To some, Izumo looks like a town straight out of a Japanese anime, but if you’re looking for the authentic Japanese experience, look no further than the town of Izumo. Izumo is where you can find the oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines, Izumo is not only rich with history but also mythology. Most of Izumo’s attraction can be visited in one day, but you should spend a few nights here if you want the full experience.

Airports available in Izumo

Izumo Airport

Izumo Airport (IZO) is an airport located in the Hikawa area of Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. This airport is approximately about 20 to 30 minutes by car from central Izumo or Matsue city centre. It is also known as Izumo En-Musubi Airport meaning Izumo Airport of Romantic Fate. This airport handles flights from destinations such as Tokyo-Haneda, Nagoya, Sendai, Osaka and many more. Fuji Dreams and Japan Airlines operate flights to and from this airport. At this airport, there are many facilities such as WiFi, lounge, ATMs and shops. To get to Izumo or Matsue, you can take the bus or taxi. A bus ride to Matsue will cost you approximately SGD13.

How to get cheap flights to Izumo

It is easy to find cheap flights to Izumo with the help of Traveloka. Traveloka is a search engine that will help you compare prices of flights between airlines and provides you with the best option. To find the best deal, search for the destination in the Traveloka website or the Traveloka mobile app, and it will show you the available options. You can also use the price alert feature to notify you of future price changes.

When is the best time to fly to Izumo

The weather in Izumo is similar to other parts of Japan. The average temperatures may vary drastically. However, if you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Izumo, it’s best to visit in, July, and then September where the temperature can reach 32.5°C and dropping to 24.5°C at night. Visiting Izumo is best done during the dry weather which happens in May, October, and then August. In contrast, it’s most likely to rain in early January and the snow season happens in December. The busiest month for tourism in Izumo, Japan is in February, followed by March and July. It is recommended to visit in October instead.

What are the top 3 things to do in Izumo

The Shimane Museum of Ancient – The best place to start if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Izumo is this museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and archaeology of Izumo Taisha and the Izumo region. This museum is strategically located next to the grand shrine and showcases the historical timeline of Izumo from construction to mythology. There are also an array of archaeological artefacts excavated from the area, including bronze swords and bells, and Japan's only complete version of the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki, ancient historical and mythological reports of Izumo Province. There’s an entrance fee of SGD4 for foreign visitors.

The Former Taisha Station – This station is a retired terminal station of the now-defunct JR Taisha Line. This station was opened from 1912 until 1990, and once was the main entryway to Izumo Taisha Shrine. Nowadays, this old station has been conserved as a museum. The architecture of this building reflects the traditional Japanese elements, with its significant curved, tiled roofs and ornamental poles. Inside the station, you will find dioramas of old railway workers, ticket machines and historical displays. This station is only a 15-minute walk south of Izumo Taisha-mae Station or about a 15-20 minute walks south of Izumo Taisha. Entrance is free.

Izumo Taisha – This iconic shrine is located one-hour train ride west of Matsue. This shrine is also claimed to be the oldest shrine in Japan. Back in the early days, a powerful clan rules Izumo. This town is also the birthplace of various Japanese mythologies. If you visit this place, remember always to be respectful towards the rituals. At this shrine, visitors consequently clap their hands four times instead of the usual two times during their prayers: twice for themselves and twice for their loved one. Izumo Taisha is located approximately a few kilometres north of Izumoshi Station. From Izumoshi station, you can take direct buses or the Ichibata Railway.