A trip to Izumo-taisha Shrine in Shimane was a moment of tranquility. The majesty of the ancient Izumo-taisha shrine, the peaceful silence of worship, the warmth of local cuisine and rest in a relaxing inn. Each was a moment where history and mystery mingled. Here are some of the charms of Izumo-taisha Shrine that my family and I discovered on this trip, thematically. The sacred atmosphere of the shrine, the serene moments of worship, the simple local flavors and the aftertaste of rest. Undoubtedly, this trip will leave you with vivid memories, so why not experience the ancestral atmosphere of Izumo with your loved ones? Foreign travelers can also easily enjoy the trip, as there is a wide range of information and applications in English.
The majesty of the shrine: the history and mystery of Izumo Taisha
A 30-minute drive from Izumo Airport will take you to Izumo Taisha Shrine. One of the oldest shrines in Japan and known as the god of marriage, the shrine impresses with its huge shimenawa rope. Walking through the pine-lined entrance, children say, ” It’s so old! It’s so sacred!” and their eyes light up. My husband was impressed by the solemnity of the main shrine, saying, “This atmosphere is special,” and I too felt at home in the calm air. An information panel in English explained the shrine’s history and mythology in detail, and foreign visitors mingled naturally as they took photos side by side. The majesty of Izumo Taisha is a time for a mystical experience. Free admission, recommended from 8:00 to 17:00. See the official website (Izumo Taisha ) for maps in English and information about the annual festival in 2025 (October).
Silence of worship: holy visit and walk in the area
After worshipping at the main shrine, take a walk around Kaguraden and Inasa Beach. During the visit to the shrine, the children learned the etiquette of the two-beat, four-beat and one-beat greeting, and were curious as to why they had to clap so loudly. The children were curious. My husband said, “This stillness is sacred” and squinted at the sea breeze off Inasa Beach, while I, too, was soothed by the beach at sunset. A map-guide in English explained the cult etiquette and sights of the area, and familiar conversation was stimulated by the sight of foreign visitors worshipping side by side The annual 2025 festival is popular for its kagura (Shinto music and dance) and traditional acts. A visit and a walk is a time to experience the tranquility of Izumo. The walk is free, recommended from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the official website (Izumo Taisha Shrine).
Local flavor: Izumo soba lunch.
After visiting the shrine, we enjoyed lunch at Izumo Soba En near the shrine. This restaurant, a five-minute walk away, offers Izumo’s specialty, wariko soba (buckwheat noodles). The aroma of soba hung in the air as we were ushered into the warm wooden tent. The wariko soba set (1,200 yen), which we ordered, consisted of three layers of soba with local mountain vegetables, and the children enjoyed it with chopsticks, saying “Soba, tsuru tsuru!”. The kids were saying “Soba, tsuru tsuru tsuru!” as they chewed. My husband added a local beer and was in a good mood, saying, “This simple taste is Izumo.” I, too, was pleased with the refreshing accent of plum-flavored pickles. There was an English menu available, and the familiar conversation was enlivened by seeing foreign visitors enjoying themselves along with us. Izumo soba is a time to experience the taste of the old capital. Open from 11:00 to 15:00 (last order at 14:30). For reservations, please refer to the official website (Izumo Soba En ).
After the break: an evening in the old city at Izumo Guesthouse
After lunch, relax at Izumo Guest House. This inn, a 10-minute drive from the shrine, boasts the warmth of Japanese-style rooms. We were ushered into a spacious room, where the children relaxed on the futon and said, “Tatami, it’s so relaxing! “. and the children relaxed on the futon. My husband looked at the garden at sunset and said, “This tranquility is the best.” I, too, was comforted by the Japanese sweets and plum tea I ordered from room service, and reflected on the day with my family. An English-language guidebook provided detailed information about the inn and its surroundings, and it was nice to see foreign visitors relaxing side by side.The annual 2025 festival is linked to the inn’s events. Lodging rates start at about 20,000 yen per room per night with breakfast. For more information, visit the official website (Izumo Guest House ).
Secrets to fully enjoying Izumo Taisha
To really enjoy your trip to Izumo Taisha, we have come up with some tips. Drive from Izumo airport and you will be able to tour the shrine and its surroundings in a compact way. If you are traveling with children, check in advance which approach routes are stroller-friendly. Visit the shrine in the morning, when it is quieter to avoid the crowds, and make use of the English audio guide to help foreign travelers. Reserve a table at Izumo Soba early in the day. At guesthouses, consult a map of the area in English when you check in to help you plan the next day’s visit.2025 The annual festival (October) has a full range of guided events in English. Check the official website for seasonal attractions (cherry blossoms in spring, rituals in autumn) to make your trip even more colorful. Children should be well hydrated and wear comfortable walking shoes, while foreign visitors can make use of English-language apps to make their trip smoother and more enjoyable.
The solemn mystery of Izumo Taisha Shrine brought a smile to the family’s face. When the children saw the shimenawa, ” It’s so big! ” was the best thing that could happen to us.
Summary of the private tour
The trip to Izumo-taisha shrine satisfied the sensitivity and intellectual curiosity that Private Wisdom values. The solemn ambiance of the shrine calmed my mind and the silence of worship provided an ancestral atmosphere. The local Izumo soba noodles were a time to experience the warmth of Shimane, and the rest at the guesthouse brought the trip to a peaceful conclusion. 2025, the annual festival, added a special glow to the trip. You too can experience the sacred charm of Izumo and enjoy a peaceful trip with your family and loved ones. Tell us in the comments about your favorite experiences in Izumo.
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