ditto, ditto.
After our visit to the grand shrine, we were attracted by the proximity and gleaming glass/concrete of this place, enticed inside by a discount for foreigners. Much of the stuff was mildly interesting. Some of it very interesting. But it was all presented with the same exhaustive thoroughness.
Eventually, we gave up trying to bear with the lavish, plodding explanations, used the beautiful restrooms and left.
What a pity. For a tenth of the money, they could have given us the highlights and had a much more interesting museum.
3. Former Taisha Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By mat_mak - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
This station was opened as the closest station to Izumo shrine in 1912, and closed in 1990 due to cut service on unpopular routes. It built at authentic Japanese style and made of wooden materials. It was designated as a cultural asset of national importance in 2004. I really loved its nostalgic atmosphere. I acted like a station staff at a ticket booth, the old SL train and a platform in the station, so exciting!!
4. Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By Voodew - Victoria, Canada
Make sure you take the bus right to the end, as even some Japanese people were confused and almost got off one stop early. The walk to the light house is short and fun as you go through a very small town atmosphere. There was freshly caught fish being prepared to be sundried and we walked by one older lady as she was preparing to grill some fresh squid, so we had a tasty treat. I don't think you need to go into the light house itself, but it presents a nice photo opportunity and the walk from it to the shrine is tranquil and beautiful.
5. Inasa Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By TanakaHiroe - Zushi, Japan
弁天島に夕日がきれいに見えます。 さらさらの白浜。駐車場は目の前。 出雲大社に行く前に是非。 砂を持って出雲大社に行くと御砂と取りかえてもらえます。 If you decide to go izumo taisha,please go this beach before it.you take some sand to taisha and they will change it to clear sand which has a power of amulet. you throw it to your garden.
6. Susa Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Brittany P - Matsue, Japan
Lots of greenery to enjoy even in winter, with a pleasant stream running next to it. Didn't stop for lunch, but the immediate neighborhood looked like a good place to find something with local character.
7. Hinomisaki Shrine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By Voodew - Victoria, Canada
This shrine in and of itself is not worth making the special trip to unless it is your only opportunity to see a shrine in Japan. This shrine is worth it as part of a short trip which involves going up to the lighthouse by bus and then walking to the shrine prior to taking the bus back to town.
It was above average for presenting picture opportunities with it's many angles and rolling hill hide. Don't forget to walk down the narrow alley way next to the shrine to see how people live in the area. I enjoyed it!
8. Izumotaisha mae Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Rika P - Quedlinburg, Germany
When I saw the this train station, I was really surprised how old and cute it looked. Then I went inside and really liked the atmosphere of this old building. They set up some benches and nice lightenings which make the place really cozy. At the tracks you can see how old everything is.
Even the vending machines for the tickets seem to be from the past.
The only weak point was, that there wasn't much English - but I think that is just natural for such an old train station.
9. Michi-no-Eki Kirara Taki
Overall Ratings
4 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By PeterTokyoPeter - Tokyo, Japan
There are nice bakery and you can eat there also. Since fig is specialty fruit there, I had fig and walnut bread, which was hot & fresh from the oven and so delicous!!! If you are lucky, dolphin may be seen from this place. In summer, you can swim the beach and take shower there.
10. Shimane Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By aichii - Japan
Went here as part of a half day tour.
Herded through to the restaurant for lunch which was average at best....don't waste your time with this.
The souvenir shop has free wine tasting from bowls which you ladle into plastic cups.
If you're looking for the decent stuff go to the wine tasting counter. You have to pay between 100 - 400 yen per sample but you're trying the superior quality Shimane wines.
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