Temporary Closure and Renewal
A Major Museum Renewal Project
The main museum building is currently closed for seismic reinforcement, equipment upgrades, and a renewal of its exhibitions. The closure began on April 1, 2025, with reopening scheduled for October 2026.
The renewed museum is expected to offer even richer exhibitions and a deeper introduction to the history and culture of ancient Izumo. During the closure, however, some programs and events continue to be offered in areas such as the workshop and gardens, allowing visitors to experience aspects of the museum even before the main galleries reopen.
Discover the History and Myths of Ancient Izumo
National Treasures on an Extraordinary Scale
One of the museum’s most impressive features is its collection of precious archaeological discoveries associated with ancient Izumo.
Among the highlights are 358 bronze swords, 16 bronze spears, and 6 bronze bells excavated from the Kojindani Ruins, together with 39 bronze bells discovered at the Kamo Iwakura Ruins. All of these objects are designated as National Treasures of Japan.
The sheer number and excellent preservation of these bronze artifacts are remarkable. Together, they provide important clues about the religious practices, technology, society, and political power of ancient Japan.
Exploring the Mystery of the Enormous Izumo Taisha
One of the museum’s most striking exhibits is the enormous Uzu Pillar, discovered in the grounds of Izumo Taisha in 2000.
The pillar consists of three large timbers bound together, forming a structure approximately 1.35 meters in diameter. Its discovery provided important evidence for theories that the main sanctuary of Izumo Taisha may once have been far larger than the present building.
The museum also displays a one-tenth-scale model of the Izumo Taisha main sanctuary as it may have appeared during the Heian period. The model stands approximately 5 meters tall, giving visitors a vivid sense of the enormous scale attributed to the ancient shrine.
One theory suggests that the ancient sanctuary may have reached approximately 96 meters in height, around four times the height of the present main building. The model allows visitors to imagine the extraordinary structure that may once have stood at this sacred site.
Experience the World of Japanese Mythology
Mythology Exhibitions and the Mythology Theater
The museum’s mythology exhibition introduces stories of Izumo found in ancient Japanese chronicles such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
A popular attraction is the Mythology Theater, where visitors can experience famous stories such as the tale of Susanoo defeating the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi through powerful images and sound.
These presentations make complex ancient myths easier to understand, allowing both children and adults to discover the stories that have shaped Izumo’s cultural identity.
Explore Ancient Izumo Through Themed Exhibitions
Izumo Taisha and Ancient Ritual Culture
One of the themed galleries focuses on Izumo Taisha and the religious traditions surrounding it. Exhibits explore the history of worship, ancient rituals, and the mysteries surrounding the enormous sanctuary that has long been associated with Izumo.
Visitors can learn how people in ancient Izumo expressed their beliefs and how religious practices developed around sacred places and deities.
The World of the Izumo Fudoki
Another section explores the world described in the Izumo Fudoki, an eighth-century record of the region.
Through reconstructed landscapes and displays, visitors can imagine the natural environment and everyday life of ancient Izumo. The exhibition also highlights the connections between the landscapes described more than a thousand years ago and the Izumo region of today.
Bronze Artifacts and Symbols of Ancient Power
The enormous collection of bronze artifacts, together with elaborately decorated ancient swords and other archaeological discoveries, provides clues about the power and beliefs of ancient communities.
These objects help visitors explore how political authority, religious practices, technology, and culture developed in ancient Izumo.
Interactive Exhibits and Hands-On Learning
Learn by Touching and Experimenting
The museum’s comprehensive exhibition area introduces the history of Shimane from ancient times through the modern era. Major themes include four-corner protruding burial mounds, ancient bead production in Izumo, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, and traditional tatara ironmaking.
Visitors can also take part in hands-on activities, such as learning how holes were drilled into ancient beads and operating a model of a traditional bellows used in ironmaking.
These interactive experiences make archaeological and technological subjects easier to understand by allowing visitors to learn through direct experience.
Architecture and Gardens Connecting Past and Present
A Modern Building Inspired by Ancient Culture
The museum building features a simple design combining steel and glass, creating a calm atmosphere that blends naturally with the surrounding landscape.
The materials themselves have symbolic meanings: steel evokes the ancient tradition of tatara ironmaking, while glass represents the modern world. Together, they express the idea of connecting ancient history with contemporary life.
Stroll Through the Fudoki Garden
The museum grounds include the Fudoki Garden and Fudoki Path, where visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk surrounded by seasonal scenery.
The approach lined with katsura trees creates a distinctive atmosphere and is traditionally associated with the idea of good connections and relationships, an especially fitting theme in Izumo, a region famous for its traditions of enmusubi, or forming meaningful connections.
From the observation terrace, visitors can also look toward the gardens of Izumo Taisha, creating a beautiful view where history, architecture, and nature come together.
Begin Your Journey into the Romance of Ancient Izumo
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is far more than a conventional history museum. It is a place where mythology, archaeology, religion, and ancient culture come together to tell the story of one of Japan’s most fascinating regions.
National Treasures from major archaeological sites, discoveries related to the history of Izumo Taisha, interactive exhibits, mythology presentations, and beautiful gardens provide visitors with many different ways to explore ancient Izumo.
With the main building scheduled to reopen in October 2026 following its renewal, the museum is set to offer an even richer experience for future visitors.
For travelers interested in Japanese history, mythology, archaeology, or Shinto culture, the museum provides an ideal introduction to the ancient world that lies behind the famous shrines and landscapes of Izumo.