was an old province of Japan which today consists of the eastern part of Shimane Prefecture. It was sometimes called . The province is in the Chà «goku region.
During the early Kofun period (3rd century), the Izumo region was independent and constructed rectangular tumuli. In the fourth century, this region saw the construction of rectangular and key-shaped tumuli.
During the 6th or 7th century it was absorbed due to the expansion of the Yamato Kingship, within which it assumed the role of a sacerdotal domain. The Old Japanese version of its place name is Idumo.
Today, Izumo Shrine, alongside Ise Shrine, constitutes the most important sacred place in Shinto: it is dedicated to the kami à Âkuninushi, mythical progeny of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and all the clans of Izumo Province. The mythological mother of Japan, the goddess Izanami, is said to be buried on Mount Hiba at the border of the old provinces of Izumo and Hà Âki, near Yasugi in Shimane Prefecture.
By the Sengoku period, Izumo had lost much of its importance. It was dominated prior to the Battle of Sekigahara by the MÃ Âri clan, and after Sekigahara, it became an independent fief with a castle town at Matsue.
In Japanese mythology, the entrance to Yomi, the land of the dead, was located in the province and was sealed by the god Izanagi by placing a large boulder over it.