Izumo – Land of the Gods
KatieIzumo is an area known by the Japanese as being the “Land of the Gods”. Had it not been for my Sensei's recommendation, I would never have made it here.…
Matsue: Celestial Sparks, Matcha Tea Culture and a Castle
After the quiet remoteness of Yunotsu, Matsue was a shock. Hesitating before a wall of tourism brochures, I made selections: Matsue's castle, some matcha tea culture, and the Adachi Museum…
Onsen and Iwami Kagura: The Magic of Yunotsu
The remote fishing village of Yunotsu is anything but flashy. These days Yunotsu is most well-known for its onsen and Iwami Kagura performances. Not many foreigners make it to this…
Striking Gold at the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
It was my Sensei who recommended I travel to Shimane, known in Japan as the "land of the gods". This less-traveled to destination is bursting with culture and historical treasures.…