Set against the backdrop of Shimane Prefecture’s Okuizumo area, where the timeline of ancient iron-making weaves through the cultural tapestry of the region.

Myths and history lead the way in this narrative journey through tangible cultural heritage.

Immerse yourself in the landscapes that inspired Studio Ghibli’s film ‘Princess Mononoke,’ and engage with the local culture bearers and traditional cuisine.

The pinnacle of your adventure will be a day apprenticing at Hiromitsu, a blacksmith atelier with a ten-generation legacy.

Let the flames you witness kindle a fire within your heart.

What is Arts & Geohistoria Oku-Izumo?

Arts & Geohistoria Oku-Izumo is an interactive travel program to unknown Japan, woven by those who visit and those who welcome.

Whether you choose to explore on your own or with a navigator/facilitator, embark on a collective tale, where the past and present intertwine through the connections you forge.

Before visiting the sacred land of Izumo, immerse yourself in the spirit of Oku-Izumo.

Touch upon its myths, history, culture, art, and the pride of the people you meet along the way.

Feel the fire in your heart awaken as you embrace.

Upcoming Dates

The events will take place from September
2024 to February 2025.

Activity

• One day blacksmiths at Hiromitsu
• KATANA experience at Tatara Sword Museum
• Cycling from the source to the estuary : tracing the history of iron along the Iinashi river
• Prayer Ceremony at the Main Sanctuary of Kanayago Shrine
• Experience a day in Organic Rice Farming
• Zen meditation at Kiyomizu temple
• Knotting fate: Create Your Own Sacred Shimenawa
• Tea Ceremony: In Ironmaster Sakurai Family’s Historic Residence
• Entertainment of the Iron Port: The Folk Songs of Yasugibushi

Sight-seeing

• ‘Princess Mononoke’: Sugaya Tatara
• Magnitude of sand iron extraction: scenic terraced rice fields
• The Prosperity of Ironmasters: The Tanabe Family’s classic storehouse(Kura) in Yoshida Town
• A three-tiered waterfall on Mt. Takairi, with a shrine to a legendary goddess at its base.
• Japan’s Designated Top 100 Waterfalls: Takairinotaki
• Gorge of Mysterious Rock Formations and Giant Boulders: The Oni-no-Shitaburu
• Yasugi Knife Festival
• Designated National Treasure Matsue Castle
• Matsue Suitouro(lantern on water) Festival
• Japan’s First Shrine, the Settlement of Susanoo

Knowing & Learning

• World-reknowed Japanese garden: Adachi Museum
• Scroll painting ‘The Chronicle of Tamahagane’
• Lafcadio Hearn: The First Western Writer to See Japan with Unclouded Eyes.

Food & Drink

• Savor Wild Boar dish at KANUKA
• Local gourmet at TSUKARU with Onsen
• Pure, clean SAKE woven in Oku-Izumo: Hikami Brewery
• Night pub crawl at historic castle town Matsue
• Whole Buckwheat Soba Himeno Soba Yukari-an
• Enjoy a Tea Ceremony at a house Produced by Master Fumai
• Additive-free treats made with fresh milk from cows raised in nature
• Indulge in an afternoon tea at a classic Samurai House

Onsen & Accommodation

• Saginoyusou, Onsen Ryokan, right next to Adachi Museum
• KAI, Tamatsukuri, Hoshino Resort
• KAI, Izumo, Hoshino Resort
• Locally Respected Premium Onsen Ryokan: Tamamine Sansou
• Retreat at Yumura onsen
• One of Japan’s Top 3 Onsen for Beautiful Skin: Hinokamisansou
• Relax in hot springs (onsen)
• Experience luxury hotels