Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The origins of japan,enfolded in mystery. Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is dedicated to exhibiting the heritage of the ancient Izumo culture. Central Lobby Exhibition In the Central Lobby stand the "UZUBASHIRA PILLAR" a pillar found in the ruins of the Izumo Grand Shrine,discovered in 2000. Theme Exhibitions ”Izumo Grand Shrine and the Festivals of the Land of the Gods” offers an introduction to the mysteries of Izumo Grand shrine, said to have been vast in scale in ancient times. "Bronze implement and decorative sword" showcases the bronze inplement of the Yayoi period (approx.500 BC-250 AD) and the luxuriously decorated long swords,(tachi,) of the Kofun period (approx.250-600 AD)
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
367 reviews
Excellent
188
Very good
144
Average
31
Poor
3
Terrible
1
HotRodHeart
France149 contributions
Oct 2019
This museum is packed with artifact and info about the area.
You should probably visit this before heading to the shrine.
The audio guide was really nice and I enjoyed this museum a lot!
There's a place to leave your backpack etc...
The staff was nice and helpful too.
You should probably visit this before heading to the shrine.
The audio guide was really nice and I enjoyed this museum a lot!
There's a place to leave your backpack etc...
The staff was nice and helpful too.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kobekko
Kobe93 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
Izumo region is rich in history, as described in Izumo chapter of “Fudoki,” or geographical reports. The nationwide compilation of such reports was initiated in early 8th century, as a commemorative effort of the establishment of Yamato Dynasty with its capital in Nara. Much of Fudoki records are lost in time, but the report on Izumo region has survived well, to tell us about the life and livelihood, as well as oral mythology, of ancient Japanese people in the region.
As the museum displays well demonstrate, archeological finds and discoveries in the region convincingly prove that Izumo was a preeminent political and cultural center of Japan, before the establishment of Yamato Dynasty. Therefore, it is all the more puzzling, or rather mythical, why Izumo clan had conceded the political supremacy to Yamato Dynasty, without any evident power struggle. The mythology tells us that Izumo clan had chosen to keep its cultural preeminence instead, and it was allowed to build the grandest shrine of all in the land. Izumo Grand Shrine, which still commands many worshipers and tourists today, is merely its descendant.
No record of the original shrine remains today. Instead, the museum shows a few scale models, suggesting its mythical nature. One common feature of these models is the tall tower structure, on the top of which stands the house of gods. An attendant feature is the long slope of steps for the priests to reach the house. The structure was said to have had a commanding height of over 50 meters and visible from miles away. Fortunately, the remains of one supporting column of the shrine were discovered in 2000, and now displayed in this museum. The column’s size and structure well justify the mythical claim on the shrine.
The political and cultural predominance of Izumo region in the ancient time is evident from the museum’s impressive collection of bronze implements, such as bells and ceremonial swords. They are discovered in several locations around the region. Similar bronze implements have been discovered in many other places in Japan. However, the size and number of the discoveries in Izumo region stands out, to prove the region’s political, as well as economic, preeminence. The region’s advantage stemmed from its favorable geographical features, for agriculture, fishery, and trade with Korean Peninsular. Indeed, the bronze material in its early period was said to be import from Korean Peninsular.
Nonetheless, Izumo region was rich in other mineral resources, particularly silver and iron. For example, the museum presents attractive and informative displays of Iwami silver mine, which was said to have produced one-third of the world’s silver production at its peak period. Likewise, the museum displays the ancient method of iron production. All in all, the museum well merits a half-day visit for visitors to the region.
As mentioned by others, the museum offers a few favors to foreign tourists, such as a discount entry ticket and free audio-phone service. Although the audio-service is rather limited in coverage, any serious visitors to the museum may make an advanced booking for volunteer English guide.
The access to the museum is the same as Izumo Grand Shrine, as they are practically next to each other. In other words, access by public transportation is very easy. If you are so inclined, cycling from JR Izumo City station to the shrine/museum is an attractive alternative. As I have done, you can rent a bicycle for less than $5 at the station, and the road network in the region provides comfortable paths or space for cyclists. All you need on top is your physical fitness, to pedal the 8km distance. "Bonne chance!"
As the museum displays well demonstrate, archeological finds and discoveries in the region convincingly prove that Izumo was a preeminent political and cultural center of Japan, before the establishment of Yamato Dynasty. Therefore, it is all the more puzzling, or rather mythical, why Izumo clan had conceded the political supremacy to Yamato Dynasty, without any evident power struggle. The mythology tells us that Izumo clan had chosen to keep its cultural preeminence instead, and it was allowed to build the grandest shrine of all in the land. Izumo Grand Shrine, which still commands many worshipers and tourists today, is merely its descendant.
No record of the original shrine remains today. Instead, the museum shows a few scale models, suggesting its mythical nature. One common feature of these models is the tall tower structure, on the top of which stands the house of gods. An attendant feature is the long slope of steps for the priests to reach the house. The structure was said to have had a commanding height of over 50 meters and visible from miles away. Fortunately, the remains of one supporting column of the shrine were discovered in 2000, and now displayed in this museum. The column’s size and structure well justify the mythical claim on the shrine.
The political and cultural predominance of Izumo region in the ancient time is evident from the museum’s impressive collection of bronze implements, such as bells and ceremonial swords. They are discovered in several locations around the region. Similar bronze implements have been discovered in many other places in Japan. However, the size and number of the discoveries in Izumo region stands out, to prove the region’s political, as well as economic, preeminence. The region’s advantage stemmed from its favorable geographical features, for agriculture, fishery, and trade with Korean Peninsular. Indeed, the bronze material in its early period was said to be import from Korean Peninsular.
Nonetheless, Izumo region was rich in other mineral resources, particularly silver and iron. For example, the museum presents attractive and informative displays of Iwami silver mine, which was said to have produced one-third of the world’s silver production at its peak period. Likewise, the museum displays the ancient method of iron production. All in all, the museum well merits a half-day visit for visitors to the region.
As mentioned by others, the museum offers a few favors to foreign tourists, such as a discount entry ticket and free audio-phone service. Although the audio-service is rather limited in coverage, any serious visitors to the museum may make an advanced booking for volunteer English guide.
The access to the museum is the same as Izumo Grand Shrine, as they are practically next to each other. In other words, access by public transportation is very easy. If you are so inclined, cycling from JR Izumo City station to the shrine/museum is an attractive alternative. As I have done, you can rent a bicycle for less than $5 at the station, and the road network in the region provides comfortable paths or space for cyclists. All you need on top is your physical fitness, to pedal the 8km distance. "Bonne chance!"
Written September 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rika P
Quedlinburg, Germany168 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
I would have never expected such a modern building in this old historical city. The park and the building complex are new built and the architecture is really amazing. But still it is fitting in the wide landscape with the mountains in the background.
Inside the museum everything is modern as well. There are short English descriptions to every exhibition piece and you can also get an English audio guide.
I learnt so much about the history of Shimane and Izumo, and especially about the old myths and stories. Most of the Japanese gods came from Izumo, so here you can learn why and what kind of things happened. They even have a small cinema inside the museum, where you can watch movies about the history of Izumo.
The staff is really friendly and helpful and tries to explain everything to you or even provided a free tour through the museum.
Inside the museum everything is modern as well. There are short English descriptions to every exhibition piece and you can also get an English audio guide.
I learnt so much about the history of Shimane and Izumo, and especially about the old myths and stories. Most of the Japanese gods came from Izumo, so here you can learn why and what kind of things happened. They even have a small cinema inside the museum, where you can watch movies about the history of Izumo.
The staff is really friendly and helpful and tries to explain everything to you or even provided a free tour through the museum.
Written June 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephenbkk20156
Okayama Prefecture, Japan712 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
You will find it all here. Literally, every document, every artifact, every folk tale relating to the Izumo area. Illustrated, explained. lavishly contextualised both in national and international terms. Folk tales? We have folk tales. Here they are illustrated and brought to life, along with folk tales from around the world. Battles? Artefacts? Roof tiles? Ditto, ditto.
After our visit to the grand shrine, we were attracted by the proximity and gleaming glass/concrete of this place, enticed inside by a discount for foreigners. Much of the stuff was mildly interesting. Some of it very interesting. But it was all presented with the same exhaustive thoroughness.
Eventually, we gave up trying to bear with the lavish, plodding explanations, used the beautiful restrooms and left.
What a pity. For a tenth of the money, they could have given us the highlights and had a much more interesting museum.
After our visit to the grand shrine, we were attracted by the proximity and gleaming glass/concrete of this place, enticed inside by a discount for foreigners. Much of the stuff was mildly interesting. Some of it very interesting. But it was all presented with the same exhaustive thoroughness.
Eventually, we gave up trying to bear with the lavish, plodding explanations, used the beautiful restrooms and left.
What a pity. For a tenth of the money, they could have given us the highlights and had a much more interesting museum.
Written June 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chuzaa
Vancouver, Canada3,514 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
This is a must destination for those who are visiting the Izumo Grand Shrine. It is located right next to the shrine with ample free parking, if you are driving.
The highlights at the museum are the models of ancient Izumo Grand Shrine and related information, and many bronze bells and swords unearthed in the province of Izumo (today’s Shimane Prefecture).
Based on archaeological information and old records, the Izumo Grand Shrine is known to have had much larger (taller) buildings. The museum has five likely models based on academic interpretation by specialists.
Ancient Japan is known to have had two unique bronze products; bells and swords. The museum has several original bronze bells and swords from the Yayoi Period (about 400 years from the 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD) with the designation of “National Treasure.” It is also interesting to note that the museum also displays many newly cast bronze swords and bells. They are results of experimental archaeology in which scholars learn how ancient objects were made by actually re-creating the production processes.
The highlights at the museum are the models of ancient Izumo Grand Shrine and related information, and many bronze bells and swords unearthed in the province of Izumo (today’s Shimane Prefecture).
Based on archaeological information and old records, the Izumo Grand Shrine is known to have had much larger (taller) buildings. The museum has five likely models based on academic interpretation by specialists.
Ancient Japan is known to have had two unique bronze products; bells and swords. The museum has several original bronze bells and swords from the Yayoi Period (about 400 years from the 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD) with the designation of “National Treasure.” It is also interesting to note that the museum also displays many newly cast bronze swords and bells. They are results of experimental archaeology in which scholars learn how ancient objects were made by actually re-creating the production processes.
Written October 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teuku Arief Dian
Surabaya, Indonesia118 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
After visiting the Izumo historic places, you should come here to see and learn how is the history of it all. Incredible stories for Izumo...
Written March 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChampaFlower
Tsukuba, Japan596 contributions
Nov 2013 • Friends
I have visited to see the model of ancient Izumo Shrine.
Not only this model but also ancient copper mirror and copper swords were very beautiful.
Not only this model but also ancient copper mirror and copper swords were very beautiful.
Written December 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
iamface
East Sussex, UK1,348 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
good for take time visit here to know more about japan ancient story & religion esp for Izumo is important place of it.
Written July 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tinagar Gopal
Klang, Malaysia381 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
Foreigners with passport got discount. But not sure if this is permanent or for limited time. Discounted price is ¥300 & we can also take a free english audio guide that explains each display. Can easily take up 1 to 2 hours if you like culture & history.
There's an observatory deck on 3rd floor but since it was raining ice, I didn't go up. 2nd floor is a cafe. Staffs here do speak english and as most Japanese I've seen, they are very polite & helpful. Always wear a smile to get extra attention. *wink wink*
There's an observatory deck on 3rd floor but since it was raining ice, I didn't go up. 2nd floor is a cafe. Staffs here do speak english and as most Japanese I've seen, they are very polite & helpful. Always wear a smile to get extra attention. *wink wink*
Written December 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bambooscent
Paradise, CA193 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
Visiting this definitely help you understand Izumo better, worth a visit if you are interested in history
Pros:
- many different types of exhibit
- very friendly and helpful staff even with limited English ability
- close to Izumo Taisha - convenient
Cons:
- most of the exhibit does not have or very limited English description. We got a hand held device for English translation but it is only available for few artifacts
Pros:
- many different types of exhibit
- very friendly and helpful staff even with limited English ability
- close to Izumo Taisha - convenient
Cons:
- most of the exhibit does not have or very limited English description. We got a hand held device for English translation but it is only available for few artifacts
Written November 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
- Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo:
- (0.12 mi) Business Hotel Taisha
- (0.24 mi) Takenoya Ryokan
- (0.22 mi) Sutani Ryokan
- (0.32 mi) Oyado Tsukiyonosagi
- (0.26 mi) Oshimaya Ryokan
- Restaurants near Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo:
- (0.01 mi) Maru Cafe
- (0.21 mi) Starbucks Coffee Izumodaisha
- (0.14 mi) Noren
- (0.21 mi) Sobadokoro Tanakaya
- (0.20 mi) Okuni Tea House