Myths and Gastronomic Attractions on a Trip to Izumo
Izumo is a place where Japanese history and culture breathe deeply.
Izumo’s journey has attracted many people as the stage of mythology, and its beautiful scenery and delicious food welcome visitors.
The Izumo trip in particular begins with the Sunrise Izumo sleeper train, which takes you to numerous shrines and places of interest, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
In this article, we will tell you all about the charms of Izumo and provide you with information that will make you want to visit.
A special trip starting with the Sunrise Izumo sleeper train
The Sunrise Izumo sleeper train is a must on any train trip in Japan.
This train is the only sleeper express connecting Tokyo to Izumo City, and its elegant overnight itinerary will raise your expectations for Izumo.
In the train, passengers can choose from a variety of styles, including single private rooms and knobby-nobby seats, making even long journeys comfortable.
As you board the Sunrise Izumo, the sound of the train smoothly moving forward as you look up at the night sky, and the changing scenery seen from the train windows will be a heartening introduction to your journey.
By the time you arrive, the early morning view of Izumo will take your breath away and make you feel as if a mystical experience awaits you.
You can also enjoy time to talk with fellow travelers in the lounge area of the train.
You will feel as if you are in a scene from a nostalgic movie of the Showa period, a very special time.
In this way, a trip on the Sunrise Izumo is not “just a move,” but a wonderful starting point to begin a “special and extraordinary” experience.
When you next arrive in Izumo, you may already be captivated by Izumo when you get off the train, excited to see what kind of journey awaits you.
The Mythical World Experienced on the Beach of Inasa
In Izumo, the scenery created by the beautiful nature is an essential stage for mythology.
One such place is Inasa-no-hama.
It is known as the place to visit before visiting Izumo-taisha Shrine, where there is an old tradition to exchange sand from the beach for new sand from Izumo-taisha Shrine.
Inasa-no-hama is also famous as the stage where Okuninushi no Mikoto was tested by Susano-no Mikoto to be with his sister.
A visit there allows you to think back to days long ago and experience firsthand the importance of this place as a preparation before visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine.
In addition, at Inasa-no-hama, visitors can collect sand with the wind of the sea, and people cherish the sand as a good-luck charm even after returning home.
Each of these experiences creates a special memory of your trip to Izumo.
Inasa-no-hama is also home to the beautiful Benten Island.
This small island looks from afar as if it were a place where gods reside that is quietly worth seeing and lyrically welcomes visitors.
This Inasa-no-hama is the perfect place to start your journey to Izumo-taisha Shrine and experience the world of mythology.
Have a special moment that can only be experienced there while quietly listening to the sound of the waves.
A marriage-making experience at Izumo-taisha Shrine
Izumo Taisha Shrine is famous as one of Japan’s leading match-making shrines.
The shrine’s history is deeply rooted in Japanese mythology, and from the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a solemn and mysterious atmosphere.
The official name of the shrine is “Izumo Oyashiro” (Izumo Grand Shrine), and it attracts the hearts of many people, especially those seeking the blessing of marriage.
Okuninushi no Mikoto, known as “Daikoku-sama,” is enshrined in the precincts of Izumo Taisha, and is believed to be the god of marriage, with whom he earnestly hopes for a future union.
Worship at Izumo Taisha is conducted in a special manner that differs from other shrines.
First of all, when passing through the torii gate, do not forget to bow, and to enjoy the moment in a solemn manner.
This is also a great place to enjoy gourmet food for tourists.
In particular, there are plenty of tastes unique to Izumo, such as Sanshoku Wariko Soba and Izumo Zenzai. Izumo soba noodles made with local ingredients are firm and aromatic.
In addition, you can draw a fortune after visiting the shrine.
The omikuji at Izumo Taisha are inscribed with words as a divine oracle, rather than characters such as “ookichi” (great fortune).
This is a precious opportunity to listen to its contents, to feel the ancient wisdom and teachings of Japan, and to think about one’s own future.
It is Izumo Taisha Shrine that is the spiritual center for those seeking a match and offers a special experience for many visitors.
We invite you to experience Japanese mythology in its mystical space with deep emotion.
The profound charm of Izumo soba
If there is one area of Japanese cuisine that has a particularly unique culinary culture, it is Izumo.
Idemo soba is a prime example of this.
Izumo soba is highly popular throughout Japan for its unique eating style and flavor, and is one of the most enjoyable parts of a visit for many travelers.
Of particular note is the “Wariko Soba” (split buckwheat noodles).
This soba is served in a three-tiered round bowl, each with a different topping.
For example, the bowls are topped with tororo (grated yam), grated deep-fried egg, and an onsen tamago (soft-boiled egg), offering a wide variety of flavors.
The way to eat it is also unusual: after pouring the soup into the first bowl and finishing it, the remaining soup is transferred to the next bowl and eaten.
The Izumo soba is a unique dish.
If you try this unique way of eating Izumo soba for the first time, you will enjoy it even more if you know how it is done.
In addition, Izumo soba is made from coarsely ground buckwheat flour and contains black hulls, which are highly nutritious and retain the original flavor and aroma of buckwheat.
In this way, Izumo soba is loved by many people as a result of the unique regional ingenuity and traditions that have been preserved.
A moment to enjoy soba with the locals and savor its rich flavor will be an important part of a memorable trip to Izumo.
The charm of Izumo Zenzai to be enjoyed in the “birthplace of Zenzai”
Zenzai is loved throughout Japan.
Izumo is known as the birthplace of Zenzai.
The “Zenzai” tasted in Izumo boasts a unique flavor and history that sets it apart from other regions, making it a particularly popular sweet among tourists.
For example, in Izumo, baked rice cakes are included in zenzai, which is characterized by its savory flavor.
When you put it in your mouth, the glutinous rice inside melts along with the crispy texture, providing an exquisite contrast.
This zenzai with baked rice cake will be the best tea cakes, especially on cold days.
In addition, Izumo Zenzai is often served with “stem wakame”, whose salty taste enhances the sweetness of the Zenzai.
This combination of sweetness and saltiness is exquisite and creates an addictive taste.
Not only locals but also many tourists come to enjoy this sweet treat.
Izumo Zenzai has gone beyond mere sweetness and continues to evolve along with its long tradition.
In this way, “Zenzai” in Izumo is a great opportunity to taste the history and culture of the place.
When you visit Izumo, please enjoy the “Zenzai” that can only be found here and enjoy new encounters with its deep history.
Susa Shrine to experience the myth of Susanoo-no-mikoto and Yamata-no-orochi
The heroic tale of Yamata-no-orochi, passed down as one of the myths of Izumo, is deeply connected to Susa Shrine.
This Susa Shrine is dedicated to “Susano-onomikoto” and is known as the legendary place where he vanquished the Yamata-no-orochi.
Many visitors also come to the shrine for the blessings of match-making, prosperity of offspring, family safety, and protection from bad luck.
As a place where you can feel the feelings of mythology with every step you take, Susa Shrine offers an unforgettable experience.
In particular, the mystical air you feel here is magical, as if you are being transported back to a mythical age.
An even more remarkable place is the “Seven Wonders of Susa”.
Among them, the “Big Cedar Tree” and the “Shionoi Well” are popular power spots for many visitors.
The large cedar tree is said to be 1,300 years old and exudes a sacred aura.
Silent yet strong, this place makes a deep impression on visitors, who can feel firsthand that the mythical world is still alive today.
When you visit Izumo, please visit the legendary land of Susano-onomikoto to further deepen your journey to encounter the myth.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Izumo is the best destination to experience the ancient mythology and culture of Japan and its precious food culture. From the beginning of your journey on the Sunrise Izumo, you can enjoy a tour of famous places, a gourmet journey, and the excitement of exploring mythology, with new discoveries each time you visit. We invite you to experience the various charms of Izumo with your own feet. You will find your own Izumo story there.
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