Visit Some Places In Izumo! The Best 10 Sightseeing Spots You Want To Visit In Izumo.

Known as a country of God – Izumo, Shimane. Starting from “Izumo Taisha Shrine”, known as the God of marriage, there are a wide variety of sightseeing places. Many people might think of visiting Izumo when you are planning to go on a trip. In this article, I will introduce the best 10 tourist spots such as museums in which you may be able to learn a long history of Izumo, sacred places, or some other places that you can enjoy the views!

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

Before going to Izumo Taisha Shrine, this is the place you must visit first – “Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo”. Here, you will learn the life and culture of ancient people in Shimane through those displays and exhibits.

A huge pillar called “Uzu Bashira” that supports the main hall, firstly discovered in a precinct of Izumo Taisha Shrine, welcomes you when you enter the museum. You will be amazed how bit it is. Besides, one of the areas looks so dynamic that there are so many bronze wares from the Yayoi era to be displayed on the wall. How they display all those exhibits is amazing, and you will feel as if you have experienced a time travel!

Izumo Taisha Shrine

“Izumo Taisha Shrine” is renowned as a sacred spot for so many Gods to gather. This shrine is a symbol of Gods with a chief God to be enshrined – “Daikoku Sama”. Surrounded by mountains, the area is filled with a sophisticated atmosphere with a holy shrine which has thousand years of history.

The main hall, enshrines a chief God, was designated as a National Treasure for Japan’s best shrine architecture, and a huge rope is just impressive! Also, this is one of the most popular destinations for sacred places. If you have a chance to visit Izumo, this is where you must try too!

Inasa No Hama

Located 1 km west of Izumo Taisha Shrine, there is a famous beach called “Inasa No Hama” which is renowned for its legends of Kuniyuzuri and Kunibiki, and besides, this beach is also known for thousands of Gods gathering in October on an old calendar.

Here, there are some popular spots such as a beautiful Torii which stands on a small island, a rock which is said to be the stage of meetings for trying to avoid the battles. Needless to say, the beach itself is extremely beautiful with so many people especially in summer. The recommended time to visit this place would be in morning or in the evening as you will be able to witness the sacred views. “Inasa No Hama” is one of the best places you must try once you are in Izumo!

Shinjiko

A lake located in the northeastern part of Shimane – “Shinjiko” is the 7th largest lake with 6 km north to south, and 17 km east to west. This lake is known for more than 240 species of shorebirds to come! It has also been registered for the Ramsar Convention to protect animals living in or around the waterside.

“Shinjiko” was made by nature about 10,000 years ago, so it is so nice to take a walk around the lake while watching birds or simply enjoying the views! How about visiting here to refresh yourself?

Gobius

“Gobius” is a experience based learning aquarium that you can learn the lifestyles of the creatures in rivers in Shimane or Shinjiko. More than 10,000 exhibits and 200 species are to be displayed, so no matter how old you are, you can just enjoy!

They made diorama and helmet tanks look similar to nature, so you will feel as if you are underwater. There is a section you are able to touch them or you even have a chance to feed them, so especially kids would love it! Also, there is a souvenir shop. Why not visit here once you are in Shimane?

Ichibata Yakushi

With a long history of thousands of years, there is a head temple called “Ichibata Yakushi” at Mt.Ichibata with an elevation of 200m, where you can overlook the mountains of the Chugoku region. This place is extremely popular as it has been worshiped as a God of eyes.

When you walk up more than 1,300 stairs from the bottom to the main hall, you will find “Hachiman Yonsen Do” with 48,000 statues and a narrow street with 108 lanterns. Feel a sophisticated atmosphere of the temple while enjoying each season of Mt.Ichibata so that you will soon find so many attractions of Izumo. This place is strongly recommended!

Susa Shrine

“Susa Shrine”, located between the mountains, enshrines Susanoo no Mikoto who fought against Yamata no Orochi and won. Its renowned history can be seen in so many books including Izumokoku Fudoki.

The main hall is built just as Izumo Taisha Shrine and was designated as an important cultural property of Shimane. Also, a huge tree with a history of 1,300 years stands as if it protects the land of Shimane. This place is renowned as a sacred spot. How about feeling the strength of earth here?

Shimane Winery

If you are a wine lover, this is a must-try spot – “Shimane Winery”. The area around Izumo Taisha Shrine is renowned as one of the largest producers of grapes, and beautiful wines are made here.

This place, where there are some European style buildings stand, will make you feel as if you are in overseas. There are a lot of ways to enjoy the area as they have quite a few facilities such as the brewery, cellar, and even barbeque house. It is literally worth trying!

Izumo Hinomisaki Todai

When it comes to an amazing view, what do you think of? It of course depends on the person, but many of you might think of blue sky and sea. Now, this is the tallest lighthouse called “Hinomisaki Todai” standing at the westernmost part of Shimane peninsula.

If you have a chance to visit this place, try waking up all 163 stairs although you might need a little bit of strength so that you can enjoy the amazing views from the observatory deck! That allows you to enjoy the scenery of the Sea of Japan, the mountains of the Chugoku region, and Oki islands too!

Kojindani Site Park

The site of Kojindani was found in 1983, and there were bronze vessels, bronze shields, and 358 bronze swords. The site is called “Kojindani Site Park”.

It has the area of 27.5 hectares with rich nature – more than 800 trees of cherry blossoms bloom in spring. As there is a barbeque area or an exhibition area that duplicates the houses of ancient times, it is one of the best spots to enjoy with family for a whole day! If you go on a trip to Izumo, enjoy nature!

Let’s Enjoy Izumo, Where There Are Historic Buildings and Nature!

How was it? In this article, I have introduced the best 10 recommended spots to visit once you have a chance to be in Izumo. Learn the history of Izumo at the museum, and go for sightseeing to enjoy! Starting from Izumo Taisha Shrine, go refresh yourself by rich nature while learning its long history.