On his shrine outings around the Izumo province near Matsue, Hearn took note of the local folklore, often describing in great detail the history and customs of the area. It’s what made him, in some people’s opinion, one of the
Category: Izumo (Page 2 of 6)
Bentenjima and Inasanohama Beach
(Gaijin Pot website: https://travel.gaijinpot.com/benten-jima-and-inasanohama-beach/)
A godly reunion.
In spiritual Shimane prefecture, there’s a sacred beach where eight million gods are believed to congregate once a year to determine the destiny of lovers.
Located less than
Most people assume Ise Jingu is Japan’s oldest shrine. Mythical and archaeological evidence however says that it is Izumo Taisha. It was once the country’s most prestigious shrine, being supplanted by the propagandists of Yamato who incorporated it into the … Read the rest
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A stupendous ghost!
Looking eastward from the great bridge over those sharply beautiful mountains, green and blue, which tooth the horizon, I see a glorious spectre towering to the sky. Its base is effaced by far mists: out of
You often find shrines in Japan presiding over hot springs. Why? Clearly there are few places as awe-inspiring in terms of nature’s magnificence than places where steam continually issues forth from underground. Few places are more evocative of nature’s blessings, … Read the rest
Just outside Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture is the hot spring resort of Tamatsukuri Onsen. Tamatsukuri translates as Making Jewels, for it was at this place in ancient times that magatama were made. An actual site has been excavated with … Read the rest
Christmas day in Japan, falling on a Sunday this year, seems an opportune time to consider the relative lack of Christianity in the country. This is despite some 150 years of Westernisation, yet only 1.5% of the population are Christian, … Read the rest