Izumo, Japan

Izumo is a city located in Shimane, Japan. Izumo is known the Izumo Taisha Shinto shrine, the tallest lighthouse in Asia (Hinomisaki) and the Izumo Dome (one of the largest wooden domes in Japan). The province is one of the oldest areas of Japan and has an abundance of legends and myths.

Izumo Taisha is located 30 km outside of Matsue. It is dedicated to the god of happy marriages and designated as a National treasure. The main hall of the shrine is 24m high, and the oldest structure of its kind in Japan. Seventy-two separate religious rituals are held throughout the year, including the Kamimukae festival, held in October, when the gods throughout Japan are welcomed to the shrine.

Things to See & Do

* Izumo Taisha – historic shrine
* Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
* Hinomisaki Lighthouse
* Tachikue Gorge
* Izumo Dome

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Yen (JPY)
Language – Japanese
Population – 145,000 approx
Land Area – 543,48 km2
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus hours nine hours
International Country Telephone Code – 81

Travel Links – There are 5 flights per day from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Izumo airport (80min).

Izumo's train station is called Izumo-shi Station (出雲市駅). It is located on the JR San'in Main Line. Izumo is served hourly by the Yakumo (やくも) limited express train, which runs to Okayama station and provides direct connections to the San'yo Shinkansen (3 hours).Connecting with the Yakumo, the trip to Izumo is 4 hours from Osaka, 4 1/4 hours from Kyoto , 5 hours from Nagoya , and 6 1/2 hours from Tokyo.

Izumo is also served by a number of buslines from various locations throughout Japan.