Izumo Airport

Opened in 1966, the Izumo Enmusubi Airport (airport code IZO) is conveniently located within about 30 minutes of Shimane Prefecture's cultural hubs of Izumo and Matsue. The airport has inbound and outbound flights to a number of Japan's larger metropolitan areas, including Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Itami), Fukuoka, and Nagoya, as well as the Oki Islands.

The airport isn't directly connected to Izumo or Matsue by rail, but there are bus services available. The bus routes head to the JR Matsue Station, Matsue Shinjiko Onsen, JR Izumo City Station, Izumo Taisha Shrine, and Tamatsukuri Onsen. Fare details and timetables can be found on the airport's website.

Despite being a smaller regional airport, you'll still find a number of fun things to keep you occupied while you're waiting for your flight. There are several cute photo spots with statues of Shimanekko, the prefecture's mascot, displays relating to local mythology, and even a section where you can write your relationship wishes on an ema (a small wooden plaque used for writing prayers or dreams). You can either take your ema with you as a souvenir, or hang it in the dedicated area by the 2nd floor departure lobby. Eventually, the ema hanging there are passed on to Yaegaki Shrine, which is famous for people looking for relationship success.

For those who plan on continuing their journey around Shimane via private vehicle, there are a range of car rental companies available at the airport. There is a reception area for the individual rental companies in the arrivals lobby.