Japan Tourism - The Heart of the San'in Region - Shimane & Tottori

02/09/2024

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25/08/2024

Discover Japan's hidden gem with these unforgettable itineraries!🌸

Looking for a journey that blends culture, history, and natural beauty? Explore the heart of Japan’s San’in region with two carefully crafted itineraries brought to you by Musubi Travel! More info in the link below.

✨ Itinerary 1: The Timeless Traditions of the San’in Region ✨

Immerse yourself in a 3-day tour through Shimane and Tottori, where tradition meets tranquility. Highlights include:

⛩️ Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine - Step into a world of ancient myths.
🏞️ Daisen-Oki National Park - Behold nature’s breathtaking beauty.
♨️ Soothing Hot Springs - Unwind in the region’s geothermal wonders.
👘 Local Craftsmen - Witness the artistry of traditional artisans.

From the serenity of the Adachi Museum Gardens to the hands-on pottery and washi paper-making experiences, this itinerary is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

✨ Itinerary 2: A Dive into History, Culture, and Mythology ✨

Embark on a 3-day exploration of Izumo and beyond, where every corner tells a story of Japan’s rich heritage. Highlights include:

⛩️ Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine - Delve into one of Japan’s most revered shrines.
🍶 Sake Brewing Adventure - Discover the birthplace of this iconic beverage.
🏞️ Miho Shrine - Embrace tranquility and good fortune.
🏯 Yonago Castle Ruins - Uncover history with a view.

From a warm welcome party at Shinmon-dori to a farewell filled with traditional flavors, this journey is a deep dive into Japan’s spiritual and cultural legacy.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of art and craftsmanship, or simply looking to escape into nature’s embrace, these itineraries offer something truly special. Let the San’in region become your second home!

More info here:

https://musubi-travel.jp/shimane-tottori

23/08/2024

Join us for the Hokake Matsuri at Iya Shrine on August 28th!🌾🚤

Iya Shrine, located in eastern Matsue by Lake Nakaumi (easily accessible from Higashi Matsue Station), hosts an important ritual every year to pray for abundant harvests and safety at sea. The god worshipped is first carried in a Mikoshi (portable shrine) by boat to a sacred place before returning to the shrine. The land procession begins at 7PM. The celebrations include mesmerizing Kagura dances on a stage next to the shrine, Mochi-maki (the distribution of pounded steamed rice cakes), Japanese drums, and fireworks. Plus, the crowd gets to enjoy delicious sake served in bamboo cups. So many reasons not to miss this wonderful matsuri! 🍶

In Japanese:
Hokake Matsuri 穂掛祭
Iya Shrine 揖屋神社
Higashi Matsue Station 東松江駅

16/08/2024

Don't miss this event this weekend in you are in Kofu Town!🏮🎇

大山隠岐国立公園/Daisen-Oki National Park

16/08/2024

The Yonago Gaina Festival is a two-day celebration that includes lively Yosakoi dances, taiko drum performances, a massive firework display, and an impressive parade of Buddhist lanterns called "Gaina Mando"🏮🎇 “Gaina” means “big” or “grand” in the local dialect.

With its combination of traditional cultural performances and modern entertainment, the Yonago Gaina Festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting Tottori Prefecture during the summer months.

Date: August 17th & 18th, 2024 (Sat./Sun.)
Location: near JR Yonago Station

米子がいな祭

14/08/2024

Obon (お盆), the deeply meaningful Japanese festival dedicated to honoring the spirits of ancestors, is a time of reflection, family, and tradition. Taking place in mid-August, this period sees many returning to their hometowns to pay respects by visiting and cleaning their ancestors’ graves. If you're in the area, immerse yourself in these unforgettable Obon events:

August 15th: Experience the enchanting ambiance of Gesshoji, the 'Temple of Moonlight' (月照寺) 🌙. Let the serene beauty of this temple transport you to another time and place.
👉 www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/317494353988467

August 16th: Witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of glowing paper lanterns floating down Matsue's Ohashi River. This magical event, known as Toro-nagashi (灯篭流し), symbolizes the return of ancestral spirits to the afterlife. 🏮
👉www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/318556790548890

August 17th: The quaint town of Kofu comes alive with the vibrant 500-year-old festival "Ebi Jushichiya" (江尾十七夜) 🎇. Enjoy traditional umbrella dances, Japanese drumming, a sumo tournament for kids, colorful floats, delicious street food, and a dazzling fireworks display.
👉www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/525335456537688

11/08/2024

Each year on August 17th, the little town of Kofu becomes one of the most animated place in the whole region as the 500-year-old festival "Ebi Jushichiya" (江尾十七夜) kicks off with many events such as traditional umbrella dances, Japanese drums, sumo tournament for children, floats, street food stalls, lanterns along the Funatani River, and fireworks.

The main event is the "Kodaiji Odori" (こだいじ踊り), which is a dance performed in memory of Hachizuka Ichimon, the former lord of Ebi Castle. Hachizuka is said to have opened the gates of the castle to its townspeople and farmers, dancing and praying for a fruitful year with them. The townspeople continued this Bon dance festival even after the Hachizuka clan was defeated by the Hojo clan.

The dance - now an Intangible Cultural Property - takes place in the park next to Emi Shrine, which is a few steps away from JR Ebi Station (江尾駅) in the town of Kofu (江府町). Ebi Castle, which was abandoned in the early Edo period and rebuilt as a historical and folk museum near the old castle ruins, is also close to the station.

Another highlight of this festival is when a great bonfire in the shape of kanji “Ju-shichi-ya (十七夜)” - which means "The Seventeenth Night" - is lit on a mountain on the other side of the Hino River.

📷 Katsumoto Toshimasa

09/08/2024

The heart of the San'in region abounds with gorgeous beaches and translucent waters, perfect to enjoy swimming or snorkeling 🌊⛱️
Here are some spots you shouldn't miss when you have the chance to travel in the area. Click on the pictures for more detail.

08/08/2024

Stunning moments from the Matsue Suigosai (松江水郷祭) last weekend! The breathtaking drone show over Lake Shinji featured the Japanese characters for 水郷祭 ("Waterfront Festival") beautifully written in the sky, followed by an incredible fireworks display. 🎇🤩

06/08/2024

Discover the charms of Yonago through the eyes of foreigners on the YONAGOOD page and YouTube channel👍

𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 〜外国人が発信！米子の𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗

05/08/2024

Pictures from the Otakiage Festival where worn chopsticks are burned as part of a ritual in their honor🥢🔥

This ritual is held every year at Mankusen Shrine in Izumo on "Chopstick Day” (August 4th). 8/4 is pronounced “ha-shi” in Japanese, which means chopsticks.

Chopsticks were once considered precious goods because they were linked to food, a gift from the gods. Visitors are invited to bring their own chopsticks or those of a loved one to thank them.

Kindly note that due to the intimate nature of this ceremony, reservations are a necessity (limited to 50 seats). Plastic and/or metal chopsticks are not allowed.

Mankusen Shrine = 万九千神社
Otakiage Festival = お炊きあげ祭り

02/08/2024

If you are in Matsue this weekend, don't miss "Matsue Suigosai" (松江水郷祭) - the grandest fireworks spectacle in western Japan - and the "Walking to Yomegashima Island" (歩いて渡る嫁ケ島) event by Lake Shinji🎇🤩🎆

More info in our previous posts:

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/488469800224254

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/609759103848732

29/07/2024

The Kitanizawa mountain stream ( #木谷沢渓流) flows down the southern face of Mt Daisen through a dense beech forest. Ideal for hiking and bird-watching, this peaceful place is home to a way-marked trail dotted with tiny waterfalls and bridges.

The Kagikake Pass ( #鍵掛峠), which offers a sweeping vista of the southern face of Mt Daisen, is located about one mile away.

If you speak Japanese, don't hesitate to make a reservation with the Okudaisen Guide Crew ( #奥大山ガイドクルー) to enjoy a guided tour of the place (1.000 JPY per person for 1 hour).

Please reach out to the Kofu Town Tourism Association for more info (0859-75-6007 [email protected]) or use the QR code and file the online form.

▼ Learn more about Mt Daisen here:

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/375246540633324

18/07/2024

The annual Shirakata Tenmangu Festival is just around the corner on the 24th and 25th of July!

Also known as Tenjin Matsuri (天神祭り), this vibrant event is a true celebration of tradition and community. During the festival, the divine spirit of Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine (白潟天満宮) is joyously transferred to a portable shrine (Omikoshi), which is then carried in a lively procession from Matsue Castle while being accompanied by other smaller portable shrines🎉🏮🎶

17/07/2024

Tamatsukuri Onsen Summer Festival 😍♨️

Local artists will take turns performing each evening on the riverside stage. Free event!

📅 7/20~8/31/2024
👉 8:15 ~ 9:00 pm: local artist performance
👉 9:00 ~ 9:30 pm : Dojou-sukui show (traditional dance known for its very comical facial expressions)

▼ More info about Tamatsukuri Onsen (玉造温泉), south of Matsue City:

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/299329374891708

05/07/2024

Wearing traditional kimono and yukata will allow you to make unforgettable memories of your trip in the area👘🤩 There are several rental shops conveniently located near famous sightseeing spots, such as "Horikawa Komachi" near Matsue Casle and "Goen Style" near Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.

▼ "Horikawa Komachi", near Matsue Casle
松江着物レンタル 堀川小町
https://horikawa-komachi.rezio.shop/en-US

▼ "Goen Style", near Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
出雲大社 ご縁スタイル　レンタル着物　島根県出雲市
http://www.goen-style.com/

04/07/2024

Only one month left until Matsue Suigosai, the grandest fireworks spectacle in western Japan🎇🤩🎆

Like every year, it will be held during the first weekend of August in Matsue over Lake Shinji.

Dates:
8/3 (Saturday): 10,000 shots
8/4 (Sunday): 11,000 shots

Paid viewing seats can be reserved on the official website.

Official page: 松江水郷祭

#松江水郷祭

03/07/2024

29/06/2024

The Half Year Purification Ritual (夏越しの祓, Nagoshi no Harae) is held throughout Japan on the last day of June. Participants at the Shinto shrine pass through the ring as an act of purification from misdeeds, impurities, or bad luck. The large sacred ring is made of miscanthus reeds and is called Chinowa (茅輪).

Here are some pictures of the ritual at various shrines across the area. Click on the pictures for more details.

28/06/2024

The sanctuary island of Yomegashima is currently illuminated every weekend and public holiday until the end of November⛩🌙

Located on lake Shinji near Matsue City center, this island is home to a small shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, the Japanese goddess of arts. The island's silhouette, covered with pine trees, contributes to making the sunsets over Lake Shinji extraordinarily beautiful🌅

If you want to see the island up close without getting wet, you can board the Hakucho Cruise, which travels around the lake several times a day and at sunset.

25/06/2024

The Archeological Museum of Kojindani is located adjacent to a pond where thousands of ancient lotuses bloom in early summer. The seeds of these lotuses were found by Ichiro Oga (1883-1965), a Japanese paleo-botanist famous for his work in discovering and reviving ancient lotus seeds.

The Museum exhibits replicas of the bronze swords, bells and spearheads that were excavated at the nearby Kojindani site from 1984. The sword were made 200 years before our era in the Yayoi period and their numbers exceeded the total number of bronze swords discovered so far at that time throughout Japan. This discovery drew national attention when it was discovered, for the number of swords discovered at this site exceeds the total number of bronze swords excavated throughout the whole of Japan to date. These artifacts have been designated as National Treasures and it is possible to see them at the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, which is close to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.

▼ Access:

This site is 5 minutes by car from JR Shobara station or 20 minutes from JR Izumoshi station. 9 am-5pm. Closed every Tuesday. Discount for international visitors.

荒神谷博物館 / Archaeological Museum Kojindani

21/06/2024

12/06/2024

The town of Nichinan is home to a rare firefly viewing site called Fukumaki, where both Hime-botaru and Genji-botaru can be seen simultaneously on a large scale. Genji-botaru are characterized by a longer light emission time than that of the Hime-botaru. Females stay on surfaces such as leaves, and males fly in the upper area near the waterside while emitting light. The firefly season usually begins from the end of June.

“The Firefly Kingdom in Fukumaki” event will be held from June 27th to July 9th 2024 (Fukumaki Hotaru-no-kuni 福万来ホタル乃国). A shuttle bus is run to the venue during the period of this event. Please utilize the shuttle bus to and from “Nichinan Hinogawa no Sato Rest Stop”. Fukumaki (福万来) means “A myriad of fortunes will come”. Firefly is pronounced Hotaru in Japanese.

Learn more about this event and the shuttle bus schedule on the nichinan-trip website.

More pictures of fireflies in the area in our previous post:
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/362961035195208

11/06/2024

Pictures of the beautiful irises that can be found across the area from the end of the May to the middle of June 😍

▼ Locations:

👉 Yuushien Japanese Garden
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/173239294167384

👉 Canals around Matsue Castle
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/677739157050726

👉 Samurai residence near Matsue Castle
www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=254548972703082

👉 Inside the precincts of Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/171448441013136

10/06/2024

The grandest fireworks spectacle in western Japan will be held during the first weekend of August in Matsue over Lake Shinji🎇🤩🎆

Dates:
8/3 (Saturday): 10,000 shots
8/4 (Sunday): 11,000 shots

Paid viewing seats can be reserved on the official website:
Matsue Suigosai 松江水郷祭

02/06/2024

Izumo Kagura Traditional Dance: A Unique Cultural Experience at Hinomisaki Shrine ⛩️

🗓️ Event Dates: June 8th (Sat) to November 23rd (Sat), 2024

Kagura is a traditional performing art with roots in Shinto ceremonies of music and dance performed to please Japan's gods. Shimane Prefecture is known for its active Kagura culture and is home to several different Kagura traditions, one of which is Izumo Kagura. More info about the distinguishing features of the Kagura from the Izumo region below.

With its vermilion color standing out against the dense pine forest that surrounds it, Hinomisaki Shrine enshrines two of Japan's most important gods, including the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami, who is central to Kagura's origin myth.

👹Performance Schedule:

June 8th (Sat), 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
June 22nd (Sat), 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July 13th (Sat), 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July 27th (Sat), 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
August 24th (Sat), 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
October 26th (Sat), 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
November 2nd (Sat), 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
November 23rd (Sat), 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

💰Admission fees:

・Kagura: 4000 yen for adults, 3000 yen for elementary school students and younger.
・Plan with limited Goshuin (seal stamp): 5000 yen for adults, 4000 yen for elementary school students and 1000 yen for pre-school children. Seal stamps are limited to one per person.

We can’t assure that empty seats will be available on the event day. Please consider making a reservation beforehand. Reservations Contact: Izumo Tourism Association

🚌Access:

45 min bus ride from JR Izumo Station, 20min bus ride from Shinmon-dori Street (Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine). A bus leaves at 5:10 and arrives at 5:30 at Hinomisaki Shrine.

▼ More info about Hinomisaki Shrine (日御碕神社)

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/149876459837001

===The Kagura of the Izumo Region (出雲神楽)===

Izumo Kagura is characterized by three main parts:

1) Shichiza (七座): A ritual dance performed to purify the kagura site, with the performer carrying a torimono (props such as 'goza' woven rush mats, 'suzu' bells or 'tsurugi' swords) while remaining unmasked.
2) Shikisanba (式三番): Ritual Noh celebratory music that has been incorporated into kagura.
3) Shinnō (神能): A dance that is mainly based on the myths and shrine histories documented in the Kojiki (“Records of Ancient Matters”, completed in 712) and the Nihon Shoki (“The Chronicles of Japan”, completed in 720). There are numerous performances which are set in the Izumo region, such as Kuniyuzuri (The Transfer of the Land), Yamata no Orochi (The Extermination of Yamata no Orochi), and Hinomisaki (The Protection of the Lands of Izumo).

29/05/2024

The Eshima Ohashi Bridge, connecting Shimane Prefecture and Tottori Prefecture, spans approximately 1.4 kilometres and captivates visitors and architectural enthusiasts alike with its seemingly steep incline!

While it may appear precipitous from certain angles, the bridge's incline is actually moderate, ensuring travellers a smooth journey across. You can drive, walk, or even cycle across the bridge! Despite not being as steep as it appears, the picturesque surroundings and the impressive Eshima Ohashi Bridge itself offer a memorable highlight of any journey through the region.

Thank you .fura for this cool shot!
https://www.instagram.com/hh.fura

ℹ️Plan your trip to Tottori and Shimane Prefecture
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/chugoku/tottori/
japan.travel/en/destinations/chugoku/shimane/

ℹ️For more information on Eshima Ohashi Bridge
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2288/

24/05/2024

Held over two days during the first weekend of June, the Daisen Natsuyama Festival is a sacred event at the top of Mt. Daisen to pray for safety, and signal the start of the summer climbing season. One of the highlights of the event is the Torch Procession, a breathtaking river of fire made of hundreds of participants walking down the flagstone approach of Ogamiyama Shrine while carrying lit torches🔥✨

The Torch Procession will be held on June 1st, 2024 at 7:30 PM.
Check out this page for more info: 大山ツアーデスク

Learn more info about Mt Daisen & Ogamiyama (“the mountain of the great god”) in our previous articles:

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/189444275880219
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/178482686976378

~~In Japanese~~

Daisen Natsuyama Yama-biraki Matsuri ( #大山夏山開き祭)
Torch procession: Taimatsu Gyoretsu ( #たいまつ行列)

📷 Yoon Kwansik

19/05/2024

Azalea Heaven🌺 Gohonmatsu Park is famous for its thousands of azaleas that are in full bloom in May. It is located on a hill with a stunning view of Mihonoseki Harbor and the nearby Mt Daisen.

The trail to Gohonmatsu Park starts at the entrance of the harbor. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the top of the 100-metre-high hill. From there, you can follow a nature trail to Mihonoseki Lighthouse, located on Cape Jizo, at the easternmost tip of the Shimane Peninsula. It takes roughly 2 hours to walk. Alternatively, the lighthouse is 2km away from the harbor by car.

▼ Learn more about Mihonoseki in our previous article:

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/391583025666342

18/05/2024

Yonago Castle is a great spot to enjoy the wonderful sunsets over Lake Nakaumi and the Shimane Peninsula. It is especially beautiful when the sun sets right between two stretches of land and creates a road of light.

That wonderful "Orange Road" only happens during two periods: from the beginning to the end of May and from the end of July to the beginning of August.

▼ More info about Yonago Castle here:

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/145874450237202