San'in Traveler

29/03/2024

INAKA NO ARUKIKATA の第2回目の案内です。

Marie Alinさんの素晴らしい初回のおかげで、良いスタートを切ることができました。今回は、少しやり方を工夫して挑戦したいと思います。

今回のテーマは「田舎と空き家」で、ゲストはイタリアから来日し、奈良で古民家をリノベーションしているMarco Arch Geom Savinoさんです。

昨年のThoughinakaのツアーに参加したことをきっかけに彼の活動を知ることができました。Marcoさんは、様々な困難の中で古民家をリノベーションしていますが、古い家をリノベーションする以上の物語がそこにあると確信しています。

空き家の問題はどこも深刻で、私も身近に感じています。奥出雲に住んで9年目ですが、最初に来た頃は隣近所にお年寄りの人が住んでいました。しかし今では、前も後ろも空き家です。
　それなのに、なぜか分かりませんが、私たちの家の前の道路工事が始まり、周りが変わりつつあります。
去年までは、夕食を食べたて、娘と蛍を見に行ったりした場所でしたが、今は夜になると工事現場のLEDが光っています。

風土１０００年／風景１００年／景観１０年」とも言いますが、何を守り、何を残し、何を変えるべきか、Marcoの話がとても楽しみです。

English
https://thoughinaka.com/2116/

Japanese
https://www.facebook.com/share/LUspxfppDmx7LDib/?mibextid=9l3rBW

Theme INAKA and AKIYA (Rural Japan and Abandoned Houses) Introduction Welcome to INAKA NO ARUKIKATA: The Art of Immersio

03/03/2024

https://thoughinaka.com/2006/

INAKA NO ARUKIKATAは、日本の地方で頑張っている方や、繋がりがある外国人をゲストに呼んで、ゆるい感じで対話をする場です。記念すべき1回目のゲストは、マリーさんです。日本における外国人居住者は現在、約250万人に上りますが、そのうち地方での生活を選んでいるのは、全体のわずか5％に満たないという現状です。私は日本の離島で10年間、そして山間部での生活を現在8年間経験しています。これまでに、地方が持つ無限の可能性と直面する多くの課題について、地域ごとに仲間と共に取り組んできました。ThoughINAKAもそうした取り組みの中で生まれたツールです。

田舎には豊かな自然と美味しい食べ物がたくさんありますが、外国人観光客を惹きつけるためには、インフラや交通、コミュニケーションの課題など、様々な問題に対処する必要があります。ThoughINAKAの運営にあたり、日本在住の外国人の方々には、モニターとして様々な貴重なご意見をいただき、また情報発信にもご協力いただきました。日本にきたばかりの大学生から、10年以上日本に住んでいる方まで、様々な方にお会いしましたが、ほとんどの方が共通していたのは、日本好きという単純なものではなく、この国と真摯に向き合っているという強い意志を持っていることでした。その中には、日本の空き家問題に向き合っている若者が、古民家を購入して、リノベーションに励んでいたり、英語の先生で、来ていた方が、神楽にはまり、友達も読んで、英語で神楽をパフォーマンスするまで、発展したり、そんなエピソードがたくさんあります。

INAKA NO ARUKIKATAは、そうやって、日本の地方で頑張っている方や、繋がりがある外国人をゲストに呼んで、ゆるい感じで、対話をする場です。記念すべき1回目のゲストは、マリーさんです。詳細はこちらでご確認ください。マリーさんのお話を一緒に聞きましょう。よろしくお願いします。

日本語イベントページ

　 Introduction 　Welcome to INAKA NO ARUKIKATA: The Art of Immersion in Rural Japan! Despite the increasing number of for

29/02/2024

https://thoughinaka.com/
English followed by Japanese

Introducing Impact Tourism with ThoughINAKA!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of ThoughINAKA, a platform dedicated to fostering Impact Tourism in Japan.

What is ThoughINAKA? It's more than just a travel platform; it's a gateway to immersive experiences led by passionate guides deeply committed to preserving Japan's cultural heritage and supporting local communities. Our curated tours offer travelers the opportunity to explore Japan's rural landscapes, engage with local traditions, and make a positive impact on the areas they visit.

Why We Initiate Impact Tourism
While Japan may appear serene and modern from the outside, it faces significant challenges internally, particularly in its rural regions. Issues like depopulation, cultural erosion, and economic decline threaten the very fabric of these communities. At ThoughINAKA, travel can be a catalyst for change. By promoting Impact Tourism, we seek to address these challenges by connecting travelers with rural Japan, preserving its unique heritage, and revitalizing its local economies.

How Can You Join the Impact Tourism?

You can join this movement by traveling with ThoughINAKA, but your involvement continues beyond there. Please spread the word about our platform to friends and family who share a passion for authentic travel experiences. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest initiatives and join the conversation about sustainable tourism. If you have ideas or suggestions for how we can further our impact, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in Japan's rural communities.

Join us in exploring the heart and soul of Japan's countryside while leaving a positive footprint behind. Start your Impact Tourism journey with ThoughINAKA today!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/though_inaka/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughinaka
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCstQZtNllQSbdTaz1dUIt3g
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99422217/
Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g1023587-d25423431-Reviews-ThoughINAKA-Unnan_Shimane_Prefecture_Chugoku.html



株式会社TAVIKALAが運営するオンライン観光プラットフォーム、ThoughINAKAが3月1日からお客様をお迎えする準備ができました！TAVIKALAを設立してから、丸3年が経ちましたが、たくさんの方に支えて頂き、ThoughINAKAをローンチすることができました。ThoughINAKAは、体験型観光を提供する事業者と外国人観光客を結びつけるオンラインプラットフォームです。提供する体験型観光は、全て多言語ガイドが同行します。そのため、外国人観光客は安心して楽しむことができ、事業者はスムーズな体験の運営が可能です。

近年、インバウンド観光客の増加が話題ですが、地域にその波がまだ届いていません。交通の問題、ガイドの問題、インフラの問題など、地方ならではの課題は山積みです。地方へのインバウンドの誘客がそんな簡単なことではないこと、今回プラットフォームを作っていく中でよく分かってきました。しかし、地方の持続可能性にとって観光産業は極めて重要で縮小する日本のマーケットのことを考えたときに、インバウンドへの取り組みが必要になってくると思います。

私たちはThoughINAKAを通じて、そういう不便でも、時間がかかっても旅する価値のある地域を、それを求める旅人と繋ぐ役割を果たしていきたいと考えています。ThoughINAKAはまだ成長途中のプラットフォームですが、地域のインバウンド観光に積極的に取り組みたい仲間が集まる場として、大きな可能性があると思います。私たちは地域の課題や不安に真摯に向き合いながら、ThoughINAKAを育て、その地域ならではの魅力を、それを求める旅人に繋げたいと思っています。課題や不安はありますが、皆さんと一緒にThoughINAKAを育てていけることをいいなと思っています。引き続きよろしくお願いします。

Premium Tours “Discover the Pinnacle of Rural Japan with Our Premium Tours” Our premium tours are expertly t

04/11/2022

Beauty of Kizuki Sakura
As a lover of cherry blossom, I was able to visit Kizuki to get to know more about Sakura. After spending almost two years in Japan I was lucky to see the different side of Sakura in Kizuki.
“Kizuki” is the place which selected as one of the best Sakura spots among best hundred places in Japan.
The natural-dye artist Koubou san organized mind-blowing activity for letting us experience the coloring of silk scarves using natural Sakura die. On the day when we arrived, she served a tasty tea made from the Sakura flower. She enthusiastically provides every detail about the coloring process and die making process with lots. After that we selected our scarves and started coloring process under her guidance. It was very nice experience and seen the way of natural die absorbs in to clothe made me surprised.
After the process completed, we went to have lunch which basically made from “Sakura rice”.
“Sakura Rice” – Can you believe?
Yeah, you can taste it If you visit Unnan.
Rice was super tasty. The rice was made from preserved Sakura flowers. Before the lunch, we all went to watch the paddy fields with farmer and listened his story behind the rice and his restaurant.
Lunch was incredibly tasty with sakura rice. They served the tasty dessert and the coffee after the lunch.
Then we went to meet Sakura doctor, who take care of the sakura trees in very famous Kizuki Sakura lane. Listening to his work and his effort to take care of sakura tress and protecting them was so interesting. Walking along the path with approximately 200 Sakura trees let myself immerse in nature.
Seen and experiencing the way that Japanese people make use of their most valuable short term blooming flower all year along had really made me surprise.
The day was passed with such a wonderful experience and adding unforgettable memories to my memory lane.
Take the opportunity to go and watch Sakura and experience the different side of it. I am so sure you will be amazed by seen the way of Japanese people live harmony with nature.

- Amanda Perera

20/09/2022

I spent two unforgettable days full of various activities in Okuizumo, Western Japan. This paradise place is full of natural beauty, history, authentic foods and many more.



Made mochi in the traditional way. Japan`s famous Nitamai rice is used for making mochi and onigiri. I had a very tasty lunch consisting of mochi and onigiri with local people and shared their life stories.

Next, we visited Traditional house of the Sakurai family Samurai house and learned about their history and Tatara Iron manufacturing. The spectacular interior and architecture of Sakurai Home surprised me a lot. Visiting Okuizumo Tatara museum enhanced my knowledge about traditional iron making in Japan.

Next day at Ishida Tofu house we were able to make tasty Tofu and got the opportunity to taste the Ishida sans special mouthwatering TOFU BURGER which is made entirely from Tofu (including burger bun). The soy milk and blueberry shake served along with the Tofu Burger were super tasty.

We spent one night at beautiful Uzumaki, surrounded by yellow paddy fields and green grass. That was a soothing view for both eyes and mind.

At Uzumaki we had a ton of fun collecting vegetables from the farm that were later utilized for dinner and making crafts using rice straw ropes and dried leaves.

The final gathering with local people and having conversation about two days and their lives was so touching and fun. I really enjoyed every single bit of those last two days with this bunch of local people who work so hard to protect their traditions and build their community.

Thank you, Sameera san and team, for a well-planned tour full of new things.

Okuizumo is a place full of fun, happy and friendly local people.

Make sure to visit this beautiful
paradise and add colorful memories to your life.

20/09/2022

Thanks, Xiaoxi Gao

20/09/2022

Written by Xiaoxi Gao

I prefer a trip where I can enjoy chatting with the residents, experiencing the local culture, and enjoying the explore. But language has become an obstacle to my in-depth travel. Fortunately, the San'in Traveler organization helps visitors to communicate with locals and immerse in the area.

With Mr. Sameera, Ms. Yuki, and Ms. Shino's support, I had an unforgettable experience making a mini tatami mat in Tomotsuka Tatami Factory, Okuizumo, Shimane prefecture.

When I hear tatami, I associate it with Japan because it is often seen on TV and in anime. It is a flooring material unique to Japan. I was looking forward to this tatami-making experience.

First, Mr. Shoji, the owner of the Tomotsuka Tatami factory, took us to look around the workshop to show the mechanized making method.
Then, we entered his shop, which is also his house. The decoration of the house is exceptionally designed, and the handicrafts are unique and beautiful.
While Mr. Shoji introduced the tatami material and shared his story of vitalizing the tatami, his wife prepared the sweets and coffee. I was really blown away by the taste of coffee and igusa rush flavor cake.
After understanding the background, Mr. Shoji and his wife Yuka taught us how to make a tatami mat. Looking at my finished tatami mat gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Now, I put this lovely tatami mat on my desk. It has a gentle fragrance that calms my mind to work and study.

Thanks very much for Mr. Shoji providing this experience opportunity and the support from the TAVIKALA company.

I am looking forward to seeing more good products made by the Tatami craftsmen of "Tatami-Tomorrow."

10/09/2022

Written by Sara Albusaidi

I had the best two days since I came to Japan. Okuizumo is full of varied experiences I wasn't expecting to have in just two days. In every aspect of the trip, there is always something for everyone. It is a place for those who love nature, history, food, anime fans, and more.

I felt like I'm in the middle of a Ghibli movie. We were starting with the rice fields, Mochi traditionally made, and Onigiri. We then visited the Sakurai Family Samurai House and learned about their history in Tatara making. We also had a chance to go to the Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum. As an anime fan, I enjoyed wearing Tanjiro's Kimono from Demon Slayer and taking a picture with a sword in deep black, looking like the character's sword in the anime. Another fun experience was in the soybean fields and Ishida tofu shop, where we made our tofu and tried a delicious burger made entirely from tofu, from the burger bun to the sauce.

The guest house was another whole experience. The view from the house itself was amazing. I had so much fun crafting using dried leaves and rice straw ropes and harvesting vegetables from the farm that were used later for dinner. I like that we were involved in preparing some dishes the hosts served.

I believe the trip's highlight is the friendly local people there. Getting involved and having a conversation with them was so much fun. It makes me feel I want to live in such a community. I hope I can meet them again.

I can talk forever about the trip, but overall, Okuizumo was a spectacular experience. All thanks to Sameera-san and the local guides for making this experience unforgettable. I will definitely recommend my family and friends to visit and experience Okuizumo.

12/08/2022

We have found a guest who would like to participate in this experience.
Please get in touch with us if you would like to participate in a monitor tour with us in the Unnan area.

~Monitor Tour to Okuizumo Town, Shimane Prefecture is now accepting a participant~.

Let's make a mini tatami mat with a tatami professional!

Whenever you visit a Japanese house, temple, or ryokan, you will see a traditional Japanese mat called a "tatami. But do you know what they are and how they are made?

Here is an excellent opportunity to participate in a hands-on learning experience and make your mini tatami mat for free.

Only one foreigner living in Japan and interested in Japanese culture can apply.
However, if you are interested, please contact us by email at
[email protected].
Two local English-speaking guides will accompany you during the activity!

Date & Time : September 13, 14:00-16:00
Place : Tatami Cafe (Tomotsuka Tatami Mat Factory)
1543-1 Yakawa, Okuizumo Town, Nita-gun, Shimane Prefecture
Transportation to the meeting place is at your expense. We will consult with you if you use public transportation and need transportation.
After participating in the monitoring tour, we will ask you to complete a questionnaire. Furthermore, we would appreciate it if you could share your experiences in Okuizumo on social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram.

10/08/2022

Written by Yuki Kimura

Making Buckwheat Soba Noodles Experience in Okuizumo, Shimane

Okuizumo, surrounded by beautiful nature, is one of the historical towns in Shimane Prefecture. Located five minutes away by car from the Oni-no-Sh*taburui ravine is a buckwheat soba noodle restaurant called Oni Soba. Here, you can learn to make soba from a soba master chef, Mr. Godo.

Mr. Godo, who has been making soba noodles for a long time, shows us how to make handmade soba noodles using buckwheat locally grown in the Okuizumo region. The ingredients for soba noodles are simple, but making soba noodles is a sensitive process. Mr. Godo shows us a dexterous performance and provides us with step-by-step instructions.

At the beginning of August, a Canadian couple participated in this experience. They tried to make Nihachi soba noodles, which are soba noodles made from 80% buckwheat flour and 20% wheat flour. Mr. Godo and his staff guided them, giving them tips and tricks to create their soba noodles. After kneading, rolling out, and folding carefully, they were ready to cut the dough. It's difficult to cut it as quickly and evenly as Mr.Godo, but they tried their best. "Well done!" the master chef's word made them smile.

The staff then boiled the guests' and Mr. Godo's soba noodles. After cooking, the soba noodles were washed to remove the sliminess and tightened in cold water.

They enjoyed both theirs and Mr. Godo's soba noodles with various seasonings. The freshly-made soba noodles have a naturally nutty flavor and chewy texture. Topped with shredded seaweed and dipped in a mixture of soup, sliced green onions, and grated wasabi and radish, the soba noodles were surprisingly delicious!

I hope their experience making and having authentic soba noodles will be a day to remember after returning to Canada!

English language support will be available upon request for reservations and during the experience. For more information about this activity and directions, visit https://en.knowriceknowlife.com
We are offering a special campaign right now.

20/07/2022

written by Yuki Kimura

The Japanese confectionary experience in linan-cho, Shimane.

linan-Cho is a small town surrounded by beautiful nature in Shimane Prefecture. People visit to enjoy the outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. However, there are many more experiences to discover in linan-cho.

At Kodachikami, you can learn how to make Wagashi - traditional Japanese confectionary.
Driving along a country road for 15 minutes, a traditional Japanese house, or kominka, will come into view. Ms Yoko Ishii, the friendly owner of Kodachikami, will welcome you with a bright smile.

The Wagashi workshop is two hours long. During this time, you will learn how to make four different types of seasonal Wagashi, which are made with sweetened white and red bean pastes.

Ms Ishii will show you examples of the types of Wagashi you will make during the workshop. The beautiful artwork may seem intimidating, but don't worry!
Ms Ishii has plenty of tips that help beginners create them easily.
Following her advice, using your hands, tools and coloring, the beautiful seasonal treats will appear in your hand. Even if they aren't perfect, you will have a lot of fun creating your own Wagashi.

After the workshop, you have a chance to taste it with matcha green tea. Wagashi is soft and melts in your mouth, which goes perfectly with bitter green tea.
With views of beautiful countryside and having a chat with the owner, you will feel relaxed and at home. Your experience there will be a great opportunity to think about a fulfilling and authentic life.

English language support will be available upon request for reservations and during the experience. For more information about this workshop and directions, visit
https://tavikala.com/en/ and go contact.

15/07/2022

More than welcome to share and tell your friends about this

[Your summer in Okuizumo]

50% discount for foreigners living in Japan

The Okuizumo Tourism Association has launched a campaign for foreign passport holders. The campaign is called “Your summer in Okuizumo” and will run from July 15 to September 30. Activities available at Knowriceknowlife.com will be discounted by 50% during this period.

(The first 10 customers will be accepted.)

This is an excellent opportunity for foreigners to discover the charms of Okuizumo.

Regulations and Requests

⇒　These activities are available on a request basis. Please note that there is a possibility that we may not be able to meet your requested dates.

⇒　Payment should be made in advance and by credit card only.

⇒　Transportation to the meeting place is at your own expense.

⇒　we will ask you to fill out a questionnaire

⇒　A local English-speaking guide will accompany you during the activities.

We would be delighted if you could share your experiences in Okuizumo on social network platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

https://en.knowriceknowlife.com/information/detail/77/

13/06/2022

“Shower Climbing”
- Creek Gorge Adventure in Iinan-cho, Shimane

Written by Ish*tobi

Anyone who has traveled in summer in Japan knows its infamous heat and humidity. The San-in region, the southwestern part of Honshu Island, is no exception. This, however, does not mean that travel to Japan during this season should be avoided.

Iinan-cho, a little mountain town in Shimane Prefecture, offers a variety of seasonal activities that you can enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains. One of the activities I would like to share with you in this article is a local creek gorge adventure.

This water activity is a three-hour, guided nature attraction in gorges, streams, and waterfalls including plunging into pools, water sliding, floating, and more. It may sound similar to canyoning, but is relatively smaller in scale and requires no technical skills. This type of activity is sometimes referred to as "Shower Climbing" in Japan and Iinan-town introduces its activity as such. In any case, no matter what name it is called, playing with the cool and crystal-clear water in nature will surely refresh you. If you are scared to jump into the water from a high rock, once you get the courage to jump and sink into the water, you will find yourself addicted to floating back to the surface and want to try that again. Or, slippery rock surfaces may challenge you to think about how to find a foothold to climb up. Finding a way up out of the water is an accomplishment. Even if you have no idea what to do, don't worry - your guide will always be there to give you advice while ensuring your safety. There are also many other ways to enjoy the water, such as sliding down a natural slope to get the thrill of the flow, and lying down in the shallows to feel the coolness of the water and the gentle sunlight through the trees.

For those seeking a modest but thrilling nature experience and relaxation in a remote location, Iinan-cho may be a great choice to free yourself from any stressful life, in addition to the upcoming summer heat.

English language support will be available upon request for reservations and during the experience. For more information about this activity and directions, visit https://tavikala.com/en/ and go contact.
-climbing
-gorge-adventure

02/06/2022

Sugaya Tatara and Asahi San

We visited "Sugaya Tatara" in Yoshida-Cho, Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture. which is the model for the Tatara factory in the Ghibli movie Princess Mononoke and is the only place in Japan where the Takadono is preserved and open for public.
Tatara iron manufacturing in the Izumo region began about 1,400 years ago, and here at "Sugaya Tatara no Takadono" Tatara operations were carried out for 170 years from 1751 to 1921.

Our guide was Mitsuo Asahi. He was born and raised in Sugaya. As he talked about the Sugaya Tatara, I could sense his passion for his hometown. The stories of his childhood that came up between guided tours are also unique to Mr. Asahi.
Tatara iron manufacturing, which can be said to be the starting point of Japanese craftmanship (monozukuri), was introduced to us this time. The technology inherited from the mainland has evolved and remained uniquely Japanese.
The thoughtfulness and skill that went into creating the Tatara operation is a sight to behold. The direction and strength of the wind coming down from the mountain, the location and inclination, and the ingenuity were not limited to the ground but extended to underground structures.
With Asahi san's passionate explanation, we understood the origin of manufacturing and the culture of iron making that has continued for hundreds of years.

In addition to Tatara, Mr. Asahi's conscience also showed us the home of the giant salamander, a unique national natural treasure. Five giant salamanders, one of the largest amphibians in the world and considered a "living fossil," were seen simultaneously.

But along the way, we caught a glimpse of the village's survival problems.

"This house here is empty, this house here is empty, that house there is about to be empty, too..."

The number of households and children in Sugaya, which used to have 40 families and about 170 people, now has only 12 homes and 26 people left. So the problem of depopulation, which is a problem in Japan, is also severe here.

Even though I had no connection to this place, a few hours with Mr. Asahi as my guide and exposure to this land made me realize its preciousness and the seriousness of its problems. I was impressed by the way he continues to protect the Sugaya through his guided tours while never embellishing and having fun at the same time. I hope that people from all walks of life, not just those interested in Tatara, should come to this place and listen to Asahi san's story.

Written by 石亀五郎
Photoography by KINO Seido's photography
Special thanks Yuriko Suzuki
Translated by Gunawardena

19/05/2022

"Japan’s Hidden island paradise in Shimane"
As a traveler, I always like to travel to hidden, untouched places. I always believe and know from my past travelling experiences hidden, infamous places have the world’s most natural beauty. Therefore, me and my friends (we are from six different countries) decided to go to this hidden paradise known as Oki-Islands, Shimane, Japan. The islands have a total area of 346.1 square km (133.6 sq mi). Only four of the around 180 islands are permanently inhabited. Much of the archipelago is within the borders of Daisen-Oki National Park. Due to their geological heritage, the Oki Islands were designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in September 2013.
Travelling to Oki-island was a huge challenge for us with the huge language barrier. But with the help of the founder of San’in traveller Mr. Sameera gunawardhane we were able to spend unforgettable, full of fun and challenging three days.
The oki-Island trip was quite challenging because it needs lots of planning especially when it comes to transportation. So to reach Oki-Island we had to catch an “OKI Kaisen ferry” from Shichiri port in the early morning to reach the port Saigo, Dogo island. So after almost one and half hours of ferry tour with a beautiful never-ending sea view, we reached “Dogo Island”.
So, after that, we rent the e-bikes from the tourist information office and start to cycling towards the Jodogaura coast. With the rainy and cold climate, it was a bit challenging. But anyhow we were able to capture so many beautiful views on the way and had so much fun. Jodogura coast has a breathtaking sew view with a beautiful white lighthouse. The blue sea contrasted with the rock cliff makes a splendid scene. It is worth recommending.
So, we had very little time on the first day, therefore, we went back to tourist information center and handover our bikes and headed to our hotel “KUSUBURU HOUSE”.

KUSBURU HOUSE was a perfect place with a combination of great hospitality and tasty foods. As we were super tired, their warm welcome made us so relaxed. So the next day we went to Nishinoshima Island by catching the ferry early morning. A huge thanks go to the tourist information centre there. They guide and suggest us to visiting places using e-bikes. So from e-bikes, we were able to visit Kuniga Coastline on Nishinoshima, (rated as one of the top 100 walking tracks in Japan), Kannon Iwa (Candle Rock), Tsutenkyo Arch and Matengai Cliff. That was thrilling cycling on the steep slope which rushes adrenaline into my veins. See horses and cows grazing peacefully on the clifftop. So after handing over our bikes we headed to “Ama town” to spend the night in the hotel. The hotel owner is very kind and friendly. The dinner is full of fresh kinds of seafood, especially large oysters. The traditional Japanese mini hot pot dish amazes me and my friends. Also, the breakfast on the next day also super delicious with lots of various foods. So next day we roam around the Ama town with the help of the hotel owner. He took us to a “heart-shaped rock coast” where we took so many pictures and enjoyed the view. So after enjoying Ama town finally we came back to Shimane with bags full of experiences, memories, laugh, fun and relaxation.
I and my friends especially want to thank Mr.Sameera, Kusuburu house owners and staff, Ama town hotel owner and staff, and Tourist information office officials of Dogo, Nishinoshima islands and Ama town.
Go and visit this hidden gem and feel the wonder, get once in a lifetime experience.

“The earth is filled with wonders and my existence is so small, This scenery and I will both disappear one day”.
- Amanda Perera (Sri Lanka)

17/05/2022

By Jean Paul Souki Pacheco
My fellow tour companions, a couple from Hiroshima University, spoke about hyper development and how that negatively affects the Japanese countryside. Chef Shunji Kanuka of Kanuka Park told us he’d worked in Ginza as a sous chef, and the impeccable hosts of the storehouse lodge Uzumaki also mentioned coming from Okinawa. At the end of the most high-class dinner I’ve ever eaten, it hit me that these craftspeople chose the countryside of Shimane Prefecture, and I was happy for it.
I haven’t lived in Unnan City for very long, and yet I already feel myself growing attached and protective. Its population has declined in the last decade, naturally as a result of younger people seeking opportunities in the big city. Attending the Inaka Retreat Tour only made me feel more loyal to my new hometown, even as I lamented its slow decline.
Events were arranged in a way that kept us on our feet for just the right amount of time before the hunger set in. The first day included a walk around the charming old streets of Kisuki, followed by a wild boar sausage-making experience and lunch at the aforementioned Kanuka Park. Our cheerful tour guide Taro-san then took us to the Yumura Onsen for a foot bath overlooking the river. He also showed us a secret spot where the natural hot springs pool into a miniature bath right on the rocky banks.
On the second day, we visited Hiikawa Washi and received a brisk tour of seventh-generation papermaker Shinji Idani’s process, alongside a lovely breakfast of dried persimmons, locally grown pickled radishes, sweet beans, potatoes, and tea. From there we made for Mineji Temple to experience Zazen meditation and sutra writing. Zazen was difficult; I was too afraid of being whacked with a wooden stick to effectively relax. But even that felt introspective, as it let me contemplate resisting and accepting life as it was in that moment. Afterwards we had lunch at Sh*taueya, a traditional restaurant high in the mountains, overlooking a misty valley. The view here was jaw-dropping, as was the vista at the Sannouji Terraced Rice Field, where we enjoyed tea with a local groundskeeper and a small introduction to shimenawa rope braids. The tour ended with a night at Uzumaki, a “storehouse lodge” where I experienced a gourmet seven-course meal handcrafted from locally grown ingredients. I never imagined this level of cuisine could be hiding in the countryside of Japan. It was, without equivocation, the best meal I’ve ever eaten.
“Retreat” is an apt descriptor for this tour, as it took us far away from the city and into the mountains, where hamlets dot the landscape and the boundaries between Unnan and Okuizumo are blurred. The events themselves weren’t riotously energetic, but they’re not supposed to be. It is a retreat – mellow, introspective, and relaxing. The countryside’s relaxing energy is highly underrated in a world that values moving faster and faster every day.
I hope there will be more “Inaka” themed tours in the future. I hope they inspire mny to consider living and contributing to such beautiful places as Unnan and Okuizumo. Japan suffers from excessive development, which saps the life out of rural communities. But with more efforts like the Inaka Retreat tour, I hope the area can develop in its own charming, hospitable way, without compromising any of its healing atmosphere. I hope that professionals like those at Kanuka Park and Uzumaki, as well as younger people seeking something new and healing, choose Unnan and Okuizumo in the future.

inaka Retreat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lV3-P5wVZw