Traveling to SAN'IN Shimane & Tottori
Learn more about San`in
◇Mihonoseki
Mihonoseki is located on the tip of a peninsula on the western side of Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, and is a stage to many Japanese legends. An old seaport town, Mihonoseki even today is host to various events and architecture that have origins in stories relating to the genesis of Japan.
Miho Shrine, the symbol of the town, performs a ritual without fail every single morning and evening. Visitors can freely view the beautiful shrine maidens performing their ritual dance.
In front of the shrine gate lays Aoishitatami-dori, an old townscape where the road remains inlaid with flat stones. Enjoy a walk while eating local gourmet specialties such as dried squid and fish from Masutani Fish Shop and soy sauce flavored ice cream from Taiko Soy Sauce Shop.
A fishing port can be seen from Miho-kan, a long-established ryokan (Japanese-style inn), which was built over 100 years ago and even now embodies the spirit of the good old days. From the inside of the building visitors can take in the view of the harbor and can learn Japan’s traditional ikebana (flower arrangement) from the ryokan’s mistress. If a traveler borrows a fishing pole at the harbor, they will be surprised by the number of cats that gather round that live in the harbor area.
Enveloped in a timeless flow, spend time with people who live in tandem with the good traditions of old. It will become a journey where you encounter the roots of Japan.
◇Hino
Hino lies in Tottori Prefecture at the base of Mt. Daisen, the tallest mountain in the San’in Region. This town was once a large production center for tatara, or Japan’s traditional method of iron-making. At the heart of the old city roadways, old stores and traditional Japanese-style houses still remain. The streets are dotted with simple, quaint places where you can participate in various cultural experiences.
Soba cultivation thrives in this region, and you can experience making soba noodles for yourself with locally grown soba flour. At Tokiwasure-shimizuya, an old Japanese-style home, you can taste the master’s artfully made soba, and of course the noodles you make yourself.
At Guest House Orenchi, you can make your own mini bonsai tree and take it home with you. Along the old streets is also Tea House Ogata. One of the highlights of this shop that you can learn how to correctly drink traditional Japanese green tea in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can spend peaceful time here and experience traditional Japanese culture that thrives amidst local everyday life.
If you want to stretch your legs, you can visit one of the three great riverheads stemming from Mt. Daisen: Kidanisawa Mountain Stream. If you drink the water from the springhead, whose beauty and mystery and harkens of the world of Studio Ghibli animations, your mind and body will be purified.