Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Board your motorcoach and drive west through Matsue, passing Lake Shinji en route to Izumo. Lake Shinji is the seventh largest lake in Japan and is a combination of fresh-water and salt-water, depending on the tide. The sunset over the lake is especially famous for its vivid color and beauty and is a symbol of the "Water Capital", Matsue.

Your visit begins at the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo. The museum focuses on the shrine's style of architecture, ancient records on the geography of Izumo compiled in the early 8th century, and bronze artifacts from the Kojindani Site. Designated National Treasures, these artifacts date to the Kofun Period (2nd - 5th century A.D.).

Izumo Grand Shrine's Main Hall was once the largest wooden structure in Japan - and ancient columns suggest that the shrine was even larger before the 12th century. The current temple dates to the mid-18th century. View the torii gate and the taisha-style buildings - perhaps the oldest architectural style in Japan. Izumo-taisha is a major pilgrimage site and the scene of important festivals.

Continue to a local restaurant for lunch featuring traditional regional cuisine. Then board your coach for the return to Sakaiminato.