Izumo, Shimane

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**Izumo**
**出雲市**
Izumo's location in Shimane, Japan.
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Chūgoku (San'in)
Prefecture	Shimane
Physical characteristics
Area	543.48 km² (209.84 sq mi)
Population (as of January 2008)
Total	146,115
Density	269 /km² (697 /sq mi)
Location	35°22′N, 132°46′E
Symbols
Tree	Japanese Black Pine
Flower	Chrysanthemum
Flag
Izumo Government Office
Mayor	Masahiro Nishio
Address	〒693-8530 109-1 Imaichichō, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken
Phone number	0853-21-2211
Official website: Izumo City

Izumo soba, a variety of soba named after Izumo

Izumo (出雲市, Izumo-shi^?) is a city located in Shimane, Japan. Izumo is known for "Izumo soba" (noodles) and the Izumo Taisha shinto shrine.

1 Demographics
2 Transportation
3 History and Attractions
4 Town twinning
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Demographics

The modern city was founded on November 3, 1941.

As of 2003, the city had an estimated population of 87,940 and density of 510.30 persons per km². The total area was 172.33 km².

On March 22, 2005, the city merged with cities of Hirata and four cities from Hikawa District to form the new city of Izumo.

After the creation of the new city, as of 2008, the estimated total population is 146,115 and the combined area of the new city of Izumo is 543.48km².

[edit] Transportation

Izumo is serviced by two rail networks. The JR West Sanin Main Line, connecting Izumoshi Station to Okayama through Yonago and Matsue, and then continuing west past Oda along the coast to Hamada and Masuda.

The secondary rail network is the Ichibata Electric Railway. The Dentetsu Izumo-shi Station is the terminal, and the line runs from Izumo to Matsue, passing through and connecting Hirata. The Dentetsu line also branches out and runs to Izumo Taisha from Kawato Station.

Izumo Airport serves the city.

[edit] History and Attractions

The Takase River is a canal that runs through the centre of Izumo. Beginning at the Hiikawa River, the canal runs directly across the Izumo town. Constructed by Okaji Shichibei, a developer, in 1670, the Takase was the first canal ever constructed in the then Matsue domain. Before Okaji began his agricultural developments, the Izumo area was infertile and unable to support crops. Thanks to Okaji's developments, the area became an important region for the growing of rice and grain in the Matsue area.

Izumo Dome is a venue located just north of the city proper. It has the distinction of being Japan's largest wooden building at 49 metres high, 143 metres diameter. It is used for sports and events such as baseball and soccer matches as well as other events including sumo. It is a prominent symbol of Izumo, and can be seen from a distance from the train passing towards Hamada.

In November each year is the Orochi Festival. Celebrating the myth of Susano slaying the fearsome Orochi snake that would come to take one girl from the village every year, a long mock snake is paraded through the streets with dancers following.