“IZUMO”
According to the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki,
Susanoo, who was banished from Takamagahara by Amaterasu,
Descended to the land of Izumo.
There, Susanoo rescued the beautiful maiden Kushinadahime,
Who was being sacrificed to the eight-headed serpent Orochi.
Susanoo offered the serpent large vats of sake, got it drunk, and defeated it.
He obtained the Kusanagi sword from the dead serpent’s tail,
And presented it to Amaterasu in Takamagahara.
This sword became one of the three sacred treasures symbolizing the authority of the Emperor of Japan.
Ookuninushi married Susanoo’s daughter Suserihime,
The gods forced him to yield the land of Toyoashihara no Mizuhokuni.
In exchange, the Izumo Ooyashiro Shrine was constructed.
From the age of the gods to the present day,
A long story has been woven in the land of Izumo.
October in the old Japanese lunar calendar is known as Kannazuki, meaning “the month when the gods are absent”.
But in Izumo, it is referred to as Kamiarizuki, “the month when the gods are present”.
During this time, the multitudinous gods of Japan gather at Izumo Ooyashiro Shrine.
In modern terms, it could be considered the summit of the gods.
The shrine holds solemn ceremonies such as the Kami-mukae-shinji ritual and the Kami-ari-sai festival.
Visiting the shrine during this period holds special significance.
Lake Shinji is a brackish lake blessed with abundant seafood,
In winter, migratory birds such as ducks and swans arrive.
It is also famous for its Yamato shijimi clams.
The sunset over Lake Shinji offers spectacular views throughout the seasons.
Nearby, you can find Matsue Onsen and Tamatsukuri Onsen,
At the heart of Matsue stands the National Treasure Matsue Castle.
Along the street facing the moat of Matsue Castle,
You can find the former residence of Koizumi Yakumo (Lafcadio Hearn),
Who is famous for works like “Snow Woman” and “Hoichi the Earless”.
It offers a glimpse into the past.
There are also delicious soba shops nearby,
So enjoying a bowl of soba while reflecting on history can be a delightful experience.
「IZUMO」
記紀によるとアマテラスに
高天原を追放されたスサノオは
出雲の地へと降り立つ
そこで八岐大蛇の生贄として捧げられていた
美しい娘クシナダヒメを救い出し
大樽の酒をオロチに飲ませて酔わせ退治した
そしてオロチの尻尾から出た草薙剣を
高天原のアマテラスに献上する
それが天皇の権威の象徴三種の神器のひとつだ
スサノオの娘スセルヒメの夫オオクニヌシは
豊葦原水穂国の国譲りを天津神の御子から迫られるが
交換条件として建てられたのが出雲大社である
神代の時代より現代に至るまで
長い物語が紡がれ続いてきたのが出雲の地
旧暦10月は神無月と言われるが
出雲では神在月と呼称する
八百万の神々が出雲大社に一堂に集る
現代流にいうなら神々のサミットだろう
大社では神迎神事と神在祭が厳かに行われる
この時期に大社にお参りするのは意義がある
宍道湖は汽水湖で豊かな魚介類に恵まれ
冬には鴨や白鳥等の渡り鳥がやって来る
またヤマトシジミの産地としても有名だ
宍道湖に沈む夕陽の絶景は四季を通して楽しめる
近隣には松江温泉・玉造温泉が立地し
松江の中心には国宝松江城が鎮座する
松江城の堀に面した武家屋敷が並ぶ通りには
「雪女」や「耳なし芳一」の作者として有名な
小泉八雲の旧居があり当時を偲ぶことができる
近隣には出雲そばの美味しい店もあるので
そばを啜りながら歴史に想いを馳せるのも
乙なものではないだろうか