Travel / Tourism Spots in Okuizumo Area

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Okuizumo

Category

Travel / Tourism

Okuizumo Orochi Loop

4.0

34 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Nita-gun Okuizumocho Yakawa 2500-294

"Japan's largest double-loop road is 105-meter difference of elevation and has of 11 bridges of various sizes and three tunnels. It was built to resemble Yamata-no-orochi, an eight-headed, eight-tailed serpent from Japanese mythology that forms a double-coiled spiral. The eye-catching red of the Miino Bridge is a take on the flames used to make tatara steel, as well as the fire blown by Yamata-no-orochi. Lots of tourists stop for a break from driving and to purchase souvenirs at ""Oku-Izumo Orochi Loop"" Roadside Station and the Okuizumo Steel Sculpture Museum on National Route 314 that connects Hiroshima Prefecture and Shimane Prefecture. The loop has also received the Human Road Forum Awards' highest prize, with a theme of ""Making Roads that Harmonize with People and Vehicles."""

Okuizumo Orochi Loop Michi-no-Eki was a pleasant place for tourists to visit. We felt the peace and quiet around us. We were lucky to see a rare orange train going the hillside.
Roadside Station Tataraba Ichiban-chi

4.0

32 Reviews

Transportation

Shimane Pref. Unnanshi Yoshidachouyoshida 4378-31

"This roadside station offers an extensive menu of safe agricultural products as well as providing information about Unnan City and Shimane Prefecture. Unnan City is also the hometown of the character ""Yoshida-kun"" in the animation ""Eagle Talon"" and the Unnan version of Yoshida-kun welcomes visitors at the entrance of the center. "

奥出雲方面に出かけた際に休憩で立ち寄りました。レストランなども併設されているため利用しやすい道の駅です。
Suga Shrine

4.5

40 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Unnanshi Daitouchousuga 260

This is a shinto shrine is located in Suga, Daito Town, Unnan City. It is called Nihonhatsunomiya as it originates from Sugamiya which was made after Susanoo-no-mikoto defeated Yamata-no-Orochi. It is also said to be “the birthplace of waka (a type of Japanese poem)” as Susanoo-no-mikoto read the oldest Waka in Japan. The Waka goes “I am trying to build a place in Izumo to take a new wife, and the multifold fences look like overlapping clouds”. On the path leading to the shrine, there are 60 stone poem monuments built.

It was a nice experience. We washed with the shrine water and saw how people perform their prayers in a calm and a peaceful environment
Okuizumo Vineyard

4.5

19 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Unnanshi Kisukichoujiryou 2273-1

"This vineyard, which manufactures and sells wine grown according to the culture of Okuizumo, Shimane Prefecture, is located in about seven hectares of agricultural land called the ""Forest of Food"". Visitors can taste wine and enjoy meals and a cafe in the guesthouse. Underground, where the wine is stored, there is also a gallery exhibiting a variety of artwork such as paintings, photographs and ceramics which can be enjoyed leisurely in the calming surroundings."

コロナ禍の影響で、レストランはお休みしていましたがショップは営業中でした。お客さんが減っている影響もあってか普段はお目にかからないワインも販売されていたので、家飲み用に購入してみました。このワイナリーの良いのは景色がとても良いところ。ショップのある場所が少し高台になっていて葡萄畑を見下ろすような形になります。初夏に咲く紫陽花と葡萄畑のコントラストが非常に美しい景色でした。
Hiikawa Riverbank Cherry Blossoms

4.5

16 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Unnanshi Kisukichoukisuki

This group of cherry trees is on a levee of the Hii River flowing in Kisuki-cho, Shimane Prefecture. About 800 Yoshino cherry trees have been planted along a roughly three-kilometer stretch, and they all burst into bloom at once when the season comes. It's been selected as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites in the nation by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association. Paper lanterns hang along the levee when the trees are in bloom, and the Kisuki Sakura Festival features a variety of events over a two-day period during the season.

桜が川沿いにずっと並んで圧巻です。特に、道路の両側に並んでいるので、車で通るだけでも素敵です。もちろん土手を歩くと、桜の枝が目の前の高さで思わず何枚も写真を撮ってしまいます。近くのスーパーでは、桜の時期には、様々なお弁当も売っています。今年は流石に、出店は少なかったですが、毎年は賑やかです。
Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum

4.5

20 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Nitagunokuizumochou Yokota 1380-1

The Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum has exhibitions on the history of the Tatara (traditional Japanese steelmaking method) in recent centuries and on the Nittoho Tattara (a Tatara steel-making furnace which was established in 1977 to ensure a reliable supply of the type of steel needed for making traditional Japanese swords), along with displays of swords made using traditional Tamahagane steel. Videos and replicas are used to explain the steelmaking process in an easy-to-understand way, making this a good museum to bring the kids to. Mr. Kobayashi, a sword-smith based in Okuizumo, gives demonstrations of traditional Japanese steel-forging and sword-making techniques twice a month, which are well worth seeing.

I was fortunate to experience the sword making by myself. It was so amazing experience for me, Making katana by Tatara process is an art, I highly recommend people to witness it.
Itohara Memorial Museum

4.5

16 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Nitagunokuizumochou Otani 856-18 Inhara Memorial Hall/Resi House Company

This museum opened in 1980 and introduces the history of the Itohara Family, who once controlled the production of iron. Tatara ironwork material, family artworks and craft, Tangible Folk Materials, ancient books are also exhibited. The exhibition is changed three times a year in spring, summer and autumn. The second exhibition building exhibits things associated with the tea ceremony from the time of Lord Matsue and is also spectacular.

One day trip to Okuizumo was an unforgettable trip. Okuizumo is a beautiful place with a valuable historical story. Okuizumo, located in Shimane Prefecture has recognized as the sole producer of...
Historical Museum of Iron

4.0

14 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Unnan-shi Yoshidacho Yoshida 2533

"A museum where you can learn about Japan's unique tatara iron making tradition and its techniques. It's roughly divided into two parts, ""Tatara Iron and its Techniques"" and ""Iron Mining and Blacksmiths."" It showcases the tradition in an accessible way with numerous exhibits. The influence of the acquisition of iron making technologies on the communities that had until then relied on tools made of stone and wood was enormous. You'll learn how it gradually became an indispensable part of their lives."

Last weekend I visited to to Iron History Museum with great, friendly local guides Shino san and Yuki san. I learned so many things about Iron-making techniques and livelihoods, culture around the...
Kabeya Shuseikan

4.0

12 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Nita-gun Okuizumocho Kamiai 1655

This history museum contains cultural properties which belonged to the Okuizumo Sakurai, a clan which traced its lineage to Warring States period general Ban Naoyuki. The museum displays folk cultural properties as well as tools used by the Sakurai clan, who served as the head blacksmiths of Matsue Matsudaira Domain, to engage in tatara ironmaking. The museum also displays pieces by Nanga painter Tanomura Chokunyu, who stayed here in the Meiji period; other paintings and works of art; and tea ceremony porcelain, and visitors can experience the culture of the Okuizumo area, which revolves around the history of tatara ironmaking.

たたら製鉄で栄えた家の一つです。ゆっくり見てまわれます。山の中というか、森の中というか、自然あふれる場所にあります。紅葉の時期のポスターを見せていただきました。穴場の紅葉スポットと思われます。
Unshu Soroban Abacus Traditional Manufacturing Gallery

4.0

5 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Nita-gun Okuizumocho Yokota 992-2

The Yokota District of Okuizumo is considered the birthplace of the Japanese abacus, or soroban. Called Unshu Soroban, their production was designated a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) in 1987. This facility, located next to JR Izumo-Yokota Station, introduces the history, traditional techniques, tools and processes of their manufacture. There are displays of famous examples from ancient days to modern times, as well as soroban made all over Japan, so that anyone who wants can come and experience this important history and traditional themselves. The building exterior has a unique design based on a soroban bead, as well.

出雲横田駅のすぐ横です。松本清張の「砂の器」にも出てくる雲集そろばんの歴史を語ってくれる施設・。そろばんを製作する工程や工具、さらに世界のそろばんのコレクションなど内容豊富です。電卓パソコン全盛の現代ですが、ここへ来るとそろばんも風情があっていいなと思いました。
Okuizumo Tane Museum of Natural History

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Nitagunokuizumochou Sajiro 236-1

This is a museum as well as providing accommodation and offers an original exhibition with the theme of the evolution of the universe and the history of life. The museum exhibits unique displays of the earth's history through a time tunnel, fossils of the ocean and dinosaurs and images of Japanese space exploration. Various accommodation plans are offered as well.
Ryuzugataki Fall

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Unnanshi Kakeyachoumatsukasa

"This is one of the grandest waterfalls in the Chugoku region and is chosen as one of the ""Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls"" along with ""Yaedaki"" waterfall. The waterfall merges Odaki waterfall and Medaki waterfall. Behind Odaki waterfall is called the ""Uraminotaki"" and a Goddess of mercy is enshrined in the Cascade Cave. Every year on the 15th of August the ""Ryuzugataki Waterfalls Festival"" is held."
Oni no Shitaburui

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Nitagunokuizumochou Minari 1417-6

"This three-kilometer ravine runs along the Omaki River (a tributary of the Hii River) in Okuizumo Town, Shimane Prefecture. It's thought the name ""Oni-no Shitaburui"" is a corruption of the line ""Wani-no Shitaburu"" from the Izumo Province Fudoki. Many distinctive rock formations have been carved out by the flow of the river over the years. There are numerous round potholes scraped into the stone of the riverbed too, creating some fantastic scenery. A promenade along the river lets you take in the whole ravine. "
Kamo Iwakura Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Unnan-shi Kamocho Iwakura 837-24

This site became famous in 1996 when 39 bronze ritual bells were excavated from a rural road's construction area. The items are from the middle to the late Yayoi period, and they represent the most found at a single location nationwide. Of the almost 500 bronze ritual bells that have been unearthed nationwide, about 50 of them have come from Izumo. Izumo is also close to the Kojindani Ruins, the location of Japan's biggest discovery of bronze swords. It's evidence of the powerful forces present in ancient Izumo. Kamo Iwakura Ruins Guidance, a building to the rear of the site, showcases replicas of the artifacts and a recreation of the excavation site for you to tour.
Tatara Sannai Sugaya Steel Mills

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Unnanshi Yoshidachouyoshida 4210-2

The Tanabe family was the center of Okuizumo, where tatara iron making flourished. Tatara iron making is a technique passed down from Japan’s ancient times, to produce iron from iron sand. It is a technique to create high-quality ball steel which is a material for making Japanese swords. Sugaya Takadono is one of the stately mansions operated by the Tanabe family, and is the only existing Takadono-style structure in the country. It is designated as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property.
The Fireflies of the Aka River Basin in Daito-cho

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Unnan-shi Daitocho

A colony of genjibotaru fireflies, also known as Akagawa fireflies. Tradition says about 250 years ago Matsudaira Harusato, the 7th feudal lord of the Matsue Domain, brought the fireflies from Kyoto and released them along the Akagawa River. You can still see them sparkling in the night today. They're at their best just after 8 p.m. from late May to late June. A one-meter wide, 100-meter long stone dike on the Akagawa River helps maintain a firefly-friendly environment. Besides Akagawa Hotaru Park, you can also see their faint light at Daito Tanabata Park and near Ayogawa Bridge.
Kodai Tetsu Kayokan

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Unnan-shi Daitocho Nakayuishi 84

A cultural facility located a ten-minute drive from Izumo Daito Station. It has a theater holding performances like kagura ritual song and dance and mythological re-enactments, as well as a museum with exhibits related to these performing arts. The second-floor exhibition area with about 100 different kagura masks is remarkable. The facility showcases the changing culture of iron production and mythology of the region cultivated throughout history and immortalized in song. In recent years, it has also acted as a base for local cultural activities, hosting private exhibits and the work of various cultural clubs.
Okuizumo Orochi-go Train

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Unnan-shi Kisukicho Satogata 26-1 JR Kisuki Sta.

A tourist train running through Okuizumo, a key location in Izumo mythology. It plies the JR Kisuki Line along the Hiikawa River, with its myth of an eight-headed snake. The breeze blowing through the open windowed train feels exhilarating as you move along. The many attractions along the route include an old-fashioned station building and a three-stage switchback, one of only a few nationwide. Popular items available for purchase on the train include bento boxed lunches garnished with maitake mushrooms and bento boxes featuring delicious hand-made soba noodles. All seats are reserved, so make yours while boarding.
Daisen-Oki National Park Mt. Sanbe Higashinohara

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Oda-shi
Akagikogen Kanko Apple Orchard

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Iishi-gun Iinancho Shimoakana 2814

This tourist farm is close to Roadside Station Akagi Kogen. They grow specially selected apples in a healthy, secure environment under the blazing sun. There are a total of eight varieties to pick on the farm. The trees stand out for their special Y-shaped support, to allow the sun to hit all the leaves, and increase their resilience to wind and snowfall. Most years, the picking season is from early September through mid-November. In summer, from August to September, you can pick blueberries, as well. Since they don't put any time limit on, you can take your time and pick fruit at your own pace.

Shimane Okuizumo

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour Factory / Workshop Sightseeing Spot Experience / Training / Vehicle Nature Travel / Tourism Information Rental Car / Bicycle / Motorcycle Souvenirs Rest Spot Other Sightseeing

Shimane Areas

What Shimane prefecture lacks in size and population, it makes up for in scenery and ancient mythology. Izumo-taisha, in the middle of the prefecture, is said to be Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine, where stories that delve into the creation of the Japanese race have been passed down over centuries. The 180 Oki Islands, a 40-minute ferry ride north of Sakaiminato, offer an undiscovered paradise well off the beaten track.