I wrote recently about how Matsue tends to get the short shrift. Well, if Matsue (one of the hubs of the Sanin region) feels under-appreciated, imagine how bad Izumo feels!
In some sense, of course, I’m being melodramatic. While few foreign tourists even know that Izumo exists, its famous shrine (Izumo Taisha in Japanese) is well-known among Japanese. In fact, after Mie’s Ise Grand Shrine, Izumo Shrine is the second-most important Shinto shrine in all of Japan.
The good news? I’m going to tell you how to visit Izumo Shrine. The better news? I’ll also tell you about all the non-shrine things to do in Izumo City.
How to Reach Izumo Shrine from Anywhere in Japan
If you’re making the very long journey from Tokyo to Izumo Shrine, you might be surprised to learn that Japan Airlines offers several flights per day from Haneda Airport to Izumo Airport. You may be less surprised to know that you’ll need to take a bus from Izumo Airport to Izumoshi Station, where you can take another bus or train to reach Izumo Shrine itself.
From Western Japan, there are more options. While you can fly directly from Osaka’s Itami Airport to Izumo, I find train to be a better option. Specifically, ride a Shinkansen from anywhere in Western Japan to Okayama, where hourly Yakumo Limited Express trains can take you all the way to Izumoshi Station in around three hours. Not fast, by Japanese standards, but definitely simple.
My Favorite Things to Do in Izumo
Start at the shrine
Izumo Taisha is in Izumo City, but it is not especially near the station named Izumoshi, which means “Izumo City” in Japanese. For that, you’ll either need to take one of the city buses (which are timed to meet Yakumo limited express trains) or the Izumo Dentetsu Railway to the shrine, which is about 30 minutes away in either case, and whose worth speaks for itself.
Greet the sea at Inasa Beach
Another easy places to add onto your Izumo itinerary is Inasa Beach. Although the waves here are too rough for swimming, that’s not really an issue. Most people come here to continue the sacredness of the shrine; the defining feature of this beach is a large boulder with a torii gate atop it. Plus, it’s right down the road from the shrine!
Sit down for Izumo soba
Izumo is far from the only city in Japan that claims to be “famous” for soba noodles. However, unlike in some other city, Izumo’s soba is as much about the quality of the noodles as it about the place itself. What I mean is that—and much love to soba makers—but it’s a spartan, almost monastic meal. In some destinations, this could feel almost meager; here, it feels appropriate.
Stroll along Shinmon Street
I haven’t even seen an Izumo travel blog that suggests strolling southward from the shrine along Shinmon Street. I highly recommend this, however, whether you wander into the snack and curio shops on either side of it, or simply make your way toward the massive stone torii at the end of it. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best way to round out your trip!
Plot your next move
Izumo makes a great gateway to other destinations in San’in. Most travelers will head east, whether to Matsue Castle, the Adachi Museum of Art or Yonago. However, you can also head west, which will take you not only to cities like Hagi (and, eventually, Shimonoseki), but to the Motonosumi Shrine, which is perhaps even more fabulous than Izumo’s (at least visually).
Should You Stay Overnight in Izumo?
As of 2025, I have yet to spend the night in Izumo. I’ve thought about it, mind you, but have thus far always opted to sleep instead in Matsue (the largest major city to Izumo) or even Yonago, which is farther away and much less visited. There’s also the fact that places to stay in Izumo leave something to be desired, though that doesn’t mean there are no options.
As is the case in Matsue, there are two basic types of Izumo hotels. Firstly, there are convenient business hotels close to Izumoshi Station, including Dormy Inn Izumo and The Centurion Hotel. If you’d rather be closer to the shrine and old town, mind you, places such as Rakuten Stay Izumo and the ryokan-style Inishie no Yado Keiun are likely a better bet.
Other FAQ About Visiting Izumo Shrine
Is Izumo Shrine worth visiting?
Izumo Shrine is definitely worth visiting, even if you know nothing about Shinto and its place in Japanese culture. The building itself is beautiful and imposing, and situated near a gorgeous, forested mountain. Plus, it situates you well for exploring the rest of what Izumo has to offer.
What are the important features of Izumo Taisha?
As someone who is very visually-minded, the one thing that separates Izumo Shrine from other Shinto shrines is the size of its shimenawa. This is the massive, straw rope that hangs over the steps of the main shrine building, which is said to signify a barrier between our world and the spirit world.
Why is Izumo considered a sacred place?
In ancient times, the site of present-day Izumo Shrine was considered sacred primarily because of how the sunset looked from there. Now, of course, it seems a little bit difficult to imagine, due to how built-up it is. Still, you do feel a certain spiritual je ne sais quoi as you explore the area.
The Bottom Line
Once you know how to visit Izumo Shrine, there’s no excuse not to go. And there’s no shortage of amazing reasons to visit Izumo, many of which have nothing to do with the famous sacred site. Whether you already plan to be in the San’in region, or have a few days to spare in a larger Japan trip, Izumo is a small city that packs a big punch. It’s beautiful in all seasons, too, though I find that autumn colors particularly suit the spiritual ambiance. Need personalized help integrating Izumo into the rest of your travels? Consider hiring me to plan your Japan itinerary!
