Published date: November 26, 2024
1 Minute Walk from Miho Shrine! A Hotel for Ties with Izumo Taisha through "Both Visits"
Room Type Stayed
Some info has been automatically translated by AI.
Experience of the stay
This guest house is apparently scheduled to close, and this time, I was allowed to specially use the main building of Miho-kan (Mihokan). This accommodation is located at the eastern end of Matsue and is not a one-hour drive from Tottori Prefecture, where Yonago Airport is located.
When you cross the bridge and arrive at the island on the Miho Shrine side, it becomes a nostalgic port town, and there are hardly any restaurants, so it is better to eat on the Tottori side. (This time, I had dinner at "Sakaeya", a dining place. It was delicious with a light seasonings. Photos are included later.)
To return to the topic, at the main building of Miho-kan, you can use the "Hanare" as a breakfast venue, and overnight guests can also visit it at night. This hanare is designated as an important cultural property registered in the country, and it has a unique atmosphere created by various extensions and blends of Japanese and Western styles. It feels like you are in the "infinite castle" of the Demon Slayer series. The hot spring inns in Aizu and Ashinokampu also give off this feeling, but I think this place is just as good. A simple bar is also open at night, allowing us to experience a unique time in an atmosphere that feels like a time slip. The sake in the photo is a 50-year-old plum wine, which was about 2500 yen. It was delicious while feeling the history of the place.
To briefly introduce the facilities of the main building, the large communal bath is a quaint, old-fashioned one, and the rooms are set up with tatami mats and futons. The toilet has been renovated and is clean.
Experiences during the trip
The purpose of this trip was to observe the "Kamakura Festival" at Izumo Taisha. This festival is held on the 11th day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar every year. For seven days from the Kamakura Festival, deities from all over Japan are invited to Izumo. November is called 'Kanna-zuki', but in Izumo, it is referred to as 'Kanzaki-zuki' because they call upon the gods.
At 7 PM, the rituals begin at "Inasa Beach", where the gods are welcomed. Inasa Beach, which is also the stage of the national land transfer myth, is about a 20-minute walk from Izumo Taisha, and traffic regulations are in place on that day. It was quite difficult to secure parking. After 30 minutes of rituals, the spirits of the gods are transported to Izumo Taisha. Generally, the public cannot enter the rituals held at Izumo Taisha, but it is possible to walk the same path as the gods up to the shrine.
There is accommodation for the deities on the grounds of Izumo Taisha, but the venue for discussions is not here; it is at "Kamino Miya" on the way from Izumo Taisha to Inasa Beach. When visiting during the ‘Kanzaki month’, it is recommended not to forget to pay respects at this Kamino Miya.
Oh, and starting around 6 PM, before the rituals begin, talismans are distributed in front of the restrooms at Inasa Beach. Since it was my first time, I accidentally descended onto the beach from a different location and could not receive a talisman. You can secure a spot with blue sheets as early as the morning. Some people claimed to have arrived at 5 AM. If you want to see the rituals, it's best to come to the beach early, secure a spot, and then head to Izumo Taisha. It seems difficult to secure accommodations around Izumo Taisha without reserving at least a year in advance.
Lastly, I will also include a photo of Izumo Taisha.
P.S. It seems that when you go to the beach, if you fill a plastic bag with sand and exchange it at Izumo Taisha, it brings blessings. I completely forgot. If you go to the beach, why not give it a try?