Izumo tours

Things to do in Izumo

Izumo is a place where legends breathe life and the sacred whispers of the past linger gently. As you explore this revered city, feel the ancient narratives that weave through its streets, where each shrine and temple holds a fragment of Japan's spiritual core. With your guide, delve into Izumo's rich tapestry beyond the celebrated Izumo Taisha Shrine. Engage in private tours that bring you closer to the city's spirit: a walk through captivating landscapes or a food tour offering Izumo's distinctive soba noodles. Skip the line at esteemed sites, sensing the spiritual aura that has attracted pilgrims over the centuries. Your guide's profound connection to the city enhances your visit, revealing the layers of history and culture that make Izumo a deeply sacred experience. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Izumo. Explore Izumo your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Izumo tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Izumo for every interest, including: Food and Drink tours: Savour chewy Izumo soba served warigo-style at a family-run shop on Taisha-machi street, then try a warm bowl of Izumo zenzai tied to local shrine festivals. Visit Fuji Shuzo for a sake tasting and stop by Shussai Fishing Port to sample seasonal oysters right by the harbour. Religious Sites tours: Meet your guide at Izumo Taisha to learn shrine etiquette, offer a prayer at the grand hall, and stroll Inasa-no-hama Beach, where deities are welcomed each autumn. Add Hinomisaki Shrine and, when schedules allow, a short Kagura performance inside a shrine hall. Museums tours: Explore the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo to see Kojindani bronze swords and dōtaku bells with stories that connect to local myths. Pair it with the Kojindani Archaeological Museum in Hikawa-cho for hands-on context before returning to Taisha-machi for small folk-craft stops. Getting around: The Taisha area is easy to walk, and the Ichibata Electric Railway links the city centre with Izumo Taisha; local buses reach Hinomisaki, though service can be infrequent. For spread-out sites, tours with private transportation or fully chauffeured tours are available—ask your local guide to arrange a car. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Izumo inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods A private walking tour of Izumo lets you uncover the city's fascinating neighborhoods with a local guide who can share the stories behind each locale. It’s a unique way to see the city through a local lens. - Izumo Taisha Area: Home to one of Japan's oldest and most important shrines, this neighborhood is a must-visit for anyone interested in spiritual history and religious traditions. - Shimane Winery: Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this local winery, where you can sample regional wines and learn about the winemaking process in Japan. - Hinomisaki Coast: Known for its striking lighthouse and beautiful sunsets, this area is perfect for those looking to capture memorable photos and enjoy a peaceful coastal walk. Day trip ideas from Izumo If you want to stretch beyond Izumo, nearby cities and coastal attractions make easy day trips that fit art, history, and nature into one relaxed day, and your tour can zero in on what you like most. Matsue: A short ride brings you to a rare original castle, quiet samurai streets, and calm views over Lake Shinji, so you can balance time inside the keep with a canal boat cruise or a tea break with local sweets in a garden teahouse. Iwami Ginzan, Oda: Walk the old silver mine valley and the preserved town of Omori, where stone lanes, shrines, and merchant houses show how prosperity shaped this rural corner, and your tour can set an easy pace with stops for small museums and craft shops. Adachi Museum of Art, Yasugi: Famous for its sculpted gardens and a strong collection of modern Japanese painting, this stop suits you if you enjoy calm spaces, clean lines, and clear views, and it pairs well with a simple countryside lunch nearby. Hinomisaki Coast and Lighthouse: Rugged sea cliffs, a tall white lighthouse, and Izumo Hinomisaki Shrine create a compact coastal loop, so you can follow short paths, watch the waves, and try fresh seafood at the port before heading back. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Izumo most travellers miss.