Izumo and Matsue in 2 Days: Matchmaking Shrines and Hot Springs
Pray for good connections at Izumo Taisha, then head to the castle town of Matsue and a sunset over Lake Shinji. A two-day plan with a night at Tamatsukuri Onsen, a hot spring known for smooth skin.
Shrines and templesHot springsOld town walksFood
Free, no sign-up. Share one link with your friends and family, edit the plan together, and print it as a travel booklet.
Why go to Izumo and Matsue
Izumo Taisha is one of Japan's oldest and most important shrines, famous for matchmaking and good relationships. Shimane sees far fewer international visitors than Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, so you can enjoy major history without the crowds.
Getting there
- From Tokyo: about 1.5 hours by plane from Haneda to Izumo Airport, then a bus to Izumo-shi Station.
- From Okayama: about 3 hours by Limited Express Yakumo to Izumo-shi Station.
- Between Izumo and Matsue: local trains run along Lake Shinji; check the timetable in advance, as services are infrequent.
Tips for avoiding the crowds
- Izumo Taisha is calmest early in the morning; weekends and holidays are busier.
- Shimane has fewer trains than big cities, so plan your connections before you go.
- Sunset times change with the season; check the time on the day so you do not miss it.
House rules for this trip
Little challenges to share with your group. Every Tabishiori itinerary has three.
- ① At Izumo Taisha, everyone secretly writes their wish on a slip of paper and tucks it into the itinerary.
- ② With Izumo soba, compete to see who can eat the most stacked warigo bowls.
- ③ Watch the Lake Shinji sunset in silence.
Itinerary
Day 1
- 10:00
TravelMeet at Izumo-shi Station, then take the train to Izumo Taisha-mae
Izumo-shi Station (map) / 出雲市駅
Opening hours and closing days can change, so check each official website before you go.
- 10:45–12:15
SightseeingVisit Izumo Taisha Shrine
Izumo Taisha (map) / 出雲大社
The way to pray here: bow twice, clap four times, bow once.
- 12:15–13:30
FoodIzumo soba lunch and snacks along Shinmon-dori
Shinmon-dori (map) / 神門通り
Rule ②: compete on the number of warigo bowls.
- 13:45–14:30
- 15:00
TravelTrain toward Matsue
Izumo Taisha-mae Station (map) / 出雲大社前駅
- 16:30
- 18:30
FoodDinner at the hotel
Write your wishes for Rule ① here.
Day 2
- 09:00
StayCheck out
- 09:30–10:15
SightseeingTamatsukuriyu Shrine
Tamatsukuriyu Shrine (map) / 玉作湯神社
Home of the "wish stone" and "granting stone".
- 11:00–12:00
- 12:00–12:45
SightseeingHorikawa sightseeing boat
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat (map) / 堀川めぐり
A boat trip around the castle moat.
- 13:00–14:00
- 14:15–15:00
SightseeingShiomi Nawate (samurai residence street)
Shiomi Nawate (map) / 塩見縄手
- 16:30–17:15
SightseeingSunset over Lake Shinji
Lake Shinji sunset spot "Torupa" (map) / 宍道湖夕日スポット とるぱ
Rule ③: watch in silence. Sunset time changes with the season.
- 17:30
TravelHead home from Matsue Station
Matsue Station (map) / 松江駅
Well done! Add everyone's photos to the "Photos" section of your itinerary.
Packing list
- Change of clothes and underwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- IC transit card (Suica, ICOCA, etc.)
- Skincare and makeup
- Charger and power bank
- Transport and hotel booking confirmations (one for the group)
- Small slips of paper and a pen (for Rule ①)
How to use this itinerary
- Open Tabishiori and create a new trip (free, no account needed).
- Add the stops from this page and adjust the times to suit your group.
- Send the trip link via LINE, WhatsApp or email so everyone can add plans, packing items and shared expenses. You can also print it as a booklet.
Opening hours, prices and closing days may change. Please check each official website before you go. Place names in Japanese are shown so you can search for them in maps or show them to staff.