What to know
The Former Taisha Station (旧大社駅, Kyū Taisha Eki) was the terminal of the now-defunct JR Taisha Line. Opened in 1912 and operating until 1990, it once served as the main gateway to Izumo Taisha Shrine. While the tracks and other stations have disappeared, Taisha Station remains as a museum.
Built in 1924, the station is a fine example of Imperial Crown-style architecture, which blended traditional Japanese design elements with modern public buildings in the 1920s and 30s. Its wooden structure, curved tiled roofs, and ridgepole ornaments make it a striking symbol of that era.
Inside, mannequins in railway uniforms stand beside old ticket machines, photographs, and historical equipment. A preserved steam locomotive sits outside on a short stretch of remaining track. Designated an Important Cultural Property in 2004, it is one of only three train stations from the Taisho Period to receive this honor, alongside Tokyo Station and Mojiko Station.
The Former Taisha Station is a 10-15 minute walk south of Izumo Taisha-mae Station or about 15-20 minutes south of Izumo Taisha Shrine.
How to get to and around Izumo Hours 9:00 to 16:30 Closed Wednesdays (or following day if Wednesday is a national holiday) Admission 300 yen Questions? Ask in our forum.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 16:30
- Closed
- Wednesdays (or following day if Wednesday is a national holiday)
- Admission
- 300 yen (~$1.92)
- English name
- Original name
- Former Taisha Station
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.