Unnan(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For authentic Japanese atmosphere, stay at Oharu Guest House, a restored machiya townhouse in Izumo City that blends Shimane Prefecture's heritage with modern comfort. The rooms feature hinoki wood panels, tatami flooring, and views of the surrounding hills near Izumo Taisha Shrine. Guests can participate in guided tea ceremony workshops or learn to make wagashi sweets from local artisans. The property also offers free bicycles to explore nearby sites like Tsuda Shrine and Yae-kakure Shrine, making it ideal for cultural immersion. Each stay includes a personalized itinerary by resident hosts.

The best times to visit Izumo City are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when weather is mild and crowds are smaller. In spring, experience the Izumo Taisha Spring Festival, featuring elaborate processions of Shinto priests in ornate robes. Autumn brings the Izumo Gion Matsuri, known for its grand floats and traditional dance performances illuminated at night. Additionally, the Izumo Fire Festival (August) draws thousands who carry torches around the shrine in a ritual to purify and honor the gods—perfect for witnessing deep-rooted Shinto traditions and mythological spirit.

Stay at Izumo Onsen Resort, a comprehensive family-oriented resort combining hot springs, a kids' play zone, and serene Japanese gardens. The resort features a nature exploration classroom where children can craft bamboo baskets or identify local herbs. Outdoor amenities include a zero-edge pool and a mini slide area, while parents enjoy the onsen baths fed by natural mineral waters. The restaurant serves Izumo beef bowls and uni donburi, with high chairs and kid-friendly menus. Guided tours led by local experts take families through Izumo Taisha Shrine and Yae-kakure Shrine, turning sightseeing into an engaging cultural adventure.

After dark, walk along Omiwa-dori Street near Izumo Taisha Shrine, where stalls serve sizzling grilled yakitori and fresh sea urchin rice bowls, paired with local Izumo sake. For a mystical vibe, join a nighttime shrine tour illuminated by lanterns, where stories of ancient myths unfold under starlight. The Izumo Art Museum hosts nightly light installations blending traditional woodcarvings with dynamic projections, creating a living canvas of Japanese mythology—a must-see for photographers and culture lovers alike.

The top landmark is Izumo Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines, dating back to 6th century BCE, dedicated to Ōkuninushi-no-Kami, the god of marriage and prosperity. Its iconic 1,000-torii path leads through lush forest to the main sanctuary, especially stunning during cherry blossom season. Another key site is Yae-kakure Shrine, home to Japan’s most complete tōmon-bukuro roof structure, designated as a National Cultural Property. The Izumo City Museum showcases ancient artifacts and murals depicting mythological tales, offering a deep dive into the region’s spiritual legacy.

Must-try dishes in Izumo City include Izumo Gyu Don—a rich bowl of locally raised wagyu beef over steamed rice with savory sauce; Uni Don—fresh sea urchin atop vinegared rice, bursting with umami; and Izumo Dango—sweet rice dumplings served with red bean paste or miso glaze, commonly sold at shrine gates. Don’t miss Izumo Sake, a smooth, aromatic brew perfect as a souvenir. Pair it with pickled plums for a classic local tasting experience.

Hike the Izumo Taisha Sacred Trail from Izumo Taisha Shrine to Yae-kakure Shrine, a 2.5-km forest path lined with centuries-old maple trees and moss-covered stone lanterns. Interpretive signs share legends of Ōkuninushi along the way. For a more challenging route, tackle the Adachi Mountain Trail starting from Izumo Highlands, offering panoramic views of the Izumo Basin—especially magical at sunrise. Rest stops provide Izumo dango and mountain spring water. This journey combines physical adventure with spiritual connection to the land’s mythic roots.

Choose Izumo Onsen Ryokan, a historic ryokan nestled in the Izumo Onsen District with over 100 years of tradition. The property features outdoor onsen baths overlooking mountains, filled with mineral-rich waters sourced from 300 meters below ground. Rooms are fully tatami-floored with kimono robes and tea sets. Many suites include private gardens. Guests enjoy daily kaiseki dinner featuring Izumo beef and sea urchin, followed by a peaceful morning tea ritual. It’s the ultimate blend of relaxation and Japanese hospitality.

Participate in the Izumo Mythology Workshop, led by oral historians who recount the legendary romance between Ōkuninushi and Amaterasu, then craft your own omamori (protective talisman). You can also dress in a miko (shrine maiden) outfit and learn purification rituals and chants. At the Izumo Textile Studio, use antique looms to weave Izumo Kinen fabric, a traditional pattern with symbolic motifs. These immersive experiences offer rare access to the spiritual heart of Japan’s mythological capital.

Izumo City is easily accessible via JR San'in Main Line to Izumo Station, with connecting buses to major attractions. A recommended one-day itinerary: visit Izumo Taisha Shrine in the morning, lunch at Omiwa-dori Street on Izumo beef bowl, then explore the Izumo City Museum and Yae-kakure Shrine in the afternoon. End with an evening soak at Izumo Onsen District. For a two-day trip, add Adachi Mountain hike and the Izumo Fire Festival. The city offers a free tourist shuttle bus accepting Suica cards, ensuring seamless travel for independent explorers.