Stories

San’in is often called the land of the gods — and for good reason. The region is believed to be the birthplace of Japan's creation myths, and its landscape is home to sacred sites that continue to pulse with spiritual energy.

Our itineraries can include guided visits to shrines, mountain ascetic hiking, or cultural exchange through kagura performances.

One of Japan's oldest and most revered shrines is Izumo Taisha, believed to host the annual gathering of all Shinto gods. Massive straw ropes and sacred rituals create a powerful atmosphere of divinity.

The main deity enshrined at Izumo Taisha is Okuninushi no Okami, who, according to the creation mythology, crafted Japan itself. He is often portrayed as the head of the kunitsukami, the gods of the earth, and was believed to be the original ruler of the terrestrial world.

Later, he also became the deity of good relationships and marriage. With this came the unique custom of clapping four times instead of the usual two during prayers—the first two for themselves, and the latter for their existing or desired partners and people they have connections with.