Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is a history museum in Izumo City. The building was designed by architect Fumihiko Maki and features a very modern construction using steel and glass, with a similarly modern garden. Located next to Izumo Taisha (east side), it focuses on ancient Izumo centered around Izumo Taisha. There is also a mythology exhibition room that immerses visitors in the world of Izumo myths, and a “Mythology Theater” where stories like the slaying of Yamata-no-Orochi are shown. Exhibits include a 1/10 scale model of the ancient Izumo Taisha main hall, as well as many important artifacts such as the National Treasure bronze swords from the Kojindani site (358 swords) and bronze bells excavated from the Kamo Iwakura site. The museum also has a café and museum shop, and offers iPad audio guides. Access: from JR Izumoshi Station, take a bus, get off at “Seimon-mae,” then walk about 2 minutes.