Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Discover ancient bronze treasures and captivating myths at this museum, a perfect complement to Izumo Taisha.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient bronze treasures and captivating myths at this museum, a perfect complement to Izumo Taisha.
"A tranquil and well-organized museum with excellent English support and family-friendly amenities."
🗣️ Ask for English Audio Guide
Crucial for understanding exhibits, especially myths. Don't hesitate to ask!
🛂 Foreign Visitor Discount
Show your passport for a reduced admission fee.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bronze Artifacts
Exhibition Halls
Marvel at ancient bronze swords and bells, some dating back 2000 years, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich past.
Myths and Legends
Mythology Section
Explore the captivating myths and legends of Izumo, brought to life through engaging video sessions and exhibits.
Museum Garden
Outdoor Area
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the beautifully maintained garden, a tranquil space perfect for reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Izumo Taisha
English Support & Discounts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Ask for English Audio Guide
Crucial for understanding exhibits, especially myths. Don't hesitate to ask!
🛂 Foreign Visitor Discount
Show your passport for a reduced admission fee.
🚶 Shortcut to Izumo Taisha
Exit the west gate for a scenic, covered path to the shrine.
☕ Cafe Maru Delights
Generous portions and delicious food with a great view.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Ask for English Audio Guide
Crucial for understanding exhibits, especially myths. Don't hesitate to ask!
🛂 Foreign Visitor Discount
Show your passport for a reduced admission fee.
🚶 Shortcut to Izumo Taisha
Exit the west gate for a scenic, covered path to the shrine.
☕ Cafe Maru Delights
Generous portions and delicious food with a great view.
🧸 Baby-Friendly Amenities
Free strollers, nursing room, and a play corner for kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors highly recommend the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, particularly for its comprehensive collection of ancient artifacts and engaging mythological exhibits. It's praised for its excellent English support, family-friendly amenities, and the beautiful garden. The cafe is also a hit for its delicious food and views. Some minor points of feedback include limited English text for some exhibits and the desire for more in-depth mythological content.
"Definitely worth seeing. Lots of local history here and pares well with visiting Izumo Taisha.
Totally baby friendly. You can use their free strollers. There is a nursing room. There is also a play corner for kids.
The cafe inside was also delicious!"
Melody Momper
"Tranquil and well organized museum. Very friendly staff, ready to help out in English. English audio option is a bit limited, especially in the stories of myth section (which I have the most interest in). Cafe Maru at L2 offers generous portion of delicious food (I was tempted to try their dessert, but was too full!). The cafe has great view, making the meal more enjoyable.The area surrounding is beautiful, great for taking a stroll. If you want to enjoy the view but tired of walking, go to L3, there are two benches facing the outdoor. If you exit from the west gate, there is a shortcut to Izumo Taisha, covered with well trimmed bonsai and flowers (save the trouble of walking up hill)"
Hien Dang
"So glad I made time to stop here. In fact, upon entering, I delayed my return to Matsue city to spend my time more leisurely at this museum! As others have said, there is wonderful English support via an audio device (they should offer it to you, if you don't understand Japanese and didn't get one, don't hesitate to ask!). The English version was missing for a few exhibits but not majorly so. I particularly enjoyed the Myths area and the recovered bronze swords + replica room. Most of the exhibits featured English titles but beyond the audio support, the written information is all Japanese!
I spent about 1 hr and half enjoying the museum at a slow pace (not including a cafe visit, sadly). Also, you can get a foreign visitor discount!"
Mackenzie Epperly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located near Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. You can reach it by bus from Izumo City or Matsue City. Many visitors combine their trip with a visit to the shrine, as there's a shortcut from the museum's west gate.
Yes, the museum is generally accessible. It's not as crowded with foreign tourists as major cities, making it a more relaxed experience.
Renting a car can offer flexibility for exploring Shimane Prefecture, including the museum and surrounding areas. Public transport is available but can be less frequent.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum typically opens around 9:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM, but it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially during holidays.
Admission fees are reasonable, and foreign visitors can get a discount by showing their passport or relevant identification.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, but it's a good idea to check their official website for any special events or group visit policies.
The museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions. It's recommended to check their official website or local event listings for any current or upcoming events during your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum houses a significant collection of bronze artifacts, including swords and bells from the Yayoi period, as well as exhibits on local history and mythology. The beautiful garden outside is also a highlight.
Absolutely! The museum is very baby-friendly, offering free strollers, a nursing room, and a dedicated play corner for kids.
Yes, the museum provides English audio guides and some exhibits have English titles. While not all written information is in English, the audio support is excellent.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the museum at a leisurely pace, not including time spent at the cafe.
Photography policies can vary, but generally, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas. It's always best to look for signage or ask museum staff if you're unsure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Cafe Maru on the second floor offers delicious food with generous portions and a pleasant view. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the exhibits.
Cafe Maru serves a variety of dishes, with visitors often praising the generous portions and delicious taste. They also offer tempting desserts.
The area around Izumo Taisha Shrine has several restaurants and eateries offering local specialties. You can find more options in Izumo City as well.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum's garden offers beautiful scenery. Inside, the displays of ancient artifacts, especially the bronze swords, are very photogenic. The view from the cafe is also lovely.
Non-flash photography is usually allowed for the bronze artifacts, but always check for specific restrictions. The 3D capture of a bronze bell was even featured on Instagram!
Yes, the museum's garden is a picturesque spot. Additionally, the shortcut path to Izumo Taisha, lined with bonsai and flowers, is also great for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
The detailed exploration of local myths and legends offers invaluable cultural context, especially for understanding the spiritual importance of the region and its famous shrines. 🚶 Solo Travelers & Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Izumo's Ancient Past
Beyond the physical relics, the museum delves into the rich tapestry of Japanese mythology, particularly the legends associated with Izumo. Through engaging exhibits and video presentations, visitors can learn about the deities and stories that have shaped the cultural identity of this region for centuries. This focus on myth provides a deeper context for understanding the spiritual importance of places like Izumo Taisha.
For visitors, the museum serves as an excellent primer before or after visiting the nearby Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. It helps to contextualize the shrine's historical and religious significance, making the overall experience more profound. The blend of archaeological finds and mythological narratives creates a comprehensive picture of ancient Izumo.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
English support is a significant plus, with English audio guides available to help visitors navigate the exhibits, especially the mythology sections. While some written information might be in Japanese, the audio guides bridge the gap effectively. Furthermore, foreign visitors can avail a discount on admission by presenting their passport, adding to the value of the visit.
The on-site Cafe Maru is another highlight, offering delicious meals with generous portions and a pleasant view, perfect for a relaxing break. The museum also features a beautiful outdoor garden, providing a tranquil space for a leisurely stroll. For those heading to Izumo Taisha, there's a convenient, covered shortcut from the museum's west gate, enhancing the overall visitor flow.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit