Heartland Japan

07/06/2024

With this two days, I realized that I came to one of the most suggested places to go in Western of Japan during summer!
If you want to get good grip of what Japanese culture is and want to get away from the crowds, come to Shimane prefecture!

Our boss and I were invited from Shimane tourism bureau and Tsuwano to brush up one of the traditional Japanese ceremony that Tsuwano has been passing down for more than 400years. This ceremony, Sagimai, is now registered in the World Heritage Site and the community is trying their best to spread the message out into the world.
We are here to support the community for a one year working with the government, city, accommodation, local shops and the chairman of this ceremony.

Our team is to create a tour in Tsuwano that travelers can get more in deep connections with the local people and enjoy this ceremony from many angles.
The festival is to pray towards the god to sweep away the bad spirits and diseases that spreads around every summer.
Not fancy, not dynamic and it’s not a rare ritual. Rather common to pray towards god for such matter.
But what is fascinating about this ceremony is that it’s not commercialized like other festivals you see around in Japan. AUTHENTIC!!!
Man dressed as White Heron dancing in every main cross road and the red demons swinging their long furry sticks to drive away the spirits from the heron.

As we always do,
Our mission starts off by meeting the key person of this ceremony and the community who are willing to accept inbound travelers and this project.
Greeting, discussing, negotiating, laughing, smiling, discovering, and taking time to learn about the life around the custom are all so precious.
Everytime I join a project like this makes me realize how grateful to meet all these people who has passion and knowledge about their culture and how normal it is for them but so special for us.

We met the chairman of this ceremony and told us that this is originally from Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine. The pray in Kyoto has vanished but here it still lives and is still passed down to young generations.

Gathering all the knowledge and thoughts about this ceremony, we now carefully plan our next step.

Stay tuned for our next post: Monitor Tour in July!

31/03/2024

We are pleased to announce that our Senior Travel Consultant, Hikaru Nishijima, was interviewed in the Yomiuri Shimbun’s feature “Economic Frontline: Strategies in Focus,” which also highlighted the activities of us .

You can view the article here.

Featured Article(Japanese):
[Economic Frontline: Strategies in Focus] Liberta Nagano Branch – Senior Travel Consultant Hikaru Nishijima
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/nagano/feature/CO060192/20240326-OYTAT50012/

Our company has been committed to destination development in Nagano Prefecture for many years.

In addition to developing experiential content for visitors and creating tours, we are dedicated to training guides and DMO staff.

While travelers from Asia tend to show a high interest in photogenic spots, gourmet food, pop culture, famous tourist destinations, luxurious experiences, and resorts, seasoned travelers from Europe, America, and Australia, who value adventure travel, tend to seek “authentic Japan” (authenticity).

For gourmet, they prefer local cuisine over mainstream dishes. Instead of pop culture, they are drawn to traditional performing arts and crafts. Rather than famous tourist spots, they seek out destinations known only to connoisseurs.

Instead of luxurious experiences, they seek experiences that hold personal meaning and significance. Over relaxation at resorts, they opt for challenges.

That is precisely why there is an opportunity in Japan’s countryside.

Our company recognizes the charms of the countryside that Japanese people may overlook.

The old traditional ways of life that the younger generation tends to undervalue.

The values held by our grandparents’ generation.

The rural outdoors, a natural environment that offers challenges and a sense of achievement through various activities.

We are passionate about globally perpetuating these regional values that, if neglected, might otherwise be lost, passing them down to the next generation.

The experiential content and tours that are created are taken over by our travel division. If the regional development department is the entrance, then the travel division is the exit. The products developed by the administrative consulting team (regional development department) are sold to the European, American, and Australian markets by the travel division, which actually brings visitors to the region.

It’s not just about creation; by actively selling to travelers on a daily basis, we realize the circulation of foreign currency within the region.

Currently, not limited to Nagano Prefecture, we are actively promoting tourism throughout every corner of the country, including Kyushu, Shikoku, the Chugoku region, as well as Kansai, Kanto, Tohoku, and Hokkaido.

At the moment, we are extremely busy, thanks to everyone’s support, and we find ourselves in a situation where the work seems endless. There is a need to bolster our staff, and we are recruiting for our travel division staff with experience working in travel agencies, as well as those with consulting experience in the travel sector.

We are also open to coordinating local reception environment improvements and inviting monitor tours and FAM tours.

Please contact us at [email protected]

The inbound tourism industry is shifting from a phase of learning to one of implementation. Let’s work together to revitalize the regions.

22/02/2024

Heartland Japan will soon host its first Webinar! It is free of charge and open to everyone, so please feel free to join us as we unveil one of Japan’s many hidden gems!

If you have not registered yet, the deadline is on February 26th at 23:00 (Japan time).

There are still spots available, so don't miss out! For additional information, please click the link below.

https://mailchi.mp/heartlandjapan.com/save-the-dateour-first-free-webinar-on-japans-old-trails-is-almost-here?fbclid=IwAR1hLVVZX6HpPYt9OEBGstTQkmJQuo-VK9QqlBwxKaSamPsg5mrhQ1m1u94_aem_AUEOFIPpgXJpk7at1nAx2NQtTBZR0l3LybVijxzNsYXWJh-3F2g4Fa4P5b3GOgKFlLA

14/02/2024

We have released brand new footage of Eastern Hokkaido, Japan.

You can meet true Japanese origins there with great nature.

Enjoy beyond Japan powder snow!

The Real Origins of Japan, Before the Samurai EraExpedition to meet the real Japanese origins in East Hokkaido“Snowshoeing and Ainu Culture Experience”Explor...

09/02/2024

MUST SEE for travel agencies looking for an enriching hiking tour experience in Japan!
The date for Heartland Japan's first Webinar has finally been set. For additional information, please click the link below.

https://mailchi.mp/heartlandjapan.com/free-webinar-for-companies-that-want-to-know-more-about-the-hidden-japan-heratland-japan?fbclid=IwAR2EJjmEZrNzu4nF3B9ABQFgyv-s5NFNNAsPO04l5c3JL4Awmp2j1gwHHyY

01/02/2024

今年は梅の開花が早い！
Plum blossoms are blooming already! Seems like Japan will be expecting an early spring, faster than we thought it will be.
In Yamaguchi, Sakura (cherry blossom) are to start blooming around beginning of March if it doesn’t snow anymore or gets warmer😱

28/01/2024

Iwami Kagura in Yunotsu🎭

28/01/2024

Greetings from our monitor tour in Yunotsu, Shimane Prefecture. After having a fantastic dinner at "Masuya", we enjoyed watching Iwami Kagura.

Iwami Kagura is a form of kagura from the Iwami region, in western Shimane. Kagura began as a religious ritual, usually involving song and dance, performed in dedication to Shinto gods. Each ritual also tells a story, usually from Japanese mythology. Many regions of Japan have their own forms of kagura but Iwami Kagura really stands apart with its unique costumes and performance.

The performance was amazing!! If you ever travel to Shimane prefecture you shouldn't miss it ☺️!!

15/01/2024

Love walking and hiking? How well do you know about the old trails in Japan? How would you discribe from one to the other? Heartland Japan is going to hold a webinar in Feburary talking about the various hiking trails. Followed by the famous trail; the Kumano Kodo but narrowing it down on the trail in Mie prefecture; Iseji Route. Join us to hear about what our special gusests thought abour the trail. They have recently walking this trail within 12 days, both from overseas and was their first time to do this trail.
Come and join from clicking on to this newsletter and answering our survey. ***Dates are to be annouced shortly.

https://mailchi.mp/heartlandjapan.com/heartland-japan-1st-webinar-will-be-held?fbclid=IwAR0cdYNgxInLz5npBAqOcjzhU56FCJJW5qpRpQqKva1NBBE4glIQl5Bnr9Q

16/12/2023

It was our last day today! Unbelievable how fast 12 days past by.
From our hotspring hotel we took a shuttle bus to Nachi station. From there we walked to Fudarakusanji Temple, where a restored boat was placed. Between the ninth and eighteenth centuries, priests would load their boats with enough food and oil for 30 days and sail towards Fudaraku, a mythical place thought to be the Pure Land of Kannon located in the far southern seas. This temple marked the beginning of their journey.

In the temple our local guide and nun Midori showed us the Nachi Pilgrimage Mandala, a panoramic view of one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Japan.
This mandala describes the pilgrimage route to the highest point of Nachi. Upon listening to the explanation of the Nachi Pilgrimage Mandala we walked the last path of the pilgrimage route.

The next stop was Daimon-zaka, an impressive cobblestone staircase slope that runs from the base of the valley to Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi waterfall. It is lined with centuries-old Japanese cedars, cypress, camphor trees and bamboo groves.

After climbing up 467 stone steps we encountered Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. It enshrines the 12 deities of Kumano and the deity of Nachi Falls. Together with Nachisan Seigantoji Temple, they have been at the center of Kumano's nature worship since ancient times. The shrine is part of the Kumano Sanzan, the three grand shrines of Kumano, along with Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Just next to it we saw Japan's largest vertical drop waterfall, the Nachi Falls. With an awe-inspiring 133 meter drop the dynamic view of the falls and the 3-story ancient red pagoda was definitely one of the most beautiful sceneries of our tour.

Then it was time to say goodbye to everyone. A big thank you to all, who organized this tour and shared this wonderful memories with us.

15/12/2023

Day 11 of our Kumano Kodo FAM Tour.
Unfortunately it started not with the best weather. It was raining heavily but that didn't stop us from our plans.
We had to walk around 50 minutes until we arrived where our boat departed from.
We road on a "Sandanbo" (a traditional sail boat) as the ancient people during their pilgrimage.
In the old days, the abdicated Emperor and noblemen used river boats to travel between Kumano-Hongu Taisha Shrine and Kumano-Hayatama Taisha Shrine. Because of that exceptionally unique historical background, Kumanogawa River was registered for the first time in the world as the World Heritage in the form of the river itself.
Until today we stayed in Mie prefecture, however after crossing the river we entered Wakayama prefecture.

We visited Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine. It is one of the Three Kumano Sanzan Shrines, along with Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. People believe it was made to to worship the gods who had descended to earth on Gotobiki-iwa Rock in Kamikura-Jinja Shrine.

Just a few minutes from there is the Kamikura Shrine. It is related to the Hayatama Taisha Shrine and can be found on top of a hill of 538 stone steps, some as steep as 45 degrees. Next to the shrine is a giant rock and its said that the ancient people believed that the giant rock "Gotobiki Iwa" on top of the cliff was believed to be the home of the gods. Unfortunately because of the heavy rain we weren't able to go up the stairs.

Then we moved on by bus to our lunch place "calle & flor de maria". It was an amazing place next to the beach. It is a second hand shop combined with a cafe.
The interior of the cafe was amazing, with flower tables and a stunning ocean view. They also sell incredible cute edible flower sweets.

We moved on with the bus and visited the Ugui Visitor Center, that provides information on the natural environment, culture, and history of the Ugui Peninsula and Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Followed by that we went up the observation deck! We had a great view over the sea from there and as highlight of the day we visited the spectacular coastline with high waves crashing against the rocks. Sooo~ beautiful.

14/12/2023

Already Day 10! Time flies!
We headed on foot to Matsumoto-toge Pass.
The path is fairly easy and suitable for all levels of walkers. At the summit is a stone statue of Jizo, showing the scars of an encounter with a hunter, who is said to have mistaken the statue for a demon. You can still see where the bullet grazed the statue.
Just a little up on the side we encountered a covered pavilion, with spectacular views over Shichiri-mihama Beach.
From there the path proceeds downhill to the village. After keeping walking for several minutes we reached the beach side.

Followed by that we saw the "Lion Rocks", a peculiar rock that looks like a lion barking toward Kumano Beach. It is a world heritage, natural treasure and scenic spot.

Just across the street we had our next stop: Hananoiwaya. It is also notable for being one of the oldest shrines in Japan and the most distinctive feature of it is its sacred object, Iwaza (giant rock). Matching the Lion Rocks we saw before this shrine has two guardians in form of a lion, which you can see on the left and right when you enter the the path to the shrine.

For lunch we stopped by a Roadside Station, where we had a mandarin juice tasting. We were each able to try 3 types with varying levels of sweetness, sourness, and bitterness to gain an understanding of the extensive variety of citrus in this region.

Our final destination was the Kounouchi Shrine, an enchanting place that transported us to another world. The meaning of this shrine is "tree of easy child delivery". There is a tree that holds a big rock between its roots, which looks just like a woman about to give birth. You can see numerous baby bibs hung on the gate as a token of gratitude shown by those who received some benefit by praying at this tree.

13/12/2023

Today marked the 9th day of our Kumano Kodo Tour. A 13 km walk awaited us.

First, we entered the Nigishima-toge Pass, a World Heritage site. Nigishima is known for its long history of whaling. We encountered a whale memorial, built long ago as an expression of compassion and gratitude towards nature. The forest consists of Japanese cypress and cedar trees, along with a moss-covered stone path that has a moderate slope up and down. In addition you can find deserted fields and a stone wall, that used to be rice paddies, originally built to keep wild boars out.
The Nigishima-toge Pass leads into the Okamizaka-toge Pass. Phonetically, one who knows some Japanese might think Okami-zaka (wolf-pass) got its name because wolves often appeared there. But a closer look at the Chinese characters reveals another meaning, "where deities meet" because this was the
border between the deities of Kumano and Ise.

Shortly after crossing the pass we enjoyed a dazzling view of Atashika Beach, followed by eating lunch at "Atashika Days", where we were served fresh orange juice and a vegetable curry.

In the afternoon we followed the route next to the ocean and visited the beautiful village Hadasu, full of flowers and citruses.
There we came over a chinese shrine named Jofuku no Miya, which is more than 2000 years old. The shrine was named after a doctor, working for the chinese emperor.
He was ordered to seek for the elixir of life - a medicine tree - in this area, as it promised everlasting life.

Followed by this we entered the Obuki-toge Pass, which is the oldest stone path of the Iseji-Route. This was an enjoyable route with its gentle slopes, great views, and peaceful atmosphere. Once we came down from the mountain, the sight of the coast washed away all the tiredness from our walk.

For dinner, we learned how to make Mehari-zushi at our accommodation - so much fun and yummy!!!

12/12/2023

Ina-ji & Kiso-ji Joint Tourism Council
Participating in Visit Japan Travel & MICE Mart (VJTM) 2023

Hello friends of Heartland!

At the end of the year in Japan, traditional shimenawa (sacred rice straw ropes) decorations, which are displayed at the entrance of houses to welcome the gods in the new year, are on display at many stores!!

As part of the Ina-ji & Kiso-ji (including Nakasendo) Joint Tourism Council, which Heartland has been assisting for the past several years, we promoted travel contents from Kiso and Ina Valleys at VJTM (Oct. 26th - 28th at Intex Osaka)!

This year, the representatives from DMOs in both valleys participated in business meetings together on a daily basis. It was a pleasure to promote the contents with these local people.

Of the 31 slots for all business meetings, 29 were filled, mainly by the travel agencies based in Europe and North America. With the increased demand for travel to Japan after COVID-19, all meetings were very lively.

Many travel agencies dealing with the Nakasendo commented on the difficulty of securing lodging and English-speaking guides particularly during the green season. We also found that these travel agencies are looking for attractive destinations around Nakasendo as well.

Another interesting finding was the growing interest among younger staff in sustainability in a broader sense, for example, in program content that allows their clients to contribute as travelers to the preservation of local traditional crafts.

Currently, majority of international visitors to the Nakasendo experience almost only “walking” around Magome, Tsumago, and Narai, and other contents such as other historical trails and traditional crafts are still not well known. Furthermore, the neighboring Minami-Shinshu and Kamiina regions in Ina Valley, which have long been deeply connected to Kiso through human flow and logistics, are not yet known, even though they are accessible within an hour from Kiso and have many attractive natural and cultural contents that are different from those in Kiso.

The goal of Heartland’s support to the Joint Council for this year is to create tour products that connect Nakasendo and surrounding areas with unique and attractive themes. Based on the feedback we received at the VJTM, we will create tour products that allow international visitors to experience the great nature, traditional crafts, and people's lives in Ina and Kiso Valleys!

These products will be released before next spring.
Please stay tuned!

12/12/2023

This month we have returned to trek the same Kumano Kodo route as last month with a new group. So we want to share our experiences with you from day 8.
A part of our group had breakfast at the Spanish restaurant "Al Ralenti". The freshly baked Focaccia was amazing; very fluffy with a variety of local vegetables inside.

We then began hiking. Our first leg lead us to Mikisato-toge Pass. There we did a short forest bathing breathing exercise and united with the ancient forest.

After that we went to Hago-toge Pass, where we saw "Shishi gaki", stone walls built to protect the rice fields from wild animals. Shortly after we passed a small shrine with a ph***ic offering for the mountain godness that's said to inhabit this place. It is said that she becomes happy when she sees something more ugly than herself.

Following our passage through this trail, we reached Katakoen Park. The Spanish restaurant had prepared very delicous burger and potatoes for our lunch.

Then we headed to Asuka Shrine, framed by thousand-year-old camphor trees. At this shrine people pray for abunant harvest.

The last trail we mastered today was Hobo-toge-Pass, which was much tougher than our morning hike. We received "Waraji" (straw sandals), from one of the tour organizers, that made it easier to navigate the slippery roots and rocks.

In the evening we all cooked Japanese homemade food at our accommodation together. It was so much fun!

04/12/2023

December 3rd, 2023 Chichibu Yomatsuri

The Chichibu Yomatsuri (Night Festival) is the grand festival of Chichibu Shrine. People pull gorgeous floats around Chichibu, while kabuki is performed inside the floats. Fireworks light up the night sky and attract many visitors.

The Chichibu Night Festival has a rich history dating back over 300 years. Its origins are rooted in the Edo period (1603-1868) when the local lord, seeking to boost the economy and foster community spirit, initiated the festival. The event was initially held to pray for a good harvest and protect the region from natural disasters.

02/12/2023

The last day of our tour, we started with a half-drive, half-hiking tour at Hagi Okan, as there wasn't enough time for a full hike.
Hagi Okan is a Japanese highway completed in the Edo period. It is 52.7 km in length and extends from the castle town of Hagi, capital of the old Nagato Province, to Mitajiri of the old Suo Province (today's Hofu City). There, we walked on a beautiful stone path through the wood.

After that, we had a short stop at the
Hagi Okan Tea Room, a preserved building that was formerly the residence of the Kobayashi family. Today, it is used as an information center. Inside the facility, explanatory panels about the Sazanami area and Hagi Okan are displayed and local products are sold.

In the afternoon, we visited Tokoji Temple. This place has beautiful wooden temple buildings and offers visitors a moment of serenity. We were lucky to see maple leaves as well. 🍁
If you sneak behind the main temple building, you can find a burial ground which is enveloped in the surrounding forest.

After Tokoji Temple, we went up to Tatokoyama Mountain. It is a mountain with an altitude of 373 meters, and you can see the entire city of Hagi from the observation deck at the top of the mountain. Highly recommend!

Our last stop today was Kikugahama Beach.
It's a beautiful beach with white sands and green pines. You can see Mt. Shizuki as well as the islands floating in the sea. So beautiful and soothing.

01/12/2023

Today we are already in Hagi, a city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan. It is known for being the birthplace of Hagi ware, a type of Japanese pottery.
As Hagi is also surrounded by mountains, our first stop for today was Kasayama, a small volcano with a nice pond at its base. Its name, which literally means “sedge hat mountain,” comes from the mountain’s resemblance to a type of wide-brimmed sedge hat called an ichimegasa. At the end of the trail at the summit, there was a small crater about 30 meters in diameter and depth, which visitors can descend into via a flight of stairs or circle around via a short path. Right next to it was a cozy cafe on the observatory. The view from there was breathtaking.
What was really pretty about this mountain was the changing scenery we had during the walk, from bamboo trees to camellia groves over stone paths, followed by many bitter summer orange places.

Following the hike, we had lunch at "Dondon Udon," which is loved by the inhabitants of the city.
After lunch, we headed to the castle ruins that are located in the pleasant Shizuki Park, followed by a hike to the 665m high Mount Shizuki, whose peak can be reached in a twenty-minute hike. At the top of the mountain is the Tsumenomaru, a fallback position in case of a siege. The Tsumenomaru itself is divided into two baileys ringed with stone walls and having multiple watchtowers.

The next place we visited was "Hamasaki." Hamasaki was the main port of Hagi Castle Town during the early part of the Edo period. Today, over 100 buildings are preserved as part of the historical district, and you can feel as if you are in old times when you walk through this part of the city.

The last stop for today was Hagi Meirin Gakusha, a former school that turned into an interesting history museum. The building is a combination of visitor center, museum, cafe, and rest center. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Information is available in English as well.

30/11/2023

We started Day 2 in Tsuwano with a cycling tour. We were guided by the lovely Hazuki, who does the tour in Japanese, English, or French. The theme of the tour is "Connect with cultures that preserve time and feel the preciousness of history." Hazuki used the 100 views of Tsuwano by Kurimoto, which we saw yesterday at the Tsuwano Japan Heritage Center, to show us the places from ancient times compared with today. The pictures depict the former daily life and history of the area, and we were able to see that most places are still preserved by the City Tswuwano. Thanks to Hazuki‘s cheerful character, we got a great overview of Tsuwano City. Thaaaank you so much!!! We highly recommend this cycling tour!

After the tour, we needed a little warm-up and energy boost, so we had lunch at a small, local soba shop run by an old married couple. There is also an English menu and vegetarian options.

The second part consisted of "treasure hunting“ for Heartland Japan. We were checking ancient routes which can‘t be accessed completely now due to uncontrolled growth, and we are now considering to and from where and in what way (on foot or mountain bike) we can use these routes for our future itineraries. You can be excited for next year.

Last but not least, we visited the Moriogai Museum. Mori Ogai, who had roots in Tsuwano, was a Japanese Army surgeon general officer, translator, novelist, poet, and father of famed author Mari Mori. He obtained his medical license at a very young age and introduced translated German-language literary works to the Japanese public. Important materials are displayed at the museum, such as Mori Ogai’s personal effects and handwritten drafts. Just next to the museum, we were able to see his family house,which let you feel the charm of the old times.

29/11/2023

This time we want to share our 4-day trip to Tsuwano and Hagi.
The first day started with Tsuwano. Tsuwano is a castle town nestled in a valley in the southwest of Shimane Prefecture and can be reached from Hiroshima by bus within 3 hours.
Mr. Naitani, who works for the Town Tsuwano, showed us around personally. We met him at a local restaurant called "Yuki," which has a nice atmosphere and uses ingredients from the area.
The restaurant serves local dishes like “Uzume-meishi (rice that covers wild vegetables)” and “Ayu (a prized freshwater fish)”. In the restaurant, we went over the itinerary and then headed to Mt. Reiki to see the famous castle ruins, located at an elevation of 362m. The castle ruins can be reached either by chairlift or on foot. As the weather was nice, we walked to the top while we enjoyed watching the beautiful autumn foliage. The castle ruins offered a sweeping view of the rows of houses spread out along the foot of the gently sloping mountains and the Tsuwano River flowing slowly among them.

Back on the ground, we visited Taikodani Inari Shrine, one of the five greatest Inari shrines in Japan. It was built in the mid-18th century, northeast of Tsuwano Castle, with the intention of protecting the castle against evil spirits. According to traditional beliefs, the northeastern direction is the kimon—a demon gate where bad spirits can enter one’s life and wreak havoc. To counter the unlucky power of the northeast, cities in Japan often build temples or shrines facing this direction so that deities can offer protection.

After that, Mr. Naitani gave us a ride to the Tsuwano Japan Heritage Center.
On the first floor, you can find a video and a fascinating panel exhibition about a map featuring 100 pictures of the town, which was completed over 150 years ago. The 100 views map was created by the Kamei clan, governors of Tsuwano in ancient times. Kurimoto Satoharu, who served the clan and sketched places of interest, customs, and food culture of the period.
The second floor of this center introduces the aforementioned festivals, along with real costumes and videos on display.

Then we walked around Tsuwano old town to be reminded of how life was like during the Edo period (1603–1868).
We saw the Tsuwano Catholic Church, built by Father Schafer, a German, in 1931. What was really special about this place was the interior that featured a tatami floor and beautiful, vividly colored stained glass.
From there on, we visited the Otome Toge. In the late 19th century, this location in the woods outside of Tsuwano served as a prison for Christians from Nagasaki, who were persecuted and abused because of their religion. This former prison has been repurposed today as a pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
After a walk through the forest, we reached Yomei Temple, an old temple that was established in 1420 by the lord of Tsuwano Castle. It has a history as a Zen training facility where large numbers of itinerant monks pursued their training.

After a long day full of interesting places, it was time for a rest at Yutorelo, a traditional Japanese-style inn with natural hot springs. Under the theme of “a stay in time,” the idea is to feel the newness while still paying homage to and thinking about the past. This place aims to deliver the charm of the town of Tsuwano while revitalizing the area.