Izumo Airport

Izumo Airport, also known by the romantic moniker "Enmusubi" (which translates as "ties of fate" or "matchmaking"), serves as the main aerial gateway to Shimane Prefecture. It is not merely a transport hub, but the starting point of a journey to the famous Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine—one of the most revered in Japan. The airport is situated on the shores of the picturesque Lake Shinji, offering passengers breathtaking views during takeoff and landing. Thanks to its compact size and unique theme connected to the region's legends and myths, a truly soulful atmosphere prevails here.

Features and Highlights of the Airport

Izumo Airport stands out for its "Enmusubi" concept. Travellers can find numerous symbols here that bring luck in love and relationships, such as special heart-shaped wooden "ema" plaques on which one can write a cherished wish. On the third floor of the terminal, there is an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the runway and Lake Shinji, making the wait for a flight pleasant and relaxing.

The airport's gastronomic offerings allow you to experience local cuisine even before heading into the city. Terminal restaurants serve the famous Izumo soba buckwheat noodles, traditionally eaten from special round lacquered boxes, as well as dishes made from Shimane marbled beef. Souvenir shops offer a wide selection of local products, including sweets and delicacies made from Shijimi clams, for which the local lake is famous.

• Official Website: www.izumo-airport.co.jp
• Information Desk Phone: +81 853-72-7500 (Airport Information Centre)
• Address: 2767 Hikawa-cho Okisu, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken 699-0551, Japan
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website or the telephone number for enquiries.
• Social Media: Official social media accounts are not widely advertised. It is recommended to track all current information on the airport website.
• Lost and Found Information: For items lost within the terminal, please contact the Information Centre at +81 853-72-7500. If luggage was lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, you may contact the airport information service at the phone number listed above.

Getting to Izumo Airport (IZO) from the city centre of Izumo and neighbouring towns is quite simple thanks to the well-organised transport system of Japan. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose from several convenient options.

Public Transport: Buses

The most popular method, balancing price and convenience, is the Airport Limousine Bus. These buses operate on several key routes, connecting the airport with major transport hubs and attractions. Main directions include:

• JR Izumo-shi Station: The journey takes about 30 minutes. This is an ideal option if you are arriving in the city by train.
• JR Matsue Station: Travel time is approximately 45 minutes.
• Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine: Some routes go directly to this famous landmark, which is very convenient for tourists.

Bus schedules are usually coordinated with flight arrival and departure times. The fare is one of the most affordable options. There is no direct rail link to the airport, so the bus is the best choice for most travellers.

Taxi and Transfers

For maximum comfort and speed, you can take a taxi. The trip from central Izumo to the airport will take approximately 25-30 minutes. This is the most expensive option, but it may be justified if you are travelling with family, a large amount of luggage, or simply value personal space and wish to reach your destination without transfers. Taxi stands are located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to actively explore Shimane Prefecture and its surroundings, renting a car is an excellent solution. Offices of several major rental companies are located within the airport building. This gives you complete freedom of movement around this picturesque region. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, convenient parking is provided, offering both short-term and long-term rates.

Alternative Airports

When planning your trip, it is also worth considering other airports in the region that might be convenient depending on your route. The closest to Izumo is Miho Airport in Yonago. Other options include larger hubs such as Hiroshima Airport and Okayama Airport, as well as regional airports like Tottori and Oki, which serves the islands of the same name.

Izumo Airport (IZO) is a compact and modern regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure. You will not have to worry about complex transfers or long navigation, as there is only one passenger terminal here, serving both domestic departures and arrivals.

The terminal building has three floors, and its layout is extremely logical:

• 1st Floor: Airline check-in counters and the arrivals area are located here. Immediately after baggage claim, you enter the general hall where you can find information desks, car rental counters, and exits to bus stops and taxis.
• 2nd Floor: This is the departure zone. After checking in on the first floor, you proceed here for security screening. Shops, including those with local souvenirs and products, several restaurants and cafes, as well as the main waiting lounge before the boarding gates are also located here.
• 3rd Floor: The main feature of this floor is the excellent observation deck, offering views of the runway and the picturesque Lake Shinji. It is a wonderful place to pass the time while waiting for a flight.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between terminals. All procedures—from check-in to boarding—take place in one building. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, making navigation intuitively understandable. Signs in Japanese and English will help you orient yourself easily.

Thanks to the airport's small size, passing through check-in and security usually takes no more than 20-30 minutes. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport about an hour to an hour and a half before departure to check luggage without rushing and to enjoy the atmosphere or visit the shops. For travellers who value efficiency and peace of mind, Izumo Airport will be a pleasant discovery on your journey through Japan.

Izumo Airport (IZO) is not just an air gateway, but an important part of the region's history and culture. Its official opening took place on 30 June 1966. Initially, the airport was equipped with a modest runway 1,200 metres long, but its appearance was a key event for improving transport accessibility in Shimane Prefecture, bringing the ancient shrines of Izumo closer to tourists and pilgrims from all over Japan.

Since its foundation, the airport has gone through several significant stages of modernisation. As early as 1970, the runway was extended to 1,500 metres. However, the real breakthrough was the reconstruction of 1991, when the runway was expanded to 2,000 metres. This allowed for the accommodation of jet liners, which radically changed the region's logistics by opening direct flights to Tokyo and other major cities. The terminal infrastructure also developed: a new terminal was built in 1981, and in 2000 it was replaced by an even more modern and comfortable complex capable of serving the increased passenger flow.

Perhaps the most unique fact in the airport's history is its unofficial name. In 2010, it was given the nickname "Izumo En-musubi Kuko", which translates as "Izumo Matchmaking Airport". This name is directly linked to the region's main shrine, Izumo Taisha, dedicated to the deity of happy unions and marriage. Thus, the airport symbolically became the first step on the path to finding one's destiny for many travellers, transforming from an ordinary transport hub into an integral part of the local cultural code.

Izumo Airport (IZO) offers passengers all necessary amenities to make waiting for a flight comfortable and pleasant. Conditions for both rest and work have been created in the terminal, making it convenient for all categories of travellers.

For those wishing to have a snack or buy something for the road, the airport has restaurants and cafes where you can taste local and international cuisine. Shops present a wide selection of souvenirs, regional delicacies, and daily necessities. This is a great opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or a keepsake from your trip to Japan.

The airport features comfortable waiting lounges. Passengers seeking more privacy and quiet can utilise the services of the business lounge for an additional fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stands and power outlets are provided for charging electronic devices. Financial matters can be handled via ATMs and currency exchange points.

Izumo Airport cares about the well-being of its guests. A medical point operates on the premises, ready to provide first aid. For travellers with small children, nursing rooms equipped with changing tables and everything necessary for baby care are available. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance, and the terminal infrastructure, including ramps and adapted restrooms, is fully suited to their needs.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels are located nearby, easily accessible by taxi or public transport. For business travellers, business centre services or small conference rooms for meetings may be available.

Izumo Airport (IZO), despite its compact size, offers passengers a decent selection of establishments where one can have a snack or a full lunch before departure. The main focus is on authentic local cuisine, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience the gastronomic traditions of Shimane Prefecture. It is important to note that most restaurants and cafes are located in the public area (landside) before security control, so please plan your time accordingly.

For those wanting to enjoy a full meal, the main choices are the restaurants on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the terminal. The region's main gastronomic gem, which is a must-try, is Izumo-soba noodles. Unlike regular soba, it is darker, more aromatic, and served in unique three-tiered vessels. There are specialised establishments in the airport where you can order this iconic dish. Besides soba, other restaurants offer classic dishes of Japan: from hearty curry rice and donburi (rice with various toppings) to set meals known as teishoku.

If you do not have much time, cosy cafes are at your service. Here you can quickly drink a cup of coffee or tea, eat a sandwich, dessert, or light pastry. This is the ideal option for a quick snack before check-in or while waiting for arrivals. After passing security control (airside), the selection is significantly more modest and is usually limited to a small kiosk with drinks and snacks, as well as vending machines.

Restaurants and cafes at Izumo Airport usually operate from early morning until the departure of the last evening flight. Prices are generally in the mid-range. Regarding special dietary requirements, options may be limited. Vegetarians should check the ingredients of the soba broth (it is often fish-based). Finding certified Halal or gluten-free options can be challenging as specialised offerings are generally not available, so it is advisable to arrange your own food in advance. In any case, staff in Japan are usually very helpful and will try to assist you with your choice if possible.

To ensure your journey through Izumo Airport proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary stress, make use of these helpful tips. The airport serves primarily domestic flights, making it quite compact and convenient for navigation.

Arrival Time at the Airport: For domestic flights within Japan, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check luggage, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate without rushing. During peak seasons (for example, during national holidays), it is better to add another 30 minutes.

Check-in and Security Control: To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website if such an option is available. Self-service check-in kiosks are also available at the airport. Japanese airports are known for their efficiency, but always keep your identification and boarding pass ready for quick verification.

Seat Selection: If you want to enjoy views of the picturesque San'in region during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. For those who value comfort and the ability to stretch their legs or leave the cabin quickly after landing, an aisle seat is more suitable.

Hand Luggage: Remember the general rules: liquids are permitted in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Power banks and other batteries should be carried only in hand luggage, not in checked baggage.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, check with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Izumo Airport is small, so navigation between boarding gates will not take much time, but always leave a sufficient time buffer between flights.

Customs Control: Since Izumo Airport is oriented towards domestic transport, customs control is only undergone by passengers on rare international charter flights. In this case, the procedure is standard: goods exceeding established limits must be declared. There is no customs control on domestic flights.

Saving Time and Money: Book flight tickets in advance to get the best prices. You can get to the airport by shuttle bus, which is often cheaper than a taxi. Inside the terminal, there is free Wi-Fi, as well as several shops with souvenirs and snacks where you can pass the time.

In Case of Flight Delay: Monitor information on departure boards and in your airline's app. Do not hesitate to ask airline representatives for clarification. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. The terminal has comfortable waiting areas where you can wait out the delay.