Excursion Izumo taisha grand shrine tour at Sakaiminato

Visit Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s most ancient and important Shinto shrines and delve deeper into local history and legends at the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, with a regional lunch en route.

Depart from the pier aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach for a scenic drive (approximately 105 minutes) across the San’in region toward the historic Izumo Plain. Along the way, your guide will share context on Shinto traditions, local landscapes, and the myths that make Izumo unique.

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

Arriving at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, you’ll enter one of Japan’s most revered sacred spaces. Stroll the pine-lined approach and pass imposing torii gates, then explore the expansive grounds on gravel paths with several steps. Highlights include views of the main sanctuary (Honden) from a respectful distance and the massive shimenawa rope adorning Kagura-den—among the largest in Japan. Your guide will introduce the distinctive worship style here and the shrine’s association with en-musubi.

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo 

A short transfer brings you to the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo. Over about 60 minutes, discover archaeological artifacts, bronze ritual items, and exhibits that illuminate Izumo’s ancient culture and the legends surrounding the shrine’s origins. Terrain is flat, and restrooms are available.
Next, enjoy a 60-minute lunch at a local restaurant, showcasing flavors and ingredients of the Izumo region (dietary requests should be advised at least 3 days prior).

Afterward, relax on the 100-minutes drive back to the pier, reflecting on the spiritual heritage and living history of Izumo.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, and a local restaurant lunch.

Note

Please Note: This tour includes approximately 1.2 km (0.75 miles) of walking with several steps; it is not wheelchair accessible, but limited mobility guests may join with assistance. Expect gravel paths and some inclines at Izumo Taisha. No flash inside the museum, and photography is restricted in select shrine/museum spaces. Tour order may vary depending on operational conditions. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility. Comfortable casual clothing, sneakers, and sun protection