2-Day JR Tour: San'in Highlights - Izumo Taisha, Adachi Museum of Art, and Matsue Castle Town (Departing from Shin-Osaka)
- Admire the seasonal gardens and modern Japanese paintings at the Adachi Museum of Art.
- Stay in Sakaiminato, the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro. You can also explore the Mizuki Shigeru Road during your hotel stay.
- Guided group prayer at Izumo Taisha, one of the most iconic spots in the San'in region.
- Explore the castle town of Matsue, known as the 'City of Water,' at your own pace.
- Comfortable travel using round-trip reserved Shinkansen seats from Shin-Osaka Station.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 25 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Sightseeing type | Museum tour, Japanese castles, Temples & shrines, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Osaka/Shimane/Tottori
Trip duration: 1 night, 2 days
Transportation used: Shinkansen (bullet train) and chartered bus.
Bus company: Shimoden Kanko Bus or equivalent
Meal plan: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 1 time
Accommodation used: Sakaiminato Onsen Ryokan Nono
Room type: Japanese-Western style room (double/twin) / with bathroom and toilet. *Double rooms do not have a bathtub. Shower booth only.
As a general rule, one room is provided for groups of 1-2 people.
■When using a Japanese-style room or a Japanese-Western style room, you may be required to lay out your own futon.
■Please note that room layouts and views from rooms are not uniform across all accommodations.
Minimum number of participants: 25
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0 (Guidance will be in Japanese) *A licensed tour guide will not accompany the tour.
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated travel industry association: Regular member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 25 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 21 day(s) before the departure date
The best time to see flowers and plants may vary depending on the weather and climate.
The round-trip Shinkansen will be the "Kodama" train. However, there is a possibility that the "Hikari" train may be used instead.
On the second day at Izumo Taisha Shrine, we will ascend to the Kagura-den (sacred dance hall) or the temporary worship hall for a group prayer. *The location of the ascent may change. There are no dress code restrictions, but please dress appropriately. Photography is prohibited inside the shrine buildings, but you are free to take pictures on the shrine grounds.
For the November 15th departure, the dining venue and menu for the second day will be changed to a beef grilled on a portable stove lunch (with wariko soba) in Yun city. Please be aware of this change.
Please note that the Adachi Museum of Art's new building will be closed on October 22nd. *The new building is currently hosting an exhibition focusing on contemporary Japanese painting. Exhibitions in the Japanese garden, the main building, and the Rosanjin building (paintings by Yokoyama Taikan) can still be viewed even on the new building's closing day. *No refunds will be given in this case.
A fee of 1,500 yen per meal will be charged for any changes to the meal plan due to food allergies, religious reasons, etc., plus any difference in price. Please notify us at least 14 days before your departure date.
FAQ
1. What is Izumo Taisha Shrine renowned for, especially its unique matchmaking connections?
Izumo Taisha Shrine is celebrated as one of Japan's oldest and most important shrines, famously dedicated to the deity of relationships and good fortune. It is widely known as a power spot for matchmaking, where people pray for romantic partners, strong friendships, and successful business connections. Its distinct architectural style, known as Taisha-zukuri, is also a significant cultural highlight.
2. Which principal deity is enshrined at Izumo Taisha Shrine, and what is their spiritual role?
The principal deity enshrined at Izumo Taisha Shrine is Okuninushi-no-Okami (大國主大神). He is revered as the god of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and, most notably, relationships and good fortune. Visitors come to seek blessings for love, marriage, and forging strong bonds with others, making the shrine a central spiritual hub for those hoping for positive connections in their lives.
3. How much time should visitors allocate for exploring the Adachi Museum of Art and its acclaimed gardens?
Visitors typically need about 2 to 3 hours for a comprehensive exploration of the Adachi Museum of Art. This allows ample time to appreciate its six distinct, meticulously maintained Japanese gardens – including the Dry Landscape Garden and the Moss Garden – and to view the impressive collection of modern Japanese paintings, particularly works by Yokoyama Taikan. The seamless integration of art and nature is best experienced at a relaxed pace.
4. What specific features contribute to the Adachi Museum of Art's renowned aesthetic beauty and garden design?
The Adachi Museum of Art is renowned for its harmonious fusion of art and nature. Its aesthetic beauty stems from meticulously designed traditional Japanese gardens, which are often described as living paintings. Large windows throughout the museum perfectly frame these gardens, creating breathtaking, ever-changing natural artworks. The collections of modern Japanese paintings and ceramics are carefully curated to complement the garden views, offering a serene and beautiful experience.
5. What unique experiences await visitors strolling along Shigeru Mizuki Road in Sakaiminato?
A stroll along Shigeru Mizuki Road in Sakaiminato offers a unique journey into the world of Japanese folklore. Visitors can encounter over 170 bronze statues of 'yokai' (supernatural monsters and spirits) from the popular 'GeGeGe no Kitaro' manga series. The road is lined with themed shops selling yokai-related merchandise, local treats, and a museum dedicated to the creator, Shigeru Mizuki, making for a playful and immersive cultural experience.
6. Is it possible for visitors to participate in a group prayer ceremony at Izumo Taisha Shrine?
Yes, visitors often have the opportunity to participate in a group prayer ceremony (goshintai haikan) at Izumo Taisha Shrine. This unique experience allows for a deeper spiritual connection, offering blessings and a chance to observe traditional Shinto rituals firsthand. It is a distinctive feature that enhances the visit, providing insight into the shrine's profound spiritual practices and cultural heritage.
7. What historical and cultural significance does Izumo Taisha Shrine hold beyond its matchmaking fame?
Beyond its renown for matchmaking, Izumo Taisha Shrine holds immense historical and cultural significance as one of Japan's oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines. It is believed to be the place where all Shinto gods gather annually in October (the 'Month of the Gods'). The shrine's unique 'nisen yohakushu' worship style (two bows, four claps, one bow) also distinguishes it from other shrines, reflecting its ancient traditions and deep spiritual roots.
8. What are the recommended transportation options for reaching the Adachi Museum of Art from nearby towns like Yasugi or Matsue?
To reach the Adachi Museum of Art, the most common method is utilizing its free shuttle bus service from JR Yasugi Station. This service operates regularly, providing a convenient connection for visitors arriving by train. From Matsue, travelers can take a JR train to Yasugi Station, then transfer to the museum's shuttle. Alternatively, taxis are available from Yasugi Station for a direct journey to the museum.
