What are the tourist attractions around Izumo Airport? A hot spring trip to the land of Japanese mythology
We introduce popular tourist spots around Izumo Airport that you should visit when arriving in Shimane by air.
Izumo Airport is located in Shimane Prefecture, in the San'in region of western Japan, and sits along the shores of the large Lake Shinji. It is also known by its nickname, "Izumo Enmusubi Airport," named after the nearby Izumo Taisha, a shrine famous for bringing good relationships and matchmaking.
As the main air gateway to the San'in region, the airport is bustling with many travelers due to its convenient access to various tourist attractions. In this article, we provide travel information for those using Izumo Airport. Be sure to check it out when planning your Izumo trip!
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What are the tourist attractions around Izumo Airport? A hot spring trip to the land of Japanese mythology
Overview of Tourist Attractions Around Izumo Airport
Izumo, where Izumo Airport is located, is a region that appears in Japanese mythology. It is said to be the land where the deity Susanoo descended from Takamagahara, the heavenly realm of the gods.
After Susanoo arrived, the region became the main setting of many myths. The focus later shifted to another deity, Ōkuninushi, and the stories continued until Takamagahara took control. Even today, the influence of these myths remains in places like Izumo Taisha and Unnan City, located slightly south of Izumo. As a result, this area is strongly associated with Japan’s mythological heritage.
Izumo, once a major stage of mythology, might have even been home to an ancient kingdom in Japan. Below, we provide an overview of tourism around Izumo Airport.
Easy Access to Izumo’s Tourist Attractions
Izumo Airport is located midway between Matsue, the prefecture's central city, and Izumo Taisha, one of the region’s most famous attractions. Thanks to this location, both destinations are easily accessible, whether by train, bus, car, or rental vehicle.
As mentioned earlier, the airport is situated along Lake Shinji, with Matsue City on the opposite shore. Travelers heading to Matsue can simply follow the lakeside route to reach the city. Conversely, those going to Izumo Taisha can easily transfer between buses and trains for smooth access. For those traveling by car, the well-structured national and prefectural roads make navigation straightforward.
Urban Areas Located Across the Lake
If you use Izumo Airport as the starting point for your Shimane trip, you’ll find it easy to reach urban areas, ports, and other attractions while enjoying the journey itself.
Matsue’s urban area is located across the lake, so travelers will naturally follow a lakeside route. Along the way, there are various attractions, such as Tamatsukuri Onsen, making the journey even more enjoyable.
Beyond Matsue, travelers can find ports in Mihonoseki and Sakaiminato, which connect to Shimane’s offshore islands. Depending on your itinerary, you can visit Shimane’s key tourist spots while smoothly extending your journey to the Oki Islands.
Tourist Attractions Around Izumo Airport
Below, we introduce detailed information on tourist attractions located around Izumo Airport.
Even when focusing only on areas near the airport, there are many sightseeing spots, including mythological sacred sites, hot springs, city sightseeing areas, and valuable historical buildings. Each location is easily accessible, so even if you have multiple places in mind, you can visit them with ease. Using the airport as a base, you can explore various destinations. It's also ideal for day trips.
What tourist attractions can be found around Izumo Airport?
Izumo Taisha
One of the most famous attractions near Izumo Airport is Izumo Taisha.
Izumo Taisha is one of the symbols of the Izumo region and has been worshiped for centuries by both locals and people from all over Japan. Although it is commonly called “Izumo Taisha,” its formal name is “Izumo Ōyashiro.”
The shrine is dedicated to Ōkuninushi (Ōkuninushi no Ōkami), known as Daikoku-sama, a deity who overcame many hardships to build the land. According to mythology, emissaries from Takamagahara (the heavenly realm) demanded that he surrender his land, and in return, a grand palace was built for him. This palace is believed to be what we now call Izumo Taisha.
The current main hall was constructed during the Edo period and stands 24 meters high. However, according to legends, it was once nearly 100 meters tall in ancient times and 48 meters tall during the Heian period. While these sizes may seem exaggerated, archaeological findings suggest that an enormous shrine may have existed. It is a place filled with the romantic allure of ancient history.
It is important to note that Izumo Taisha follows a unique prayer ritual, differing from most shrines. Instead of the standard "two bows, two claps, and one bow," worshippers here bow twice, clap four times, and bow once. This applies not only at the main hall but at all prayer sites within the shrine grounds.
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Matsue City
As mentioned earlier, Matsue City is located across Lake Shinji from Izumo Airport. Travelers can easily reach the city by train or car along the lakeshore.
A must-visit attraction in Matsue is Matsue Castle, one of the few remaining original castle towers in Japan. Built during the Edo period, Matsue Castle is the only surviving castle keep in the San'in region and is one of just five castles in Japan designated as a National Treasure. It is not only a symbol of the city and prefecture but also a famous cherry blossom spot and one of Japan’s Top 100 City Landscapes.
Another highlight in Matsue is Yūshien Garden, one of the largest Japanese gardens in the San'in region. The garden features seasonal flowers such as peonies and autumn leaves, as well as an indoor garden where peonies bloom year-round. Visitors can also enjoy traditional cuisine and kaiseki dining. It is an excellent place to experience the refined beauty of Matsue’s history and culture.
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Tamatsukuri Onsen
Tamatsukuri Onsen is a hot spring area located on the southern side of Lake Shinji. It is one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, with records dating back to the Nara period. The waters are famous for their skin-beautifying properties, often compared to a natural beauty lotion.
Izumo is a land rich in ancient legends, and this hot spring has been renowned since those times. One of its notable landmarks is the large magatama (comma-shaped bead) monument, a symbol of ancient Japan. It is a great photo spot.
While Izumo is famous as a spiritual place for matchmaking, Tamatsukuri Onsen also has several power spots said to enhance love and relationships. These include:
"Negai-ishi" (Wishing Stone), which is believed to grant wishes when touched.
"Yua-ga no Ido" (Sacred Hot Spring Well), where koi (carp) fish are said to gather, symbolizing love.
"Tamatsukuri-Yu Shrine", a must-visit spiritual site within the hot spring town.
Visitors can reach Tamatsukuri Onsen by taking the San'yō Main Line train along the southern shore of Lake Shinji. It is conveniently located along the way to Matsue City, making it an excellent stop during a sightseeing trip.
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◎ Summary of sightseeing spots around Izumo Airport
We have introduced some of the key tourist attractions near Izumo Airport. This region is a fascinating mix of ancient legends and history, with mythological stories woven into its landscape. All of these attractions are easily accessible from the airport, making travel planning smooth and convenient.
Whether you're visiting for the skin-beautifying hot springs, the ancient shrines, or the powerful spiritual sites, a trip around Izumo Airport allows you to explore the ancient world of Japan.
