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.
At Izumo-taishamae Station of Ichibata Railway, JR Izumo Station, or at your hotel in Izumo
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.
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.
Enjoy our local specialty ( buckwheet noodles, Japanese BBQ of Wagyu beef, etc)
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.
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.
At Izumo-taishamae Station of Ichibata Railway, JR Izumo Station, or at your hotel in Izumo
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 inquire my latest availability.
Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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.
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
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.
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
We arranged a day tour with Ritsuko from Azamara Quest docked in Sakaimenato. Ritsuko arranged a wonderful trip for us with our own car and driver to the Adachi Museum of Art with its stunning garden. Then we went on to visit the beautiful castle at Matsue, followed a boat ride around the moat. The boat has a roof that comes right down as you go under the low bridges - great fun! We also went to the fascinating Lafcadio Hearn Museum and his home. Lafcadio was the first European to gain real insight into Japan and write about it for the European market. An amazing man! Also fitted in a quick visit to the Samarai House. Had a delicious Japanese lunch too. Ritsuko was a superb guide, who arranged a great day for us. She Is a very knowledgeable, fully qualified guide who speaks excellent English as well as being a pleasure to be with. It was very easy to communicate with her beforehand via Triplelights to arrange exactly the itinerary we wanted - a very packed day! Book a tour with Ritsuko and you should have a great day.
Mary, It was great for me to guide you and your husband in Matsue. I am very glad to know you had a great fun there. I was so happy we arranged the tour together as you like not only on the web, but also on the day. You chose Lafcadio Hearn Museum and his home instead of matcha green tea, that you had already experienced. I was inspired by your deep interest in our culture. Thank you for trying the pleasure boat around the moat of the castle even on the chilly day. It was good they provided us a blanket! Take, the taxi driver, let me know he sent you off at the port without a problem. Thank you again for giving me this opportunity. I was so happy to have such nice and considerate guests like you. Ritsuko