Izumo

Izumo is a city in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. It occupies a coastal area along the Sea of Japan in the San'in region and serves as a regional center for government, commerce, and tourism. The city includes urban wards and rural districts and is a gateway to the Izumo area.

Izumo also refers to Izumo Province, an ancient administrative unit in western Honshu corresponding roughly to parts of modern Shimane Prefecture. The province is historically associated with Shinto myth and the deity Ōkuninushi, and with the annual gathering of the kami at Izumo Shrine.

Izumo Taisha, or Izumo Grand Shrine, is located in Izumo City and is among Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. It is dedicated to Ōkuninushi no Mikoto and is renowned for its large shimenawa rope and long, revered history.

In culture and economy, Izumo is known for Izumo soba, a buckwheat noodle dish, and traditional crafts. The local dialect, the Izumo dialect, is a distinct variant of the Japanese language. The area attracts visitors for religious heritage, festivals, and scenic coastline.

Transportation to and within Izumo includes Izumo Airport, which provides domestic service, and rail and highway networks that connect the city to Matsue and other parts of Shimane Prefecture. The city is served by local lines and roadways, supporting both regional commerce and tourism.