A Convenient Location—Just a 16-Minute Drive from Izumo Airport! 5 Must-Visit Spots in Hirata-chō, Izumo City

Hirata-chō in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, sits west of Lake Shinji. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Izumo Airport, and in the town’s southwest is Unshū-Hirata Station, served by the Ichibata Electric Railway’s Kita-Matsue Line. This station was one of the filming locations for the Shōchiku movie RAILWAYS: The Story of a 49-Year-Old Man Who Became a Train Driver, with scenes shot on the platforms and in the railyard—making it a pilgrimage site for fans.

Hirata-chō boasts historic streetscapes, shrines, and more, and its proximity to the famous Izumo Taisha Shrine draws many visitors. Here are five top attractions in this charming town.

1. Momen Kaidō (“Cotton Road”): A Town Loved by Locals

Hirata-chō grew up as a hub for cotton trade. Its high-quality Hirata momen fabric was distributed far and wide, and the route used for transporting cotton earned the nickname “Momen Kaidō.”

Though modern transport has replaced it, the original black-tiled buildings, lattice windows, and namako-style plaster walls still line the street, blending old-world charm with present-day life. The road hosts many local events—perfect for a leisurely stroll and memories to take home.

2. Mochida Soy Sauce Shop: Artisanal Soy Sauces on the Cotton Road

On Momen Kaidō, Mochida Soy Sauce Shop crafts its soy sauces entirely in-house, from raw-material processing to fermentation, drawing out each sauce’s full umami. They offer a wide variety—such as Hagoromo Sashimi Soy and Three-Year Aged Fresh-Pressed Soy—as well as soy-moromi (pressed lees).

You can even sample soy-flavored treats on the spot: soy-soft serve (made with rich Hagoromo Sashimi Soy), grilled rice balls, and soy-senbei crackers. In warmer months, they sell limited-edition soy-cream buns on weekends—definitely worth a taste!

3. Umi Shrine: From Cutting Bad Ties to Forming Good Ones

Founded before 927 AD (the Engishiki records), Umi Shrine’s main deity is Futsu-no-Mitama-no-Kami, with Izanami-no-Mikoto and Kotosaka-no-O-no-Mikoto among the enshrined gods.

“Kotosaka” symbolizes severing harmful ties—be they illness, work troubles, or personal struggles—so worshippers pray here to break bad relationships and start anew.

On the shrine grounds is a subsidiary “Enmusubi (Matchmaking) Shrine,” where visitors pray for good relationships, prosperity, and family harmony. First, remove the negative ties at the main shrine, then form positive ones at Enmusubi!

4. Hirata Honjin Memorial Museum: Historic Ambiance and Exhibits

The Hirata Honjin Memorial Museum preserves the former residence of the Honkisa family, who hosted feudal lords during their journeys. The lord’s guest chamber and garden have been reconstructed exactly as they were, alongside a tea house and exhibition hall.

Here you can enjoy the historic atmosphere, view local art and crafts—such as Japanese paintings, picture-book originals, and pottery—and learn about the town’s merchant heritage. The museum also hosts events and rotating exhibitions, making each visit unique.

5. Atagoyama Park: One of the San’in Region’s Top Ten Scenic Spots

Atagoyama Park features an observation deck celebrated as one of the “San’in Ten Scenic Views.” In spring, about 600 cherry trees—including Somei Yoshino—bloom spectacularly; in autumn, the foliage draws crowds.

The park’s animal enclosure is home to donkeys, deer, miniature pigs, kangaroos, goats, ducks, rabbits, and swans—delighting children and animal lovers alike. There are also playgrounds, fitness areas, tennis courts, a baseball field, and even a sumo ring. Just a five-minute drive from Unshū-Hirata Station, with ample parking, it’s easy to visit and enjoy.

◎ Summary

Izumo City is steeped in myth and history, and Hirata-chō brings that heritage to life with its historic streets, shrines that grant both severance of bad ties and formation of good ones, and scenic, nature-rich spots. Whether exploring the Cotton Road, enjoying local soy-flavored treats, or picnicking under hundreds of cherry blossoms, Hirata-chō offers a refreshing change of scenery and a journey back in time.

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A Convenient Location—Just a 16-Minute Drive from Izumo Airport! 5 Must-Visit Spots in Hirata-chō, Izumo City