Get in step with the gods at Masuya Ryokan. This traditional inn is located a literal stone’s throw away — if even — from Izumo Taisha.
Located about a three-minute walk away from the Kamimukae no Michi, the path said to welcome 8 million gods during the Month of the Gods in Izumo, Masuya Inn dates back to the late Edo period. It offers a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere and indoor baths fed by the area’s only hot spring.
What’s the hotel like?
Masuya Inn is a traditional ryokan or Japanese-style hotel. With sliding doors and a serene Japanese garden beyond the windows, you’ll feel the sense of history as soon as you step in.
Similar to other traditional Japanese hotels, you’ll only be able to check in at 3 p.m. or later, and checkout is bright and early at 10 a.m. When you check in, you’ll be asked to decide what time you’d like to have dinner and breakfast (if you reserved them).
What facilities does the hotel have?
The hotel has free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine (only available during limited hours), yukata to wear inside the hotel, and perhaps most importantly, indoor, segregated baths fed by the area’s only hot spring.
The inn’s hot spring is a colorless, clear sodium-chloride spring (hypotonic, alkaline, low temperature) known for helping with neuralgia, muscle and joint pain, bruises, and fatigue. Bathing hours are a bit limited though, and you’ll need to get a dip in between 7–9 a.m. and 5–10 p.m.
What are the rooms like?
The rooms are Japanese-Western style, with tatami flooring and beds. Sizes range from 10 tatami mat rooms or 16.5m2 with a maximum occupancy of two people, to 20 tatami mat rooms or 22.8 2 that can fit up to six people.
Are the rooms comfortable?
Although slightly dated, the rooms are comfortable. Unusual for an inn with so much history, you actually do get your own bathroom and shower area as well, which is convenient.
What’s the view like?
This depends on the room, but you may get lucky and get a view of the Japanese garden outside. That being said, you’re so close to Izumo Taisha that you won’t feel like you’re missing out on stunning views. Just walk over a few minutes and you’ll be within the shrine grounds, complete with towering pines, flowing river, and deep green foliage.
Should I order the dinner and breakfast?
The short answer: probably yes.
Adding both dinner and breakfast will set you back about ¥14,000 extra per person, on top of the room charge, while breakfast only costs under ¥2,000 per person.
However, besides a few restaurants that typically close quite early in the day — think around 5 p.m. — there aren’t too many options around Izumo Taisha. For that reason, it’s safer to book dinner.
If you can spare the extra chunk of change, it’s worth nothing that the meals are half the reason to stay at a ryokan. Our dinner at Masuya included local specialties like Shimane wagyu beef, nodoguro or blackthroat seaperch, sashimi, tempura, and a dessert of local melon. Paired with the local sake sample set, it was a luxurious meal, to say the least. Also, it was served in our room, which felt extra luxe.
Breakfast, meanwhile, is served upstairs in the dining room. Typical ryokan breakfasts involve rice, pickles, fish, and miso soup — at Masuya, the miso soup came enriched with local shijimi clams from Lake Shinji.
How is the location?
Masuya Inn is located right by Izumo Taisha. It is, in fact, the closest you can get to the shrine without sleeping on the shrine grounds (and you can’t do that). For that reason alone, it is worth the price.
How is the access to trains and subway?
The hotel is about a 15-minute walk from Izumo Taisha-mae Station on the Ichibata Railway.
There are also bus stops in the vicinity.
How do I get there from Izumo Airport?
Take the limousine bus from Izumo Airport. After about a 40-minute ride, you’ll be dropped off within the shrine’s main approach, which is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?
The hotel is right next to Izumo Taisha. The approach to the shrine has some restaurants, cafes, and a beer stand, among others. However, opening hours may be limited.
Inasa-no-Hama is within an easy walk (about 15 minutes on foot).
Who should stay here?
Masuya Inn is designed for the traveler keen on a culturally rich stay — with a healthy dose of relaxation. The location is incredible, and having access to the area’s only hot spring is a treat. The surrounding neighborhood is quiet and you’ll feel immersed in nature, despite being just a short walk away from the train station.
Tips and tricks for the best stay
- Get up early and explore Izumo Taisha before the crowds descend
- Check out the shrine grounds by moonlight and try to spot fireflies (mid-late June)
- Admire the Japanese garden