Izumo history

Legendary Beginnings and First Mentions

The history of Izumo is rooted in deep antiquity, intertwined with Japanese mythology. This region is considered one of the cradles of Japanese civilization. The first mentions of it are found in the oldest chronicles of the 8th century — "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki", where Izumo is described as a powerful kingdom of deities and heroes.

Although the modern administrative city was formed later, settlements in this territory existed as early as the Yayoi and Kofun periods. The heart of the region has always been the Great Shrine of Izumo Taisha, which, according to legends, was erected in the Age of the Gods, making it one of the oldest in Japan.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of Izumo into an important historical centre was driven by a combination of unique geographical and political conditions:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the coast of the Sea of Japan ensured early contact with continental Asia (the Korean Peninsula and China), facilitating the exchange of technology and culture.
• Natural Resources: Fertile plains and the Hii River created ideal conditions for the development of agriculture, while the region's mountains were rich in resources.
• Political Status: In ancient times, Izumo acted as a powerful political and spiritual counterbalance to the Yamato state (modern Nara Prefecture), retaining its significance even after the unification of Japan.

Early Culture and Economy

The economic power of ancient Izumo was based not only on agriculture but also on advanced technologies for that time. The region was famous for the production of iron from iron sand using the traditional "tatara" technology. This allowed for the creation of high-quality tools and swords, which strengthened the influence of local rulers.

The cultural distinctiveness of Izumo lies in its status as the "Land of the Gods". It is believed that once a year (usually in October according to the lunar calendar), all the Shinto deities of Japan gather precisely here. This formed a unique spiritual atmosphere that has attracted pilgrims for centuries and contributed to the prosperity of the region around the temple complexes.

Antiquity and Cultural Heritage

• 712 — Compilation of the "Kojiki" chronicle, where key myths of the Izumo cycle were recorded in writing for the first time, cementing the region's status as a sacred land.
• 1603 — Izumo no Okuni, an attendant of the Izumo Shrine, performed a dance in Kyoto that is considered the moment of the birth of Kabuki theatre.
• 1638 — The lands of Izumo Province came under the administration of the Matsudaira clan, a branch of the ruling Tokugawa shogunate.
• 1744 — Completion of the current main hall of the Izumo Taisha Shrine, which is recognized today as a National Treasure of Japan.

Formation of the Modern City

• 1871 — As a result of the Meiji administrative reform and the abolition of the domain system, the territory became part of Shimane Prefecture.
• 1910 — Opening of the Izumoimaichi railway station (now Izumoshi Station), connecting the region to the national transport network.
• 1914 — Start of operations of the Ichibata Electric Railway, connecting Izumo with the city of Matsue.
• November 3, 1941 — Official founding of the city of Izumo through the merger of Izumo-cho town and several neighbouring villages.

Recent History and Archaeological Discoveries

• 1984 — Sensational discovery at the Kojindani site of 358 ancient bronze swords, overturning historians' perceptions of the power of the ancient state of Izumo.
• 2000 — Remains of giant pillars were discovered on the temple complex grounds, confirming legends about the colossal size of the ancient shrine.
• March 22, 2005 — The old city of Izumo merged with the city of Hirata and four towns, forming a new, larger administrative unit.
• October 1, 2011 — The town of Hikawa, home to Izumo Airport, was incorporated into the city, forming the final modern boundaries of the municipality.
• 2013 — Completion of "Heisei no Sengu" — a large-scale reconstruction of the main shrine, traditionally held every 60 years.

Major Milestones in City Development

The development of Izumo is a journey from a sacred centre of antiquity to a modern transport and cultural hub of the Chugoku region. Below are the key stages that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city.

• Rise of "Tatara" Metallurgy (Middle Ages — Edo Period).

  Historically, the region developed as a centre for producing iron from iron sand. This provided a strong economic base, fostered the development of blacksmithing crafts, and shaped a unique rural landscape with terraced fields.

• Establishment of "Monzen-machi" (17th–19th centuries).

  The urban structure formed around the Izumo Taisha Shrine. The need to serve thousands of pilgrims led to the creation of a dense network of inns (ryokans), shopping streets, and souvenir shops, laying the foundation for the city's tourism economy.

• Railway Revolution (1910–1914).

  The opening of the state railway station and the private Ichibata line radically changed logistics. The economic centre shifted from maritime routes to the railway hub, which accelerated urbanization and linked Izumo with Japan's major industrial centres.

• Gaining City Status (1941).

  The administrative unification of the town of Izumo-cho with neighbouring villages allowed for centralized management and budgeting. This became the starting point for creating modern urban infrastructure and post-war industrial growth.

• Archaeological Renaissance (1980s — 2000s).

  Sensational finds at the Kojindani site and the discovery of giant ancient pillars on the temple grounds redefined the cultural significance of the city. Izumo secured the brand of the "city of ancient myths", which stimulated the construction of museums and the influx of international tourists.

• Great Heisei Merger (2005–2011).

  The merger with the city of Hirata and the town of Hikawa transformed Izumo into the prefecture's largest municipality by area. The inclusion of Izumo Airport within the city limits turned it into the main aerial gateway of the region, strengthening investment appeal.

Architectural Identity and Urban Planning

The urban structure of Izumo is unique in that the city developed not around a feudal castle, like most Japanese cities, but around a religious centre — the Great Shrine. This defined the special "pilgrim" character of the development, which was later complemented by merchant quarters and modern public spaces.

Antiquity: Taisha-zukuri Style

The most ancient era is represented by a unique architectural style that originated precisely here and is not found in its pure form anywhere else in Japan.

• Era: Age of the Gods / Kofun (Archaic).
• Style: Taisha-zukuri — the oldest style of Shinto architecture.
• Characteristic Features: Massive wooden pillars, a high raised floor, a gable roof with curved lines covered in cypress bark, and crossed rafters (chigi) on the ridge.
• Iconic Object: The Main Hall of Izumo Taisha Shrine. This is the standard of the style, demonstrating the power and simplicity of ancient Japanese architecture.

Edo Period: Traditional Residential Architecture

During the period of stability and flourishing trade (17th–19th centuries), the appearance of residential and commercial districts was formed. This is particularly noticeable in the Hirata district, which prospered thanks to the cotton trade.

• Era: Edo Period (1603–1868).
• Style: Machiya (traditional townhouses) and Kura-zukuri (warehouse architecture).
• Characteristic Features: White plastered walls, black tiles, latticed "koshi" windows, and the use of dark burnt wood for protection against the humid climate.
• Iconic District: Momen-kaido Street (Cotton Road) in the Hirata district, where historic breweries and merchant estates have been preserved.

Taisho Period: Japanese Modernism and Eclecticism

With the arrival of railways in the early 20th century, the city acquired architectural monuments combining Western technologies and Japanese aesthetics. This was a time of romanticism and bold experiments.

• Era: Taisho Period (1912–1926).
• Style: Wayo-setchu (eclecticism, a blend of Japanese and Western styles).
• Characteristic Features: High ceilings, the use of stained glass, but retaining traditional Japanese roofs and decorative elements reminiscent of temples.
• Iconic Object: The former Taisha Station (1924). A majestic wooden building resembling a palace, designed to harmonize with the main shrine.

Modernity: Organic Architecture and Postmodernism

Modern Izumo focuses on architecture that fits into the natural landscape and uses local materials, reimagining traditions in a high-tech key.

• Era: Heisei and Reiwa (late 20th — 21st century).
• Style: Postmodernism, structural expressionism.
• Characteristic Features: Use of laminated timber, glass, and concrete, large-scale support-free structures, and symbolism of forms (for example, the shape of an umbrella or a hill).
• Iconic Objects:
  • Izumo Dome: Japan's largest wooden dome structure, resembling a giant Japanese umbrella.
  • Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo: A building made of glass and Corten steel that visually dissolves into the surrounding park, emphasizing respect for history.

Notable Figures of Izumo

Izumo is the homeland not only of ancient deities but also of very real historical figures whose influence extended far beyond the region. From creators of theatrical art to modern pop culture icons, these people shaped the unique image of the city.

Legends and History

• Nomi no Sukune (Mythological Era)
  Role: Legendary wrestler, patron of sumo.
  According to the "Nihon Shoki", this native of Izumo won the first match in history before the emperor, which is considered the moment of the birth of the national sport of sumo. He is revered as the ancestor of a clan that served at court and as a patron deity of sports.
• Yamanoue no Okura (660–733)
  Role: Poet, statesman, governor of Izumo Province.
  One of the greatest poets of the "Man'yoshu" anthology. Upon being appointed governor of Izumo, he not only managed the region but also praised its beauty in his poems, contributing to the cultural elevation of the province in the Nara period.
• Izumo no Okuni (1572–?)
  Role: Founder of Kabuki theatre.
  An attendant (miko) of the Izumo Taisha Shrine who travelled to Kyoto and created a new style of dance performances. Her bold performances on the banks of the Kamo River marked the beginning of Kabuki theatre. Her grave and a monument symbolizing the legend's return to her homeland are located in the city of Izumo.

Politics and Religion

• Senge Takatomi (1845–1918)
  Role: 80th High Priest (Guji) of Izumo Taisha, politician, Minister of Justice.
  A representative of the ancient Senge clan, which traditionally heads the Great Shrine. He played a key role in the religious reform of the Meiji era, founded the Izumo-kyo religious organization, and held high government posts, including the position of governor of Saitama and Shizuoka prefectures.
• Mikio Aoki (1934–2023)
  Role: Politician, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan.
  A native of the Taisha district (now part of Izumo City). He was one of the most influential politicians of the Liberal Democratic Party, nicknamed the "Don of the House of Councillors". He actively promoted the development of infrastructure in the San'in region.

Modern Culture

• Mariya Takeuchi (born 1955)
  Role: Singer, songwriter, icon of the City Pop genre.
  Born into the family that owns the famous "Takenoya" ryokan at the gates of the Izumo Shrine. She became world-famous thanks to the hit Plastic Love, which revived interest in Japanese pop music of the 80s. She often emphasizes her connection with her hometown in interviews and her work.