Overview
Izumo Taisha draws many visitors to this city on the Sea of Japan coast in Shimane Prefecture. The shrine, its approach street and nearby Inasa Beach can fill a day, with local soba restaurants for lunch.
The main JR station is in another part of the city, so where you stay matters. Choose the shrine district for more time on foot around Taisha, or the Izumoshi Station Area for trains, airport buses and onward travel.
What the city is known for
Izumo Taisha has an important place in Japanese mythology and is a shrine where people pray for good relationships. Its grounds include Kaguraden hall, where a large braided straw rope hangs above the entrance. Shops and restaurants line Shinmon-dori, the street leading to the shrine. You can combine a visit with lunch and souvenir shopping here.
Try the local soba. Izumo's darker buckwheat noodles use flour ground with the husks, which gives them a distinctive flavor. Inasa Beach is around a 15-minute walk from the shrine when you want to continue toward the sea.
Main areas
Izumoshi Station Area contains the city's JR and Ichibata railway stations, with hotels near both. Buses leave from the JR North Exit, while shops beside the station sell regional souvenirs. Spending the night here can simplify an early train or flight.
The Taisha district is the better choice when the shrine and its surrounding streets are the main focus. Staying there reduces the daily journey from the JR station, though you'll add a transfer on arrival and departure days.
Getting around and onward travel
Izumoshi Station serves the JR Sanin Main Line. Yakumo limited express trains connect the city with Matsue and Okayama Station, where passengers can change to the Shinkansen. Bullet trains don't serve Izumo itself.
Dentetsu Izumoshi Station is a separate Ichibata stop beside the JR station. Trains toward Izumotaisha-mae usually require a change at Kawato, while buses from the JR station provide another route to the shrine. Direct buses to Izumo Airport take about 30 minutes from the station, depending on traffic.
