If you want to steep yourself in natural beauty or you have an interest in the history of ancient Japan, Izumo is the place for you.
Izumo has been known as home of gods since ancient times. We visit old shrines that enshrines the most important deities in Japan. Enjoy the tranquil and spiritual atmosphere of Izumo. The museum shows you rich ancient culture and people's life in this region.
Then enjoy the scenic beauty at Hinomisaki with a soaring lighthouse standing by the blue ocean.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Izumo-taishamae Station of Ichibata Railway, JR Izumo Station, or at your hotel in Izumo
Izumo Grand Shrine
You will see the oldest, largest shrine structures here. I will explain why this is so important for Japanese people and how it has been remained to this day. Enjoy walking in the serene and fresh air listening birds singing.
Japanese shrines have certain manners to enter and worship. You can see my clear demonstrations.
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
This museum is located next to Izumo Grand Shrine. It will tell you about rich ancient culture and myths in Izumo.
It exhibits models of ancient structure of Izumo Grand Shine, which thought to be twice as high as it is now. The museum shows you the reasons why ancient Izumo attracted people and was highly valued at that time.
Lunch
Enjoy our local specialty ( buckwheet noodles, Japanese BBQ of Wagyu beef, etc)
Hinomisaki Shrine and Lighthouse
Driving to Hinomisaki is great. Hinomisaki Shrine is another importantly old shrine that appears in the myth. Enjoy walking along the coast and a panoramic view from the lighthouse. Climbing up the top is a litter strenuous but it sure is worth.
Gakuenji-temple
Enjoy walking the path to the temple. The history of this temple dates back to the 6th century. The temple had long been a holy place for monks who seek mountaineering ascetism. Today, it has subtle and profund beauty.
The spiritual waterwalls near by is also great to see.
Ending Point
At Izumo-taishamae Station of Ichibata Railway, JR Izumo Station, or at your hotel in Izumo
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, guide's transportation fee between guide's place and meeting/ending spot
*Transportation fee
Private vehicle fare =20,000 JPY (It varies with number of guests)
*Entrance fee (you and guide):Shimane Ancient Museum of Izumo: 310 JPY/person (This count price is applied for you with passport),
Hinomisaki Lighthouse: 200 JPY/person, Gakuenji-temple 500 JPY/person
*Lunch =around 1,500 JPY/person
Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Hi, I'm Ritsuko. I started guiding for tourists as a local volunteer guide and has been serving as a national certified guide since 2014.
I really like meeting people from around the world. Nothing is more fun and valuable than listening to them and sharing views and thoughts.
I was born and raised in Shimane. I lived in other cities in Japan and abroad for my career and study. Shimane's abundant natural beauty brought me back here, then I started working as a guide.
In my earlier career, I had served as a speech and communication therapist at hospitals for 11 years. I provided individual rehabilitation programs for patients who has various language problems and needs. I have met a lot of people in different generations. Personality, interest and background are different from people to people. Through my career, I have acquired skills to catch what he or she needs and provided suitable service for them.
My current clients are happy with my smile, attentiveness and easy-to-understand guide. In my tour, you can not only go to spots and learn history and culture, but you have a lot of opportunity to experience such as climbing up a high light house, choosing your favorite Japanese sweets for matcha green tea, meditation in an old temple, etc.
So, ask me if you have a plan to visit Japan.
I will help you enjoy every minute of your stay in Japan.
I hope to see you soon!
Terry T.
Basketball game watching & short sightseeing in Matsue
Customized
“Three days of excellence ”
Well thought out plan specifically for our group. Easy to change on the fly. Great props/maps. Timing excellent.
Ritsuko Y.
Thank you for your high praise and I humblly accept it. It was my greatest pleasure to escort you and your family for three days and have such enjoyable conversations. Spending time with your group was truly exciting and insightful.
Mark E.
Customized Tour for Mark Day 3 (Matsue & Yasugi)
Customized
“Shimane tour”
I enjoyed two and a half days of customized tours with Ritsuko visiting multiple temples, shrines, caves, rivers coastline and waterfalls around the Izumo and Matsue regions. The days were very well organized and more than fulfilled my wishes to visit sacred places in Shimane. I’m grateful to Ritsuko for her easy and informative companionship and for ensuring a very happy few days stay.
Ritsuko Y.
Dear Mark, I'm so happy with your nice review.Thank you so much again for visiting here. You inspired me a lot with profound understanding and respect for different cultures. Each spot was memorable for me too but I will always remember the freshness and coldness of the water you got from the waterfalls. It was a great pleasure to be able to complete the year 2019 with an amazing guest. I hope you keep exploring Japan I'd like to share your views and ideas again. Ritsuko
Alan L.
Two Japanese Gardens and Scenic Views of Shimane
Customized
“A most excellent guide”
I was a Lucky man today in Sakaiminato to have found a nice, informative , and flexible guide. Perfect English. I was shown some of the most beautiful sights. A day to remember. Thank you again Ritsuko and the Big boss man. Most highly recommend.
Ritsuko Y.
Alan, Thank you so much for the great review. We were so glad to have you in Tottori and Shimane area on a day with nice weather. Each spot has become even more impressive for us by accompanying you. I will remember your kindness and smiles you gave us and other people during the tour. I hope your upcoming journey will be wonderful as well. Ritsuko
$403/ per group