Your Authentic Guide to Exploring Izumo, Where Myths Come Alive
Known as the ‘Land of Myths,’ Izumo in Shimane Prefecture is a popular tourist area, attracting many visitors from Japan and abroad. It’s home to numerous sacred sites, including Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, and offers stunning views of the rugged yet beautiful Sea of Japan.
However, Izumo’s true charm cannot be fully appreciated by simply visiting famous spots. With deeper knowledge, such as ‘why you should visit in a particular order’ and ‘what preparations are needed locally,’ your travel experience and spiritual benefits will multiply. This article introduces five must-visit Izumo sightseeing spots that travelers absolutely need to know, along with the authentic local atmosphere and tips for navigating them.
Inasa-no-hama Beach
📍 Address: Kitzukikita, Taishachō, Izumo, Shimane 699-0702, Japan
If you’re visiting Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, ‘Inasa-no-hama Beach’ (also known as Inasa Beach) should be your very first stop. This is one of Izumo’s most sacred sites, famously depicted in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki as the stage for the ‘Kuniyuzuri Myth’ (Transfer of the Land Myth). During Kannazuki (the month when gods are absent from other regions but gather in Izumo) in the lunar calendar, the ‘Kami-mukae Shinji’ ritual is held here to welcome the myriad gods from across Japan. The mystical sight of ‘Bentenjima Island’ standing solitary on the white sandy beach is truly worth seeing.
The primary reason to visit here first is to collect sand for the ‘Osuna Kōkan’ (sand exchange) ritual performed at Izumo Taisha. It’s not advisable to take sand from just anywhere on the beach; it’s considered best to collect a small amount of pure sand from the waterline where the waves gently break. As the sand is often damp, bringing a ‘zippered storage bag’ rather than a regular plastic bag will help you avoid the pitfall of getting your bag dirty.
Furthermore, Inasa-no-hama is registered as a Japan Heritage site, symbolizing ‘Izumo, the Sacred Land where the Sun Sets.’ The gradients of color at sunset are breathtakingly beautiful. If your visit to Izumo Taisha is scheduled for the next day, we recommend visiting Inasa-no-hama in the evening to enjoy the spectacular sunset while collecting sand, then heading to Izumo Taisha the following day.
Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
📍 Address: 195 Kitzukihigashi, Taishachō, Izumo, Shimane 699-0701, Japan
Home to Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, the deity of ‘enmusubi’ (matchmaking and good relationships), Izumo Taisha is undeniably one of Japan’s most prominent power spots. The entire precinct is enveloped in a sacred atmosphere that feels purifying just by walking through it, from the overwhelming scale of the gigantic ‘Ōshimenawa’ (sacred straw rope) at the Kaguraden Hall to the solemn construction of the main sanctuary.
The correct etiquette for worship at Izumo Taisha differs from typical shrines: it’s ‘two bows, four claps, one bow.’ And this is where the sand you collected from Inasa-no-hama Beach comes into play, at ‘Soga Shrine’ (Soga-no-Yashiro), located directly behind the main hall. A wooden box is placed at this shrine, dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto. It’s a long-standing custom to offer the sand you brought and, in return, take an equal amount of the ‘purifying sand’ found there. The sand you take home is typically sprinkled on your property for purification or kept as a cherished charm.
On holidays, the surrounding parking lots get extremely crowded, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning. After your visit, stroll along the lively ‘Shinmon-dori Street’ and enjoy local specialties like Izumo soba and zenzai, soaking in the relaxed local atmosphere.
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
📍 Address: 1478 Hinomisaki, Taishachō, Izumo, Shimane 699-0763, Japan
Approximately 20 minutes by car along the coastline from Izumo Taisha, the ‘Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse’ (Izumo Hinomisaki Tōdai) is Japan’s tallest stone lighthouse, standing at 43.65 meters and established in Meiji 36 (1903). Its towering white structure, beautifully contrasting with the blue sky and sea, is so stunning that it was chosen as one of ‘The World’s 100 Historic Lighthouses.’
The lighthouse’s greatest appeal—and perhaps a challenge—is that it’s one of the rare lighthouses in Japan where you can actually climb inside. A narrow, steep spiral staircase with 163 steps awaits climbers to the observation deck, and you’re required to ‘remove your shoes’ before ascending. While this might be a bit daunting for those with a fear of heights or limited physical stamina, the reward at the top, after catching your breath, is an unparalleled panoramic view of the Sea of Japan’s rough waves and vast expanse. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Oki Islands.
A word of caution: the lighthouse counter sometimes closes for lunch breaks (e.g., 12:00-13:00), temporarily preventing access, so make sure to allow ample time for your visit. For travelers confident in their physical abilities, this is definitely a spot worth paying to experience.
Hinomisaki
📍 Address: 598 Hinomisaki, Taishachō, Izumo, Shimane 699-0763, Japan
After admiring the lighthouse, be sure to explore the entire surrounding ‘Hinomisaki’ area. Located at the westernmost tip of the Shimane Peninsula, this region is a natural treasure trove, recognized as part of Daisen-Oki National Park and a Geopark.
Walking trails are maintained along the coastline, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and feel the sea breeze amidst unique rock formations like columnar joints, uplifted by wave erosion, and rugged cliffs. As you venture a bit further, you can gaze upon ‘Fumishima Island,’ a sacred area of Hinomisaki Shrine and a designated national natural monument known as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls.
This area is also dotted with seafood restaurants offering delights such as turban shells (sazae) and grilled squid (ika-yaki), making it perfect for satisfying your hunger after a stroll. Moreover, the sunset views from observation points like ‘Hakuryo-en Garden’ are truly once-in-a-lifetime spectacles, with the sea, strange rocks, and the lighthouse silhouette painted in crimson hues.
Susa Shrine (Susa Omiya)
📍 Address: 730 Susa, Sadachō, Izumo, Shimane 693-0503, Japan
Finally, we introduce ‘Susa Shrine’ (Susa Jinja), located about a 30-minute drive into the mountains from Izumo Taisha. This ancient shrine holds a special history: it’s believed that Susanoo-no-Mikoto, famous for slaying the Yamata-no-Orochi serpent, after developing various regions, decided ‘This is a good land, so I shall name it after myself’ and enshrined his own spirit here.
Upon entering the shrine grounds, the quality of the air noticeably shifts, and you can feel an overwhelming tranquility and purifying power. The ‘Great Cedar,’ said to be 1,300 years old, towers behind the main hall, emanating an awe-inspiring presence that continuously draws visitors seeking a spiritual experience.
Moreover, when visiting Susa Shrine, don’t miss the ‘Seven Wonders’ passed down within its precincts. Among them, the most famous is a well called ‘Shio-no-i’ (Salt Well). This water, said to have been used by Susanoo to purify the land, is traditionally believed to be connected underground to the distant ‘Inasa-no-hama Beach,’ with its spring water volume changing according to the ocean’s tides, and having a faint salty taste. It’s a renowned shrine perfect for a deep dive into Izumo tourism, allowing you to feel the strongest connection between the world of myth and the land.
Embark on a Journey Through Izumo’s Myths and Spectacular Scenery
Each of Izumo’s sightseeing spots is deeply intertwined with mythical stories. By collecting sand at Inasa-no-hama, forging connections at Izumo Taisha, touching the wonders of nature at Hinomisaki’s cliffs, and feeling the profound weight of history at Susa Shrine—your journey through Izumo will transform from mere ‘sightseeing’ into an unforgettable ‘experience,’ connecting each point like a thread. We hope you use this information to fully enjoy your unique Izumo adventure!
