Nightlife in Izumo

If Izumo has been added to your travel plans, it is highly likely that you intend to visit Izumo Taisha, the second most important Shinto shrine in Japan, and a major pilgrimage stop in Shimane. Understandably so, the majority of travelers only visit the power spot and then move on to their next destination. However, for those that like to dig in further and spend a couple of nights in the city, there is mellow night scene worth exploring; Here are our recommendations, all in the Nakamachi District, to extend the fun pass the torii gates and into the night.

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Meat Shop Saitou

To start off head to Meat Shop Saitou, a casual izakaya specializing in meat dishes and located on the west end of the Sun Road shotengai. The staff at Saitou take a few minutes to warm to new visitors, but once they do, they go all out to provide a memorable experience. This means cooking up mouthwatering dishes like their succulent miso oden and their juicy karubi beef. Weather permitting, the chefs also make good use of an outdoor grill to offer visitors the kind of grilled meat expected from a place branding itself as a meat shop. On our books, Meat Shop Saitou is an awesome place to get the night started and should not be missed.

Meat Shop Saitou

Travel Guide

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Tsubameya

For those less interested in meat and looking for a more varied food menu, Tsubameya is another well-known izakaya in Izumo, also located along the Sun Road shotengai. As opposed to Meat Shop Saito, Tsubameya’s menu focuses more on seafood and visitors will find typical treats like deep-fried oysters, sashimi platters, and grilled fish, accompanied by a variety of pickled side dishes. There’s something for all tastes though, and meat dishes are also available. The minimalist design and an English menu round up the offering and make this a good bet to get the night going in the right direction.

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Culture

Another favorite local hangout within close distance of the spots mentioned above is Culture. Running the show here is Katsube-san, the bilingual and mellow bartender who just happens to be known by many of the locals in the area. The most coveted seats here are at the bar counter which starts to fill up as the minutes go by. The drinks at Culture are meticulously prepared by Katsube-san and his team and can be accompanied with nachos, sausages, and the like.

The regulars here include a local bike shop owner, surfers, as well as some expats that contribute to making a Culture one of the best bars in the city. Katsube-san and his regulars also know a thing or two about spots off the beaten track around Shimane and picking their brain about local recommendations is a good idea.

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Guesthouse Itoan

When looking for a low-key night out in Izumo where you can catch up on your reading while sipping on a drink, walk over to Ogimachi Shotengai opposite Sun Road, and visit Guesthouse Itoan. This is one of the more popular guesthouses in town and no doubt a good place to stay for those looking for budget accommodation. But if a quiet drink is all that is needed, Itoan’s Lounge Ro is the go-to place to pair that drink with one of the 1,000 comics on hand, enjoy an improvised piano session (amateurs welcome), or one of the cultural events held on occasion. Staying guests can consume their own food at Lounge Ro while visitors can sample a menu of healthy and locally sourced food available every night.

Izumo Oyashiro(Izumo Taisha)