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Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo: Unveiling the Land of the Gods

Discover ancient Japanese history and mythology at the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, near the famed Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.

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Explore the rich history and mythology of the Izumo region at the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo. Discover national treasures, scale models of ancient structures, and exhibits detailing daily life in ancient Japan, all within a short walk of the revered Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.

A brief summary to Shimane Prefecture Ancient Izumo History Museum

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for information on special exhibitions and events.
  • Rent an audio guide to enhance your understanding of the exhibits. Multilingual audio guides are available.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is located a short walk from Izumo Taisha. From Izumo Taisha-mae Station, it's approximately a 5-10 minute walk. Exit the station and follow the signs towards Izumo Taisha. The museum will be on your right, near the shrine grounds.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the museum via public transport, take the Ichibata Bus to the Seimon Mae Bus Stop. From there, it's a 2-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, take the Ichibata Electric Railway to Izumo Taisha-mae Station and walk for 5-10 minutes. A one-way bus fare from Izumoshi Station to Izumo Taisha is approximately 470-530 yen. The Ichibata Railway from Izumoshi Station to Izumo Taisha-mae Station costs 500 yen. Consider purchasing the Welcome to Matsue & Izumo 3-Day Unlimited Bus Pass for unlimited travel on Ichibata and Matsue City buses. This pass can be loaded onto an ICOCA card.

  • Driving

    If driving, the museum is located near Izumo Taisha. There is free parking available. Several parking lots are also located near Izumo Taisha, including Izumotaisha Parking. Parking costs vary. Kameyama Field Parking and Apple Parking Izumotaisha-mae Dai 1 are also nearby. Be aware that parking may be limited during peak season.

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Discover more about Shimane Prefecture Ancient Izumo History Museum

The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and archeology of the Izumo region, an area of immense importance in Japan's early history and mythology. Often called the “land of the gods,” Izumo is one of three former provinces that make up modern Shimane. The museum's exhibits blend historical and mythological sources to provide visitors with a glimpse into the ancient Izumo Province. The museum features three main themed exhibitions : * **Izumo Grand Shrine:** Discover the secrets of Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines. See models of what the shrine may have looked like in ancient times, including a reconstruction of its main sanctuary, which may have reached 48 meters in height. * **Izumo no kuni fudoki (Gazetteer of Izumo Province):** This exhibit recreates daily life in ancient Izumo through the lens of an eighth-century text. * **Bronze Artifacts:** Marvel at a massive trove of bronze swords and bells dating from the Yayoi period (800 BCE–300 CE). Many of these artifacts, unearthed from archaeological sites in the Izumo area, have been designated National Treasures. In addition to these themed exhibitions, the museum also features general exhibitions on the history and culture of the greater Shimane region, covering topics such as burial mounds, tatara iron manufacturing, and the origins of sumo wrestling. Visitors can also explore the Corridor of Myth and Legend and watch short films in the Mythology Theater to learn more about Izumo's mythology. The museum provides audio guides in multiple languages and is designed to be accessible to visitors with disabilities. **Please note:** The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo will be closed for renovations from April 2025 to September 2026 (tentative).

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