Shimane Prefecture · Chugoku Region · 出雲市

Izumo (出雲市) Travel Guide & City Profile

日本Shimane縣Izumo(出雲市,人口約 146,115 人)完整旅遊指南:收錄基本資訊、JR 與鐵路交通方式、在地特色美食、最佳造訪季節與鄰近城市。

最新審閱完成 · 所列日圓 (¥) 價格僅供規劃參考。 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Izumo (出雲市, Izumo-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [í.(d͡)zɨ̀.mò̞, ì.(d͡)zɨ́.mó̞.ɕì]) is a city in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 July 2023, the city had an estimated population of 172,841 in 69,435 households and a population density of 280 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 624.36 square kilometers (241.07 sq mi).

Within Shimane Prefecture (Chugoku region), Izumo (出雲市) serves as a city in shimane prefecture. Travelers exploring Shimane often combine a stop in Izumo with regional highlights such as Izumo Taisha (one of Japan's oldest and grandest Shinto shrines), original lakeside Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi), UNESCO Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Oda), and Tsuwano.

都道府縣Shimane (島根県)
地方Chugoku
人口146,115
Area & density543.48 km² (269/km²)
項目詳細資料:Izumo (出雲市)
日文名稱出雲市 (Izumo)
行政區地位City in Shimane Prefecture
Prefecture & CapitalShimane Prefecture (Capital: Matsue)
日本地方分區Chugoku
人口146,115 residents
總面積 / 人口密度543.48 km² · 269 people per km²
設市 / 成立時間1941-11-03
地理座標35.3669°N, 132.7547°E

Getting to Izumo & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express)): 2h 40m from Okayama Station (after Sanyo Shinkansen) on the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue and Izumo, or 1h 20m flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo Airport (IZO).

  • Local rail & IC cards: Once in Shimane Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Matsue with Izumo. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
  • Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Shimane have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Izumo en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
  • Driving & car rental: While city centers around Izumo are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Shimane can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

Izumo & Shimane必吃在地美食與特產

Izumo承襲了Shimane縣與Chugoku地方的飲食文化。造訪時千萬別錯過以下在地名物與特產:

  • Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes) — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
  • Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
  • Shimane wagyu — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
  • Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Izumo.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

October–November (especially the lunar 10th month 'Kamiarizuki' when Japan's Shinto gods gather at Izumo Taisha); spring for Matsue Castle blossoms and Adachi Museum gardens.

Regional highlights across Shimane Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Izumo include: Izumo Taisha (one of Japan's oldest and grandest Shinto shrines), original lakeside Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi), UNESCO Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Oda), and Tsuwano.

Izumo旅遊實用貼士與注意事項

  • Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express)) or major stations in Shimane Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
  • Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Izumo accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
  • Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.

常見問題 (FAQ)

Where is Izumo (出雲市) located in Japan?

Izumo (出雲市) is a city located in Shimane Prefecture in the Chugoku region of Japan (coordinates: 35.3669°N, 132.7547°E). It has a population of approximately 146,115 across an area of 543.48 km².

How do I get to Izumo by train?

Most visitors reach Izumo via the main prefectural gateway of Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express). 2h 40m from Okayama Station (after Sanyo Shinkansen) on the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue and Izumo, or 1h 20m flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo Airport (IZO). From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Izumo. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.

What local food is Izumo and Shimane known for?

In Izumo and across Shimane Prefecture, top local dishes include Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes), Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup, Shimane wagyu, as well as Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.

When is the best time of year to visit Izumo?

October–November (especially the lunar 10th month 'Kamiarizuki' when Japan's Shinto gods gather at Izumo Taisha); spring for Matsue Castle blossoms and Adachi Museum gardens. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.

Official sources & further reading

Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: