Travel Notes on Izumo Country
In the spring of 2014, in search of inspiration and invited by Japanese friends, I came to this mythical hometown in the north of Shimane Prefecture, Japan."Izumo Country". Before departure, I was already excitedly searching for various chronicles about Izumo, but I didn’t want to deliberately plan the itinerary. Because of the local tour guide, I thought there would be different surprises, so I only listed one or two that must be visited. Attractions.
Izumo Taisha Shrine
The main shrine is built according to Japan's oldest shrine style, "Taishakyo Shrine Style", and is designated as a national treasure.
This year coincides withIzumo Taisha ShrineThe Heisei Daisengu Shrine was completed, and many activities and businesses prospered. The Japanese call the 10th month of the lunar calendar "Kanna Moon" because people believe that in this month all the gods from all over the country gather at Izumo Taisha Shrine on the orders of the Lord of the Country. Therefore, only Izumo is the "Kanna Moon" because of its mythological color. , has many exclusive customs, and is held grandly for half a month from October 11th to 17th of the lunar calendar every year."God is offering sacrifices". There are 19 small shrines in the buildings on both sides of the main hall of Izumo Grand Shrine. It is said that they are used to receive gods from other places. Just this special sense of divine presence has already fascinated me. I hope I can get some inspiration during this trip!
After welcoming the gods on the beach, eight million gods were led to the 19 shrines on both sides of Izumo Grand Shrine, and the meeting of the gods who stayed in Izumo for a week began.
As we approach the entrance, which is still far in front of the shrine, we can see the majestic torii gate standing in the sky in the distance, which seems to remind us that the shrine is near! Centuries-old pines line both sides of the road, and there are many businesses along the way. The cultural and creative products full of myths and restaurants with local ingredients are dazzling. Of course, Izumo Taisha Shrine has been said to be the god of marriage since ancient times, and there are countless marriage products. However, Japanese friends told me that if a couple comes to visit this shrine, they will probably break up, so if you take a closer look at the tourists, most of them will I came here with female friends. Isn’t this similar to the Luzu Temple in the Guide Palace in Taiwan? Although this legend cannot be verified, the Japanese friend himself is indeed a real case who was deeply affected by it. The girlfriends he brought to worship in his memory ended up breaking up! There are many couples who want to hold their wedding here~ How could this happen?
The Izumo Taisha Shrine, which has a history of thousands of years, was built at the foot of Mount Yakumo. The word "eight" in Japan means "majority". The gods come in the clouds and the mist. "Izumo" is named after the cloudy sky.
"Zenzai ぜんざい", the birthplace of red bean soup mochi, one of the wagashi, is said to be in Izumo. As the name suggests, zenzai is used to praise people and celebrate.
"Magatama まがたま" production experience
The central approach path, lined with centuries-old pine trees, was only accessible to clergy or royalty in ancient times, while ordinary people could only use the side paths on both sides.
In addition, the way of worshiping at Izumo Taisha Shrine also inherits the ancient method, following the procedure of "two rites, four claps, and one rite". There are two more claps than ordinary shrines, which has become one of the unique symbols of Izumo Taisha Shrine. For this reason, my Japanese friend also led me to demonstrate a correct and meaningful way of worshiping. He said that to perform the "second ceremony" first, I must bend at 90 degrees and bow. When bending down, I should exhale all my breath, take a deep breath and then straighten up. The purpose of this is to spit out the bad energy that exists in the body, and then inhale the righteous energy given by the gods. During "Four Claps", slightly stagger your palms before high-fiving. Because the knuckles of the palms are joined together have unfortunate origins. Close your eyes for a few seconds and report your feelings to the gods. However, you cannot make any wishes to the gods, because the real gods will not communicate with others. For transactions, the last "gift" is to thank the gods for their protection, and then take out the coins and throw them hard into the tribute box. This is to release the tangles in the body through the action of throwing them. It is not as people mistakenly think. Donating money to the gods is a truly respectful way of worshiping with full of mindfulness.
Izumo Taisha Shrine is a famous place for cherry blossom viewing.
Kaguraden
Kagura-den is the most majestic attraction of Izumo Taisha Shrine, the centerpiece of the grand atmosphere.
Located to the west of Izumo Taisha Shrine"Kagura Hall", is the most proud representative of Izumo Taisha Shrine. It has an eye-popping large rope, weighing 4.5 tons, 8 meters thick and 13 meters long.Japan's largest bet chain. In the past, people would throw copper plates into the shulen rope. It is said that those who successfully insert the coins into the shulen rope will have a relationship with the gods. But a few days ago, this fun activity has been banned to prevent people from dropping their coins.
It is said that the person who successfully inserts the coin into the rope will have a relationship with God.
Izumo Aguo
The Okuno statue of the theater is seen diagonally across from the Kyoto Kabuki Theater next to the Kamogawa River. (Photography: Yang Shuhao)
A countryThis legendary woman came from a humble background but was the founder of Japanese kabuki. She was originally a shrine maiden of Izumo Taisha Shrine. She worked hard to renovate and rebuild Izumo Taisha Shrine and raised funds through entertainment. With her beautiful appearance and excellent dancing skills, Aguo wasAzuchi Momoyama Era (The end of the Warring States Period and the beginning of Edo) It became a trend for a while.
When Aguo was able to practice dancing, his purpose was to hope that ordinary people could understand Buddhism better and perform "Nenbutsu Dance", which is an expression of Buddhist scriptures in the form of singing and dancing to entertain and educate. This is the most important prototype of Kabuki. , later began to undergo some transformations, and dramatic interpretations were more in line with the preferences of civilians.
Just next to the Kamogawa River diagonally across from the Kyoto Kabuki Theater, there is a statue of A Kuni, who seems to be looking at the theater in the distance. She is dressed in men's clothing and holding a sword. This is the period when A Kuni reached the peak of her life. At that time, she always wanted to bring out the old and bring out the new, so she was a woman in this The characters who dress up as men are very popular in the capital, and they were even the first female dance group invited to perform in the palace. The reputation of Oguni's dance spread far and wide, and it quickly spread to the Yukaku who imitated it in the Edo period. Yukaku were women who made a living in romantic places. As a result, they caused many obscene love affairs, and the Edo shogunate once ordered a ban on female performances. which has been passed down to this daykabuki, a cross-dressing performance was performed by a male actor disguised as a woman. The cross-dressing play was called "Qingxi". The pronunciation of "Qing" is Kabuki, which is the homophone of the current Kabuki. Therefore, Aguo is recognized by the Japanese as the founder of Kabuki.
A Guo, a commoner woman who has made great achievements, first ran for the local area and then created soothing dance skills for the country. I was moved by this and wanted to create a wagashi of her own for her.
Inasadahama
On the 10th day of the lunar calendar, the moon god greets the shores of eight million gods.
inasanohamaIn Sandy Bay with a beautiful sunset, a huge boulder suddenly flew from the sky and stood in the middle of the beach, becoming a scenic spot for sightseeing and taking photos. This boulder has a long-lasting legend. Japan"Kokuyin Myth"Because the terrain of Izumo Country is too long and narrow, it is called"Eight bundles of Mizuno Tsuno no Ming"The gods, out of their imagination, pulled ropes from the neighboring islands of Silla (Korea) to form today's Songjiang Peninsula and Ado Lake. The coastline under this huge rock was exactly what they were pulled from in mythology. The land seems to be a somewhat realistic mythical story, and the territory of Izumo Country is therefore complete.
It is said that the rock is completely submerged during high tide.
Along the coastline you can see the varied terrain, with endless strange rocks and cliffs.
A cape protruding toward the Sea of Japan located at the western end of the Shimane Peninsula. Along the coastline you can see the varied terrain, with endless strange rocks and cliffs. Walking north along the walking path, the paths outlined by rows of pine trees crisscross and lead to the cliff, and the towering snow-white lighthouse immediately comes into view.Cliff Riyu Kei, is an attraction headed by the Black-tailed Gull’s breeding ground on the island. The lighthouse is 43.65 meters high and was selectedTop 100 Lighthouses in the World. The view from the observation deck is amazing.
The sunset along the Hinomisaki coastline is also a famous product.
Great Lord, Great God
"The country is famous for its peace and abdication."Great Lord, Great God”.
A statue based on the story of Inaba's White Rabbit.
The chief deity of Izumo Taisha Shrine"The Lord of the Great Kingdom", is a local god born in Izumo, in Japanese folklore and mythology"Inaba's White Rabbit"Quite famous. It is said that when he was young, Okuninushi accompanied his brothers to Inaba Country to propose marriage to Yagami Princess. On the way, they met an injured white rabbit with a layer of skin peeled off. After the kind-hearted Okuninushi healed the rabbit, the rabbit repaid his kindness by making a prophecy. Yachami Hime will choose Okuninushi as her husband, and the prediction comes true. From then on, White Rabbit has followed Okuninushi all the way. Because White Rabbit has the ability to predict marriage, Okuninushi has become the god of marriage that people believe in!
Many stage plays interpret the story of the great king. According to ancient Japanese books, after the great king completed the creation of the land of Izumo, he dedicated the land toGod of creation(The chief priest of Ise Jingu Shrine), the great god of heaven was impressed by its magnanimity and selfless surrender to the country, so he built an Izumo Grand Shrine on the land of Izumo dedicated to the lord of the country, and worshiped the lord of the country as the main god. This is The origin of Izumo Taisha Shrine. However, another identity of the Great Lord isJapan's Seven Lucky GodsThe Mahakala in the world governs agriculture, commerce, medicine and other beliefs, but people still prefer the belief in karma.
Izumo Cultural Heritage Museum
It was built by the great landowner Ekakuo of Izumo in the 29th year of Meiji. It has a typical Izumo-style plan structure and a dry landscape garden. Tsukiji pine trees are surrounded by huge flying stones and short-shaped stones. It completely preserves the traditional Japanese architectural style and Izumo style. gardentourist attraction.
After entering the gate from the north to the south, there is a spacious and heroic earthen entrance.
【Dule'an】The Forefather of Tea CeremonySen no RikyuThis historic tea house was appointed by Ujitahara. By the seventh generation lord of Matsue Not ignorant of public opinionInherited and protected to this day.
The Matsase-tei Tea House in the hotel is open for tea ceremony experience from time to time.
Refreshments areUra SenkeThe dessert is made of yam steamed buns stuffed with white adzuki beans produced in the local area.
In the museumPresenting Buckwheat Feather House, founded in the Edo period, is the most famous hand-baked soba shop in Izumo.Emperor TaishoAt first, many princes and nobles came from far away to taste this traditional delicacy.