Sumo was first mentioned in a Kojiki manuscript dating back to 712 describing how possession of the Japanese islands was decided in a wrestling match between the divine being (Kami) Takemikazuchi and Takeminakata. It is only several years later, around 720, that the first Sumo match between mortals took […]
Read more
Mount Fuji, located on Honshū, is the highest volcano in Japan at 3,776.24m. Mount Fuji is one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains" along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. It is also a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and one of Japan's Historic Sites. [...]
Read more
Ohnan town and district is not what one can call a true tourist hot-spot when compared to many other locations within Shimane prefecture. Honestly, this is exactly why we love Ohnan town and district so much! [...]
Read more
Located deep in a mountainous district of Shimane in the village of Omori, you will find Iwami Ginzan, a historic silver mine now turned museum/attraction that was designated as a World Heritage Site in July 2007. Small in size compared to today’s standard, it is said that the […]
Read more
Iwami Ginzan Village who’s official name is Omori Town, is located in the Oda mountain of Shimane, a beautiful mountain village famous for its silver. While most silver in the surrounding mines have been extracted, Iwami Ginzan Village is still thriving thanks to its many temples and of course […]
Read more
The terraced rice fields of San-nouji, are the pride and joy of Shimane residents and are considered some of Japan’s best. With about 200 rice paddies stretched out over a hillside landscape 300 meters above sea level, San-nouji terraced rice fields are also a place for people […]
Read more
Built-in 1776 Gohyaku-rakan is located in the silver mining village of Omori in Oda in the Iwami area of shimane. Gohyaku-rakan is a Shingon Buddhist temple designed as a memorial service for all working miners of the silver mines in the area. [...]
Read more
Located in Yamanashi prefecture just 30 minutes away from Mount Fuji, Kai Saruhashi is officially listed as a Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan. It is also ranked as one of Japan’s three most unique bridges alongside Kintai Bridge and the famous Shinkyo Bridge. [...]
Read more
Located in the heart of the silver rush is the mining city of Oda. Also known as Iwami Ginzan, you will find the beautiful little shrine of Kigami. With its Shimenawa (enclosing rope) hanging in front of the main entrance and the beautiful dragon painted on the main hall ceiling […]
Read more
Suga Shrine, located in Daito-cho in Unnan City, is dedicated to Susanoo, a powerful storm god and his wife Kushinada-hime (also known as Inada-hime) who both settled there after their marriage and the defeat of the Orochi (Yamata No Orochi). Suga Shrine is also known as […]
Read more
Right in the center of Shimane Okuizumo prefectural nature park with it's amazing mountains and forests is the scenic Oni no Shitaburi Gorge. The name Oni-no-shitaburi is derived from the Izumo Fudoki ancient story: “Wani-no-shitaburu”, where a shark fell in love with the goddess of […]
Read more
Today’s video is special as we are giving you the chance to enjoy in its entirety (over 31 minutes) one of Japan's most famous Iwami Kagura plays : Orochi! Literally meaning “Entertaining the gods” Kagura is a sacred Japanese dance and music ritual dedicated to the gods of Shinto […]
Read more
