The 10th lunar month (October or November) marks the annual deity gathering. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather. New Year (January 1-3) draws large crowds. Weekday mornings have fewer visitors year-round.
Plan 2 to 3 hours for the shrine grounds. Add 1 to 1.5 hours for the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo if visiting both sites.
No. The 24-meter tall main hall is closed to the public. Visitors worship from the designated area outside. The Kaguraden and shrine grounds are fully accessible. Special prayer services can be arranged through the shrine office.
Basic English signage identifies major structures. The worship ritual is observable by watching others. The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo provides English audio guides. Detailed information and shrine services are primarily in Japanese.
Traveler reviews
One of my personal favorite places in Japan is Izumo Taisha.
It has that unique Japanese, almost dour, solemnity combined with Japanese love of kawaii (cuteness) as seen in stone rabbits everywhere.
In any other context, the combo might seem strange or forced but here, it simply works!
The fact that Izumo Taisha is not easy to reach keeps crowds down and minimizes inauthenticity. This is not, primarily, a tourist site. It is a pilgrimage site for worshippers, first and foremost.
I would certainly highly recommend a visit
This is not an entry level attraction. If you are new to Japan, you might prefer Kyoto, Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and shopping in Shinjuku.
On the other hand, if you are ready to visit a more "shibui", niche location that touches the Japanese soul, spend some time in Izumo. Wander around the grounds slowly, absorbing the atmosphere in silence. If possible, I suggest a winter visit when crowds are reduced to a trickle, but whenever you come, you will be able to find your own space.
Getting here is not easy but I suggest the local train (not JR) as you can walk from Izumo Taisha Mae station and enjoy Shinji Lake along the way.
Serenely Sacred Shimane Sinay says:
Why not spend two days in the area? Hike over Yakumo Mountain at the back of the shrine, make your way to the coastal caves and seaside shrines and weave your way over to Hinomisaki Lighthouse.
Simple incredible and incredibly simple beauty.
A great shrine to visit if you make it to Western Japan. Lots of shops nearby for gifts and omiyage. Izumo is much more laid back then many of the larger cities in Japan.
Grand and spectacular, leaving a profound impression.
This is one of Japan's most important shrines - a place worth crossing the entire country to visit, and on that will make you want to come back again.
Free parking and plenty of clean toilets
Temple was fine, but it was super busy.
The temple cats are very cute thiught
