Shimane Prefecture is located in the Chugoku region and faces the Sea of Japan. With many historic shrines, including Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, which is a representative “power spot” of Japan, the prefecture is said to be the setting of earliest-stage nation building of Japan. It is written about in the Kojiki (Japan’s oldest historical chronicle), and is called “a land of myths and legends.”
Izumo has a wealth of charms and attractions, starting with the power to bring good luck in romance and marriage. Here are four model routes to enjoy Izumo, with stories along the way.
From Hiroshima: Visiting World Heritage / Japan Heritage sites and praying for peace
A special itinerary exploring three World Heritage sites and two Japan Heritage sites. Pray for peace in Izumo, where myriad deities gather.
START
Hiroshima Sta.
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Itsukushima Shrine
The shrine, a World Heritage site, presents a stunning view of harmony with nature, and is a masterpiece showcasing humanity’s creative genius, preserving the architectural style of the Heian and Kamakura periods (around 9th-14th century).
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―Walking along Omotesando shotengai shopping street
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―Daishoin
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―Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center
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Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome)
A World Heritage site, the only structure in the world that vividly shows the devastation caused by nuclear weapons. It is an unparalleled peace symbol advocating for abolition of nuclear arms and the importance of enduring peace.
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Stay in Hiroshima City ↓
Hiroshima Sta.
↓Expressway Bus (2 hr 40 min)
Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum
A Japan Heritage site. The only place in the world with a “tataraba” (traditional iron smelting furnace). Through a recycling system in which raw materials and fuel are continuously used, it shows a sustainable industry where nature and people coexist.
Enshrined is the deity of matchmaking, the God Okuninushi, who not only facilitates romantic love but also fosters various positive relationships.
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Inasa Beach
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Sono no Nagahama Beach
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WINDY FARM Michi no Eki Kirara Taki (sunset)
A Japan Heritage site. In the northwest of the Yamato Province (considered to be current Nara Prefecture), Izumo was recognized as a sacred place where the sun sets. People of Izumo, home to tales related to the sunset, are believed to have a sense of special reverence for the sunset, regarding the sunset as something sacred.
↓ Stay in Izumo City (Taki area)
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Oda Sta.
↓JR, Bus (1 hr 45 min)
att.JAPAN consists of members in their 20s and 30s, and we are all travel lovers. In addition to information about sightseeing and great dishes all over Japan, we offer a wide range of information about various subjects/topics, such as onsen (hot spring) and ryokan hotels. We introduce lots of information only att.JAPAN can offer, including information about famous sightseeing spots, the latest news about new facilities all over Japan and rare less-known areas in Tokyo, one-day model walking courses, and anime pilgrimages. We also offer contents to introduce Japan from the view of writers from abroad.
The shrine, a World Heritage site, presents a stunning view of harmony with nature, and is a masterpiece showcasing humanity’s creative genius, preserving the architectural style of the Heian and Kamakura periods (around 9th-14th century).
A World Heritage site, the only structure in the world that vividly shows the devastation caused by nuclear weapons. It is an unparalleled peace symbol advocating for abolition of nuclear arms and the importance of enduring peace.
Through a recycling system in which raw materials and fuel are continuously used, it shows a sustainable industry where nature and people coexist.
A Japan Heritage site. In the northwest of the Yamato Province (considered to be current Nara Prefecture), Izumo was recognized as a sacred place where the sun sets. People of Izumo, home to tales related to the sunset, are believed to have a sense of special reverence for the sunset, regarding the sunset as something sacred.
