Izumo: “The Land of the Gods”

Izumo‘s long history dates back to the beginnings of Japan. Izumo in Shimane Prefecture, the Land of the Gods, is a famous place for reliving old Japanese myths. According to Shinto myths, there was a time in history when the islands of Japan were controlled from Izumo, hence the name. Izumo is also known for soba noodles and the Taisha Shinto Shrine (Izumo Taisha). Several walking routes offer breathtaking views and pass by famous sites. There are museums and the beautiful Inasa Beach, the setting for several ancient Japanese myths. Izumo is a wonderful place to bask in Japan’s history and get lost in pristine and majestic scenery.

Taisha Shinto Shrine, Izumo. | Gordon

The Taisha Shinto Shrine is the oldest Shinto Shrine in Japan. No actual records give a date of when the shrine was built. In the two oldest chronicles of Japan, the Nihon Shoki and the Kojiki, when the grandson of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, descended from the heavens, the god Ōkuninushi gave his lands to Ninigi-no-Mikoto. Ōkuninushi is considered the great creator of Japan as well as the founder of the nation. Ōkuninushi is also acknowledged as the guardian god and god of happiness, as well as the god who establishes good relationships. His actions pleased Amaterasu so much that she gifted Ōkuninushi with the Taisha Shinto Shrine. Its main structure was originally constructed to glorify the great achievements of Ōkuninushi. Several other buildings in the shrine compound are on the list of Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

In 2009, a team of archeologists discovered the Sunabara Remains in Taki-chō, Izumo City. These are the oldest stone tools ever found in Japan. There were about 20 tools found that date back an estimated 120,000 years. It’s about 80,000 years earlier than previous estimates of when the very first humans arrived in Japanese soil. Various tombs and temples are also found in Izumo. The largest Tumulus (a mound of earth and stones raised over a grave) style tomb is also found in the area.

     Hinomisaki Lighthouse.

Several canals run through Izumo carrying the Takase River and the Hiikawa River. They were constructed by Okaji Shichibei in 1670. Izumo was previously infertile land and was unable to grow rice and grain. With the development of canals, Izumo soon flourished in agricultural endeavors. Another cultural highlight of Izumo is the Izumo Dome, a venue just north of the city proper. It is considered Japan’s largest wooden structure at 49 metres in height and 143 metres in diameter. It is the venue for many of Japan’s sports events. Hinomisaki Lighthouse is a modern stone lighthouse and from the tower, Oki Islands can be seen.

Izumo is a wealth of wonders waiting to be discovered.