Station Taisha Goen Hiroba

Discover the Heart of Izumo at Taisha Goen Hiroba

Nestled in the serene countryside of Izumo City, Taisha Goen Hiroba stands as a welcoming roadside station at the gateway to one of Japan’s most sacred sites. Located in the historic repair village of Shujiin, it offers travelers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forests and traditional farmland. More than just a rest stop, this station blends culture, nature, and local craftsmanship into a vibrant community space.

Visitors are drawn to its well-curated Izumo Product Pavilion, where regional specialties like local sake, handcrafted souvenirs, and seasonal produce are proudly displayed. With ample free parking for cars and large buses, the station is easily accessible for day-trippers and tour groups alike. Whether exploring nearby shrines or enjoying a quiet moment with a local brew, Taisha Goen Hiroba offers a genuine taste of Izumo’s heritage and hospitality.

Taisha Goen Hiroba offers a rare chance to taste the region’s only artisanal sake brewed from locally grown rice in the sacred waters of the Shimane region. Adjacent to the famed Izumo Taisha Shrine, the roadside station features a dedicated space for traditional craft workshops, where visitors can create their own sacred prayer tokens using age-old methods. This immersive cultural experience, paired with exclusive access to limited-edition seasonal rice crackers made from heirloom grains, makes it a destination unlike any other.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit by 9:30 AM on weekends to secure a spot at the bakery counter, where fresh milk bread is baked daily and typically sells out by 11:00 AM
• Hidden Gems: Head to the deli counter near the entrance to find the seasonal Kurokawa Miso Soup—a regional specialty made with local soybean paste and available only from October to December
• Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the local crafts stall near the east entrance features handmade Oki Island pottery that is not sold elsewhere at the roadside station
• Parking Advantage: Use the dedicated bus parking area (5 spaces) when visiting on weekends, as it’s reserved for tour groups and allows direct access to the food hall without walking through the main parking lot
• Best Buy: Purchase the Yamabuki Sake Set at the on-site liquor counter before 4:00 PM, as it’s offered at a 10% discount only during the afternoon hours
• Local Insight: Ask staff at the information desk about the Hiroba Festival schedule—held every third Saturday of the month—when temporary vendors sell handmade Izumo-style rice crackers not available in regular product lines
• Timing Tip: Avoid 12:30–1:30 PM on weekdays when the cafeteria is busiest; instead, eat lunch at the adjacent picnic area with a view of the Shinto shrine grounds for a quieter experience

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the market.

Summer (June–August): Local summer festivals occur in July, and fresh mountain vegetables are harvested.

Autumn (September–November): Persimmons ripen in October, and chestnuts are harvested in November.

Winter (December–February): Hot sake and seasonal snacks are featured during winter months.