旅行体験Things to do in Izumo

Discover many amazing things in Izumo.

There are many places you should visit in the mythical land of Izumo. You can walk and eat food while enjoying the sceneries of the city and feel an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan.

Walking Shinmon street

神門通り

Shinmon-dori Every time you visit, the atmosphere and scenery of the cityscape will show you a new scene. There is a wide variety of shops. Walk around leisurely and forget about the time.

You can borrow a kimono for the day and feel like royalty as you tour the sights and enjoy the local cafes.

Along the Ichibata Train Line and Bus Route

O-torii

The O-torii gate stands tall by the Uga-bashi Bridge on Shinmon-dori. It measures 23 meters in height, which is a little shorter than the inner shrine of Izumo Taisha.

Walking Goen Yokocho

Goen Yokocho

Here, you can find places to take a break, lockers and restrooms. The building has Wi-Fi.

Former Izumo railway station

Former Taisha Station

The Former Taisha Station (旧大社駅, Kyu Taisha Eki) is the retired terminal station of the now-defunct JR Taisha Line. Opened in 1912 and active until 1990, the line was once the main entryway to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, connecting the area with the Sanin Main Line to Kyoto and beyond. While the former line's railway tracks and other stations have since vanished, Taisha Station has been preserved as a museum.

Momen Kaido

木綿街道

Momen Kaido Cotton Road Walk down this street to travel back in time. The houses here remain unchanged from the olden days.

You can visit shops that have been here for many generations, such as Shoga To (ginger candy), Sakagura Sake Brewery, and Shoyu-ya Soy Sauce Maker. The area is home to a mansion and a beautiful Japanese garden (Hon Ishibashi-tei).

Kuruma ya Ginger Sugar Store in Momen Kaido

A small historic district with plenty of surprises

Momen Kaido is a fascinating pocket of old storehouses, merchant homes, and breweries. Experience an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan, sample local creations, and step into the accommodations of feudal lords during your visit.

Oka Moichiro Shoten in Momen Kaido

Sake and soy sauce ice cream

Many of the historic buildings still house sake and soy sauce breweries that have been operating since the 19th century. Sake enthusiasts will find many varieties to sample and plenty of soy sauce-flavored treats to snack on. Take the opportunity to try some soy sauce ice cream, something you won't find elsewhere.

The lap of luxury

The lap of luxury

Honjin were lodgings built for the daimyo (feudal lords) as they traveled their domain. The Hirata honjin is a large complex of buildings where you can wander and explore the lavish accommodations the lords once enjoyed.

Momen Kaido

街歩き

Trip suggestions Why not enjoy a walk around Izumo city?

You can appreciate both nature and history in Izumo. The following 3 places offer the best of both.

Around Izumo-shi station.

Around Izumo-shi station.

This is the first train station on the Ichibata Electric Railway, which is convenient for sightseeing in Izumo city, as well as for getting to hotels, restaurants, and pubs.

Sunset of Hinomisaki lighthouse and Hinomisaki coast

Hinomisaki area

Hinomisaki Lighthouse has been achieved in 1903 and still protects today the boats on the Sea of Japan. Hinomisaki Shrine is vermillion-lacquered and designated as a nationally important cultural property.

Outside hot springs in Yuyado-Souan

Yunokawa Hot Springs

Yunokawa Hot Springs is known as one of the three "bijin-no-yu" beautifying hot springs of Japan. The city offers many traditional hot springs.