The Japanese dances collectively called kagura were originally performed at shrines for the pleasure of the Shinto gods. In the 19th century, it began to be seen more as a sort of folk entertainment than strictly a religious ritual. The dances reenact well known scenes from myth and legend, with d...
Silver mining was extremely grueling work, especially in the deep shafts of Iwami-Ginzan. Local lore says that special celebrations were held for those miners who reached the age of 30.
Completed in 1766 after a 25 year construction effort, Rakanji temple is set in a cave in the mountainside outsid...
The Chugoku region's largest aquarium is the Shimane Aquarium Aquas, at the Iwami Seaside Park just a short stroll from the Japan Sea coast.
The aquarium has a wonderful collection, including a huge shark tank with a glass tunnel running through it. An artificial tide pool is a favorite with child...
On July 2nd, 2007, UNESCO formally granted World Heritage Site status to the Iwami-Ginzan Silver Mine near Ooda city in central Shimane prefecture.
From its opening in 1526, Iwami Ginzan was one of the world’s most productive silver mines for 400 years. It's believed that at the mine’s peak Japane...
Near Tottori's famous dune fields lies the Uradome coastline, part of the Sanin Coast National Park. The area is celebrated for the fantastic shapes created by wind and water, including cliffs, beckoning caves, and strange, twisted islets bristling with windswept pine trees. The blue-green water i...
On July 2nd, 2007, UNESCO formally granted World Heritage Site status to the Iwami-Ginzan Silver Mine near Ooda city in central Shimane prefecture.
From its opening in 1526, Iwami Ginzan was one of the world’s most productive silver mines for 400 years. It's believed that at the mine’s peak Japane...
