Two-day Retreat in Izumo, a Homeland of Japanese Mythology and Classic Iron Production

Premium Tour

Uncover the Roots of Japan

In Japan, a small country prone to frequent natural disasters, living in harmony with nature has been an integral part of shaping our history and culture since ancient times. Embracing the belief in gods within nature and expressing gratitude through prayers remains rooted even in our modern daily lives. In the tranquil region of Izumo, you can witness a wealth of wisdom derived from nature to sustain livelihoods, experiencing a connection bridging ancient Japan to the present. Relax in the unhurried pace of life here, where the echoes of myths still resonate.

Storyteller Tailored by
Chie Ishitobi
From65,000(JPY)
Date *
Day
Month
Year
Number of Participants *
Adult (13-99)
Child (3-12)
Infant (0-2)

Highlights

  • Explore Izumo Oyashiro with your English-speaking guide.
  • Get a glimpse of rural life in a hot spring village.
  • Find the secret hidden in the Okuizumo landscapes.
  • Experience a tea ceremony hosted by the family master's wife at a traditional Tatara owner's residence.

Description

The Izumo region in eastern Shimane Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan to the north and the resource-rich Chugoku mountains to the south, where natural blessings and disasters coexist. Known as a birthplace of Japanese Mythology, the region still retains traces of its ancient past. The Hii River that flows through this area has frequently troubled people with floods since ancient times, and the way the river rages is said to have given rise to the mythological legend of the eight-headed, eight-tailed serpent “Yamata-no-orochi.” Even to this day continue the practice of praying in fear of these natural forces as fearsome gods, and then praying to the gods again with gratitude for a good harvest.
On this two-day tour, you will visit Izumo Oyashiro, one of Japan’s most important and oldest Shinto shrines, and Okuizumo, a hidden gem known for its premium Nita rice and beef derived from the benefits of Tatara, the traditional iron-making techniques.
Immerse yourself in a spiritual culture, history, and life deeply connected to the foundations of Japan!

Izumo Oyashiro Gohonden (The main shrine ) Image provided by: Shimane  Prefecture Tourism Federation.

Itinerary

Day1 9:00 a.m. Meet your guide at Izumo-shi JR station. Introduction and briefing. Take Ichibata trains to Izumo Oyashiro.
10:00 a.m Visit Izumo Oyashiro.
11:30 a.m Stroll the neibourhood of Izumo Oyashiro.
noon Lunch at a soba noodle. restaurant
2:00 p.m. Take a taxi to Izumo-Yumura Onsen village, Okuizumo.
3:00 p.m. Visit Susudake Chopsticks. Gallery
4:00 p.m. Stroll the hot spring villageTry foot bath and/or public bath.
5:00 p.m. Check in at Tsukaru, the guesthouse.
6:00 p.m. Dinner at Tsukaru.
Free time.
Day2 9:00 a.m. Breakfast at Tsukaru.
10:00 a.m. Check out, take a taxi to rice terraces.
10:30 a.m. Visit Tatara-to-Tokenkan, the historical ironmaking and sword museum.
12:00 p.m. Lunch at a local restaurant.
1:30 p.m. Visit Kabeya Shuseikan, the Sakurai family residence.Green tea is served.
3:00 p.m. Take a taxi to Izumo-shi JR station.
5:00 p.m. The tour ends at Izumo-shi JR station.

Overview

  • Tour Type

    A small-group guided cultural tour with an expert bilingual guide

  • Tour Area

    Eastern Shimane Prefecture (Izumo city, Okuizumo town, and Unnan city)

  • Price per person (tax incl.)

    2 Adult 130,000(JPY)
    3 Adult 92,000 (JPY)
    4 Adult 75,000 (JPY)
    5 Adult 65,000 (JPY)

  • Availability

    Available year-round

  • Meeting time and place

    At 9:00 AM, JR Izumo-shi station (JR出雲市駅)

  • End of Tour

    Around at 5:00 pm, the tour ends at Izumo-shi JR station.

  • Eligible participants

    20+

  • Number of participants

    2 – 5 participants

  • Japanese Level

    None

  • Accommodation

    Tsukaru
    – One guest group per day
    – Dinner (Original modern cuisine) and breakfast (Japanese style)
    – Two twin bedrooms, bathrooms, free WiFi, hair drier, refregerator, TV, kitchen
    Amenities:
    – bath towel, face towel, toothbrush, handsoap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cotton swab, face cleansing & moisturizers
    – Nightware NOT provided
    -You may be asked to share a twin bedroom with another participant of the same gender, depending on the number and composition of the participants.

Inclusions

  • English guide fees throughout the tour
  • Meals: Dinner on Day 1, breakfast on Day 2, and lunches on Day 1 and Day 2
  • Accommodation
  • Admission fees of nearby footbath and bathhouse
  • Admission and service fees of Sakurai Family residence, Tatara-to-tokenkan Museum
  • Transportation fees from the start point to the end point during the tour

Exclusions

  • Personal expense
  • Cost of drinks during meals
  • Alcoholic beverages

Tour Guide

I am Chie, a regional-certified English tour guide exclusively for the San ‘in area (Shimane and Tottori Prefectures). I have a variety of tour experiences as a local spot guide, mainly in eastern and central Shimane, and as a through guide covering Shimane, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi prefectures. I am passionate about guiding international guests so that they feel not only welcome but also as if they have returned to their second hometown. Looking forward to show you all around this fascinating area!

Physical Requirements

Fitness level: low to moderate. This tour includes a 60+ minuite walk on the flat grounds of Izumo Oyashiro. All other destinations have only short walks.
Contact us if you have difficulty in sitting on tatami floor mats for meals.

Travel planning and implementation

Tavikala.co.ltd
TEL:050-3559-0222
Registered Travel Agency with the Governor of Shimane Prefecture: Region -106
Shimane Governor-registered travel service arrangement business: No. 5 – Other

Cancellation Policy for “Though Inaka” [Uncover the Roots of Japan]

Cancellation of the custom-ordered “Though Inaka” [Uncover the Roots of Japan] is subject to the following charges:

Cancellation Charges:
31 or more days prior to the first day of the tour: 10% of the total tour cost
30-8 days prior to the first day of the tour: 20% of the total tour cost
7-4 days prior to the first day of the tour: 50% of the total tour cost
3-0 days prior to the first day of the tour or non-appearance: 100% of the total tour cost

Payment Refund Process:
In the event of cancellation, after the customer completes the payment of the tour cost, the refunded amount will be calculated by deducting cancellation charges, bank handling charges, and any other costs incurred by travel service providers (railway company, accommodation, etc.) from the amount already paid.
The refunded amount will be remitted to the bank account specified by the customer.

Cancellation Date:
The date of cancellation refers to the date and time when the notice is received by “Though Inaka” based on Japan time. This contrasts with the local date and time when the customer sends the cancellation notice.

Refund Processing Time:
Please allow up to 14 days for the refund to be credited to the customer’s account.

Tour Alterations:
“Though Inaka” reserves the right to alter the itinerary or tour components if necessary for reasons beyond our control. Any changes will be communicated to participants in a timely manner.

Participant Substitution:
If you are unable to attend the tour, you may substitute another person. Please notify us in advance with the substitute participant’s details.

Contact for Cancellations:
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to [contact@thoughinaka.com] via email.
Please include your name, booking reference number, and the reason for cancellation in your email.

By participating in the “Though Inaka” [Tour Name], you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this cancellation policy. We appreciate your understanding, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Questions?

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