Izumo

Day Trips

Start your day with a serene visit to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Take time to admire the unique Taisha-zukuri architecture and participate in traditional rituals. The peaceful early hours offer a spiritual and tranquil atmosphere.

Stroll through the surrounding gardens and visit the Izumo Taisha Museum to learn about the shrine’s history and significance. Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a local eatery nearby, savoring regional specialties. Take a leisurely walk along the wooden paths lined with sacred trees.

Return to the shrine area to experience the magical ambiance as the lanterns are lit. Join a guided evening tour to hear legends and folklore tied to Izumo Taisha. Finish the day with a quiet dinner at a cozy restaurant offering Izumo soba noodles.

Visit the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo to dive into the rich archaeological and mythological history of the region. Explore exhibits featuring ancient artifacts, including bronze mirrors and pottery from the Yayoi period. The interactive displays offer insightful storytelling about Izumo’s past.

Walk to the nearby Ruins of Izumo Mononobe Shrine and appreciate the historical significance of sacred sites in the area. Have lunch at a café that offers local flavors and scenic views. Spend some time browsing artisanal shops selling handmade crafts inspired by ancient Izumo traditions.

Attend a cultural performance or lecture hosted by the museum, if available, to deepen your understanding of Izumo’s heritage. Enjoy dinner at a traditional izakaya, tasting local sake and small dishes. Take a peaceful evening stroll along the nearby riverbanks.

Head to Hinomisaki Coast for a refreshing morning by the sea. Visit the iconic Hinomisaki Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Japan Sea and rugged coastline. The sound of waves and salty air create a rejuvenating start to your day.

Have lunch at a seafood restaurant near the coast, trying fresh catches of the day like sashimi and grilled fish. Wander along the coastal trails, exploring rock formations and hidden beaches. Visit local shops for unique souvenirs made from shells and sea glass.

Watch the sunset from the lighthouse area, witnessing vibrant colors reflecting on the water. Dine in a cozy seaside inn, enjoying dishes prepared with local ingredients. Relax with a peaceful walk on the beach under the stars.

Begin your day with a visit to Yaegaki Shrine, known for its beautiful grounds and association with marriage and matchmaking. Participate in a ritual to pray for love and happiness. Take photographs of the charming gardens and historic architecture.

Join a tea ceremony workshop at a nearby cultural center, where you can learn about Japanese tea traditions and etiquette. Enjoy light snacks and freshly prepared matcha tea in a tranquil setting. Walk through nearby streets filled with traditional shops and crafts.

Attend a local dance or music performance that highlights Izumo’s regional arts. Savor dinner at a restaurant specializing in Izumo-style cuisine, such as grilled eel or locally grown vegetables. End your evening with a relaxed stroll through illuminations near the shrine.

Travel to nearby Matsue to visit Unshu Matsue Castle, a well-preserved feudal era fortress with stunning views from its top floor. Learn about samurai history and the castle’s strategic importance. Wander the castle grounds and gardens, enjoying seasonal blossoms.

Take a boat cruise on the castle moat and surrounding canals to see Matsue from a different perspective. Have lunch at a riverside café featuring local specialties like freshwater clams and soba noodles. Explore the historic district with traditional streets and shops.

Visit the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum to learn about the famous author’s connection to Matsue. Enjoy an elegant kaiseki dinner in a ryokan, experiencing multi-course Japanese haute cuisine. Walk back to your accommodation through charming lantern-lit streets.

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Okuizumo Orochi Gorge, known for its lush forests and stunning mountain views. Hike along well-marked trails that follow the winding river and cross the famous Orochi Suspension Bridge. The morning air is crisp and refreshing, perfect for outdoor exploration.

Enjoy a hearty countryside lunch featuring local ingredients such as wild vegetables and mountain river fish. Visit nearby artisans who craft traditional wooden livestock items and woodenware. Spend time relaxing at a nearby onsen hot spring bath to soothe your muscles.

Return to Izumo and savor dinner at a local restaurant offering homestyle dishes made with fresh regional produce. Reflect on the natural beauty experienced during the day while enjoying a glass of local sake. Plan for a restful night to prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Start your morning at Izumo’s vibrant morning markets, where local farmers and fishermen sell fresh produce and seafood. Sample seasonal fruits and street food delicacies. Engage with vendors and learn about regional specialties like Izumo soba and locally grown vegetables.

Attend a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Izumo dishes, including soba noodles and seafood tempura. Enjoy your homemade lunch paired with freshly brewed green tea. Visit a sake brewery for a guided tour and tasting session.

Dine at a beloved local izakaya, experiencing the warm hospitality and variety of dishes made from market fresh ingredients. Join locals in lively conversation and relax with a drink after a full day of culinary discovery. Stroll through illuminated streets to end your evening.

Explore the Izumo Art Museum to enjoy contemporary and traditional artworks inspired by the region’s culture and landscape. Attend a demonstration or workshop if available, to engage directly with local artists. The calm galleries offer a reflective start to your day.

Have lunch at a nearby café known for its artistic presentation and seasonal ingredients. Visit the Shimane Museum of Art to view collections ranging from classic Japanese styles to modern pieces. Browse gift shops for unique handmade crafts and prints.

Attend an evening lecture or music recital hosted by local cultural organizations. Dine at a stylish restaurant featuring fusion cuisine blending Izumo flavors with modern techniques. Wander through quiet streets and enjoy the creative ambiance after dark.

Travel to Tamatsukuri Onsen, a historic hot spring town known for its healing waters and scenic surroundings. Visit an open-air spring to enjoy a relaxing soak while surrounded by nature. Walk along the charming streets filled with traditional inns and shops.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring kaiseki dishes that highlight local fish and vegetables. Visit the Tamatsukuri Shrine nearby, famous for its charms and connection to health and longevity. Spend some time shopping for minerals and bath salts crafted from the spring waters.

Dine at your ryokan with a multi-course meal that includes seasonal and regional specialties. Relax in the onsen baths once more before bedtime to rejuvenate your body and mind. Enjoy a quiet evening reflecting on the peaceful atmosphere of the hot spring town.

Begin your day with a scenic bike ride or drive through the rural landscapes surrounding Izumo, passing rice paddies and small villages. Stop at roadside stations to sample local produce and handmade crafts. Photograph traditional thatched-roof houses and picturesque countryside views.

Have lunch at a family-run restaurant that serves hearty, home-style Japanese meals. Visit small shrines and temples hidden in the villages, observing local customs and architecture. Chat with villagers to gain insight into rural life and traditions in Izumo.

Return to Izumo city and enjoy a casual dinner at a popular noodle shop serving freshly prepared Izumo soba. Walk along illuminated streets or riverside paths reflecting the city lights. End your day with a peaceful moment taking in the night sounds of Izumo.