Just to the right of Izumo Taisha's front gate, this informative museum contains modern exhibits on local history. These include reconstructions of the shrine in its pomp, and recordings of the annual ceremonies held to welcome the gods to Izumo. There is also a superb collection of bronze from the ancient Yayoi period.
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Western Honshū
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.25 MILES
Izumo Taisha, also known as Izumo Ōyashiro, is perhaps the oldest Shintō shrine in Japan. This shrine, dedicated to Ōkuninushi, god of marriage and…
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21.1 MILES
Dating from 1611, picturesque Matsue-jō has a wooden interior showcasing treasures belonging to the Matsudaira clan. Known as 'Plover Castle' for the…
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Local businessman and art collector Adachi Zenkō founded this excellent museum, located east of Matsue in Yasugi. The collection includes over 100…
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Shimane Prefectural Art Museum
20.94 MILES
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Matsue's excellent modern museum gives a broad-ranging introduction to the history of the regional clans and development of local industry and crafts…
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Koizumi Yakumo (Lafcadio Hearn) Memorial Museum
21.08 MILES
This memorial museum has displays on the life and work of former Matsue resident Lafcadio Hearn, as well as some of the writer's personal effects –…
Nearby Western Honshū attractions
0.25 MILES
Izumo Taisha, also known as Izumo Ōyashiro, is perhaps the oldest Shintō shrine in Japan. This shrine, dedicated to Ōkuninushi, god of marriage and…
2. Izumo Cultural Heritage Museum
1.92 MILES
This cultural museum in the beautifully restored former home of the lords of Izumo, the Ezumi clan, is worth a visit if only to stroll around the pretty…
3. Shimane Prefectural Art Museum
20.94 MILES
With its white undulating roof and huge glass windows facing the lake, the museum building itself is an impressive sight. Inside, it displays rotating…
4. Koizumi Yakumo (Lafcadio Hearn) Memorial Museum
21.08 MILES
This memorial museum has displays on the life and work of former Matsue resident Lafcadio Hearn, as well as some of the writer's personal effects –…
5. Lafcadio Hearn Old Residence
21.09 MILES
A small late 19th-century samurai house with pretty gardens where the writer lived. You can still see the desk where he penned his classic collection,…
21.1 MILES
Dating from 1611, picturesque Matsue-jō has a wooden interior showcasing treasures belonging to the Matsudaira clan. Known as 'Plover Castle' for the…
7. Buke Yashiki Samurai Residence
21.16 MILES
You'll take lots of pictures as you stroll around this immaculately preserved house and garden, built for a middle-ranking samurai family during the early…
21.25 MILES
Matsue's excellent modern museum gives a broad-ranging introduction to the history of the regional clans and development of local industry and crafts…