Shimane Prefecture Specialties, Souvenirs, Shrines, Temples, and Travel | 47 Prefecture Guide

Shimane is a place where it would be fair to say that half of Japan’s mythology is set.

Specialties

Shijimi clams is, Lake Shinji is one of Japan’s leading production areas in total.

The reason lies in the water. Lake Shinji is a brackish lake where seawater and freshwater mix, and this level of salinity is just right for Yamato shijimi clams. The terrain itself is the reason it became a production area.

Izumo soba is made by hikigurumi, grinding buckwheat groats together with their husks is used to make it. That is why it is dark in color and has a strong aroma. Warigo soba and kamaage soba are also local ways to enjoy it. Nodoguro, crab, and Iwami beef.

Souvenirs

Izumo soba, shijimi clam soup, and Matsue Japanese sweets. And Sekishu washi accessories.

Matsue is a city said to have many confectionery shops, alongside Kyoto and Kanazawa. This is influenced by the fact that the feudal lord Matsudaira Fumai was a tea master.

Shrines and Temples

Izumo Taisha in Izumo City is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Okami.

The 10th month of the old lunar calendar is called Kannazuki, “the month without gods,” across Japan, because the gods are away. In Izumo, however, it is called Kamiarizuki, “the month with gods,” because this is where the gods go. During this period, the shrine’s Jukusha are said to become lodgings for the gods. The worship style of two bows, four claps, and one bow, unlike the two claps used at many other shrines, also shows how special this shrine is.

Yaegaki Shrine in Matsue City enshrines Susanoo and Kushinadahime, and the “love fortune” in which paper is floated on the Mirror Pond within the grounds.

Hinomisaki Shrine in Izumo City is said to be the shrine that “protects Japan at night,” while Ise Jingu is said to be “the protector of Japan by day” is considered to be. It consists of two shrines: Kami no Miya and Hishizumi no Miya.

Yasaka Shrine, known for the Sagimai heron dance, and Sada Shrine.

Sightseeing

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Oda City was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2007. For a period in the 16th century, a considerable share of the world’s silver came from Japan, and much of it was from this mountain. according to estimates.

Matsue Castle (its keep is a National Treasure), sunsets over Lake Shinji, and the Oki Islands.

Traditional Crafts

The nationally designated items are Unshu abacuses, Sekishu washi, Iwami ware, and Izumo stone lanterns, making 4 items.

Sekishu-banshi was registered in 2014 as part of “Washi” on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Registered at the same time were Honminoshi from Gifu and Hosokawashi from Saitama. The three production areas were registered not separately, but under one name.

For details, see [VILLAGE Report vol.18] Three Production Areas, One Name

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References: Shimane Prefecture, Matsue City, Izumo City, Oda City, Hamada City, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries — Value Village Editorial Team