Izumo Grand Shrine 出雲大社
One of Japan’s oldest Shintō shrines
Izumo-taisha, about an hour west of Matsue by train, makes an excellent day trip from the city.
This is one of Japan's oldest and most important shrines, said to exist from the early 700s - and the place where all the Shintō deities are said to meet each year in the 10th lunar month (usually November). The shrine architecture is particularly impressive.
Izumo-taisha is a popular domestic destination for Japanese - often combined with a stop at the nearby Shimane Winery, which offers free tasting!