Izumo Taisha (出雲大社; also Izumo no Ōyashiro) is one of the most ancient and important of the Shinto shrines in Japan. Its name means “The Grand Shrine of Izumo.” No record gives the date of establishment. Located in Taisha, Shimane Prefecture, it is home to two major festivals. It is dedicated to the god Ōkuninushi-no-mikoto.

A style of architecture, Taisha-zukuri, takes its name from the main hall of Izumo Taisha. That hall, and the attached buildings, are National Treasures of Japan. According to tradition, the hall was previously much taller than it presently is. The recent discovery of the remains of enormous pillars has lent credence to this.

Several other buildings in the shrine compound are on the list of Important Cultural Assets of Japan.

The shrine as you can see is a traditional Japanese architecture. You can’t get anything more original than that.

How to get to Izumo Taisha?
Click on this link to find out more…

There are many Japanese castles in Japan. All of them are historically bounded and carries a story of their own. These castles are always a sight to behold, be it their architecture or its historical face value. Matsue is no different. Matsue (松江市 Matsue-shi) is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture in the Chūgoku region of Japan. It is a former castle town, although Matsue Castle still stands today.

Matsue is the “water city,” sitting on beautiful Lake Shinji, the seventh largest lake in Japan. Nearby Izumo Taisha is considered to be the oldest and most important Shinto shrine in Japan. Although some might beg to differ that it is the second most important Shinto Shrine after Ise Jingu.

You can also visit the Hearn Residence in Matsue. Lafcadio Hearn is the author who introduced Japan to the western world. Some would call him a pioneer in introducing western cultures to Japan. His residence now stands open for public viewing next to he museum filled with his previous works. Right next to it is a Samurai district where former samurai mansions have been restored as well.

How to get to Matsue?

The best way is to start from Tokyo but check this link out for more information.