Important Notes During Bus Tour
Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the bus.
Members of the odd-numbered group may need to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
As stipulated by Japanese law, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
Please remain seated and avoid walking while the tour bus is moving.
Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff. Please do not change your seat during the tour.
Please be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting place on time. The bus will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.
Latecomers who wish to rejoin the group will be responsible for all transportation fees.
8.Please wear the sticker provided by the tour guide visibly.
Avoid sticking the sticker on leather goods, as it may leave marks.
Do not use the seat reclining function or adjust the seat settings.
Please set all electronic devices, including mobile phones and game consoles, to silent mode.
Talking on mobile phones and making video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
Arrival times at each sightseeing spot may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The use of drones for filming or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
Please do not use perfume, sprays, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may disturb other passengers.
Manage your valuable belongings yourself.
After the tour, please take all your trash with you and do not leave any on the bus.
Ensure you do not forget or leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
If you fail to follow these regulations and cause a disturbance on the bus, you may be asked to leave the bus, even during the tour.
At Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, the traditional prayer etiquette is unique, following "two bows, four claps, one bow." This differs from most other Japanese shrines which typically use two claps. Visitors should approach the main hall, offer a monetary donation, bow twice, clap four times, make their prayer, and then bow once more. An experienced tour escort can provide detailed guidance on these practices during your visit.
Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine holds immense cultural and historical significance as one of Japan's oldest and most revered shrines. It is dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, the deity of marriage and good relationships, making it a popular destination for those seeking matchmaking blessings. Annually, during the Kamiari Festival, all Shinto deities are believed to gather here, solidifying its profound spiritual importance.
Yes, Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is widely regarded as one of Japan's most ancient and significant shrines. Its origins trace back to profound Shinto mythology, predating many other major shrines. It serves as a central spiritual site, especially noted for its connections to the deity of relationships and as the legendary gathering place for gods during the Kamiari Festival, reinforcing its prominent role in Japanese culture.
The Izumo region offers several unique attractions beyond Izumo Taisha. Visitors can explore Yaegaki Shrine, famous for its Mirror Pond fortune-telling and matchmaking blessings, and Inasa no Hama, a sacred beach where the gods are said to arrive. Stroll along the nostalgic Mizuki Shigeru Road, populated with yokai (Japanese folklore monster) statues. Culinary experiences include fresh seafood shopping at Nakaura Seafood Market and local sweets at Kotobukijo Sweets Castle.
A convenient option for visiting Izumo Taisha from Osaka is a guided 2-day bus tour. This type of tour typically handles all transportation from Osaka, provides an experienced escort, includes an overnight stay at a quality hot spring ryokan like the 5-star Kaike Tsuruya in Kaike Onsen, and offers meals such as a seasonal Japanese kaiseki dinner featuring local specialties, ensuring a smooth and comprehensive travel experience without needing to arrange individual transport.
The Kamiari Festival at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is a special event held only once a year, typically in the tenth month of the traditional lunar calendar (around November). Its significance lies in the belief that all Shinto deities from across Japan gather here during this period, transforming Izumo into "the land of the gods." This makes it a uniquely powerful time for divine matchmaking and receiving blessings from numerous deities.
Yes, the 2-day bus tour from Osaka to Izumo Taisha includes an experienced tour escort. This escort has multiple experiences accompanying visitors to Izumo Taisha, providing valuable insights into the shrine's history, cultural background, and guidance on proper worship etiquette throughout the journey. Their expertise ensures a deeper understanding and more meaningful visitor experience at each site, especially at the grand shrine.
A 2-day tour typically includes a comprehensive visit to Izumo Taisha, allowing approximately 3 hours to explore, including the rarely accessible Kamimiya Shrine. It features an overnight stay at a luxury 5-star hot spring ryokan in Kaike Onsen, complete with a seasonal Japanese kaiseki dinner showcasing local delicacies like snow crab and Wagyu beef. Other highlights include exploring Yaegaki Shrine and strolling along the nostalgic Mizuki Shigeru Road.