Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo (島根県立古代出雲歴史博物館, Shimanekenritsu Kodai Izumo Rekishi Hakubutsukan) is located next to the famous Izumo Taisha Shrine and offers a deep dive into the region’s rich history. The museum explores the archaeology, mythology, and cultural heritage of Izumo, with a particular focus on the shrine’s origins, legends, and architectural evolution.

Exhibits span from prehistoric times to the development of Izumo Taisha over more than a thousand years. Visitors can discover the people, beliefs, and customs that shaped the shrine and the surrounding region.

One of the museum’s highlights is a massive wooden pillar over a meter in diameter—thought to be part of the shrine’s ancient structure—raising intriguing questions about how such a grand building was constructed. Other exhibits include scale models of the original shrine and hundreds of archaeological artifacts such as bronze swords, bells, and ritual items. The museum also houses the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki, the only surviving complete version of Japan’s ancient provincial records. Special exhibitions are held regularly throughout the year.