Okuizumo Town is a beautiful mountain town in Nita District, eastern Shimane Prefecture. Located in the Chugoku Mountains, the town borders Tottori and Hiroshima prefectures along the mountain ridges. It is approximately one hour by car from Izumo City and Matsue, and around two hours from Hiroshima City.
As its name suggests, meaning roughly “Inner Izumo,” Okuizumo lies somewhat away from the major urban centers. This distance is part of its appeal. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and a rich cultural heritage that has developed over centuries.
Although Okuizumo may initially appear to be a remote mountain region, broad and open basins spread between the surrounding mountains. Picturesque rice fields, traditional rural landscapes, and impressive mountain scenery create a harmonious setting where visitors can slow down and experience a quieter side of Japan.
The mountains surrounding Okuizumo include Mount Funtsu, Mount Tainosu, Mount Tamamine, and Mount Azuma. Many of these mountains are associated with ancient Japanese texts such as the Kojiki and the Izumo Fudoki, giving the landscape a strong connection to the mythology and history of the Izumo region.
Mount Funtsu is particularly famous as the legendary place where Susanoo-no-Mikoto, one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology, is said to have descended to the earthly world.
The Hii River, whose headwaters originate around Mount Funtsu, is also closely connected with the famous Yamata no Orochi myth. The river has played an important role in supporting the culture, agriculture, and daily life of the Izumo region.
In Okuizumo, mythology is not simply something found in books. It is closely woven into the mountains, rivers, villages, and landscapes that visitors encounter today.
Okuizumo is surrounded by gently sloping mountains generally ranging from approximately 200 to 400 meters in elevation. Broad basins have developed around areas such as Yokota, Maki, Kamedake, and Ai.
These basins are characterized by beautiful terraced rice fields. The landscape created by layers of rice paddies climbing the hillsides is often reminiscent of an idealized traditional Japanese countryside.
In the southern part of the town are several prominent mountains, including Mount Enagusa at 1,267 meters, the highest mountain in the Izumo region, as well as Mount Funtsu at 1,142 meters and Mount Azuma at 1,238 meters. These mountains are popular destinations for hiking and walking in nature.
Okuizumo lies in the upper reaches of the Hii River basin, with numerous tributaries including the Murohara River and Kamedake River flowing through the area.
Underground, layers containing magnetite extend through the region. Water that passes through these geological layers contains iron and other minerals, contributing to the area’s distinctive natural environment and fertile soils.
The relationship between geology, water, agriculture, and traditional industries is an important part of understanding the landscape of Okuizumo.
Because of the considerable differences in elevation across the town, temperatures can vary from one area to another. Summer days can occasionally exceed 30°C, but temperatures generally become much cooler at night, making the evenings comfortable.
The higher elevations remain relatively cool even during summer and are popular for camping and escaping the heat.
Winter brings a dramatic transformation. Snow covers much of the town, with some areas receiving around one meter of snow. From December through February, the snowy landscape provides opportunities for skiing and other winter sports.
The changing scenery throughout the year is one of Okuizumo’s major attractions, from fresh greenery and rice fields in warmer months to colorful autumn foliage and deep winter snow.
Okuizumo has a long history of tatara ironmaking, a traditional Japanese method of producing iron using iron sand and charcoal.
Remarkably, traditional tatara ironmaking is still practiced here, and Okuizumo is home to the only facility in Japan where this traditional method continues to be operated. The process produces tamahagane, a high-quality steel traditionally used as a raw material for Japanese swords.
The history and cultural landscape associated with tatara ironmaking have been recognized as part of the Japan Heritage “Tatara Landscape of Izumo”. Ironmaking is deeply connected to the history, economy, landscape, and traditional culture of Okuizumo.
The mountains were once extensively used for charcoal production and ironmaking. Some of the land altered through these activities was later developed into terraced rice fields, helping create the beautiful rural landscapes seen throughout Okuizumo today.
The region is especially famous for Nita Rice, a premium brand of rice grown in the local mountain environment. It is highly regarded throughout Japan and is sometimes described as the “Yokozuna of the West,” using the highest rank in sumo wrestling as a metaphor for its quality.
Okuizumo is also known for the production of Unshu soroban, traditional Japanese abacuses. The region accounts for a large share of domestic production, and the soroban made by local craftspeople are valued for their quality and detailed workmanship.
Visitors can learn about the production process and, in some places, experience traditional craft techniques themselves. Such experiences offer an opportunity to see the precision and patience behind Japanese craftsmanship.
Okuizumo has several cultural facilities where visitors can learn about the area’s history of tatara ironmaking and the lives of the families who once controlled major ironmaking operations.
Kabeya Shuseikan and the Itonara Memorial Museum introduce visitors to the history, lifestyle, and culture of the region’s traditional ironmasters. Their collections and historic surroundings provide a glimpse into the prosperity that once developed through the iron industry.
The Okuizumo Iron Sculpture Museum offers an unusual combination of art and nature. Sculptures are displayed within a natural setting, allowing visitors to appreciate the works together with the changing scenery of the surrounding landscape.
The experience is especially appealing for travelers who enjoy art in peaceful outdoor environments. Rather than rushing from one exhibit to another, visitors can take their time and appreciate how the artworks interact with the seasons.
Inada Shrine is closely associated with the Yamata no Orochi legend. It is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Kushinada-hime, the heroine who appears in the famous myth involving Susanoo and the eight-headed serpent.
Historical and legendary sites connected with the story can also be found in the surrounding area, making Okuizumo an intriguing destination for travelers interested in Japanese mythology.
Hinokami Onsen is a hot spring located at the foot of Mount Funtsu. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the hot spring offers a peaceful setting in which to relax after exploring the area.
The water is known locally as a hot spring associated with beautiful skin, and the combination of bathing and the surrounding natural environment provides a relaxing way to experience the slower pace of Okuizumo.
Oni no Shitaburui Gorge is a spectacular gorge designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan. It was formed over a long period by the Omaebuki River, a tributary of the Hii River.
The gorge is filled with unusual rock formations and enormous boulders. Its name, which can be translated as “Demon’s Tongue,” is said to have originated from the appearance of the exposed rock surfaces.
Walking trails have been developed through the gorge, allowing visitors to explore the landscape while enjoying the changing scenery throughout the seasons.
Autumn is particularly beautiful, when the surrounding trees turn vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow and transform the gorge into one of Okuizumo’s most impressive seasonal landscapes.
Enmeisui is a clear natural spring that has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.
The spring water passes through geological layers containing iron and is naturally rich in minerals. For local residents, it has long been an important source of water.
Visitors can also collect the spring water, making it possible to take home a small reminder of Okuizumo’s pristine natural environment.
Kagamigaike Pond is a tranquil body of water surrounded by nature. The surface of the pond reflects the surrounding mountains and sky, creating an almost dreamlike scene.
The appearance of the pond changes according to the weather, season, and time of day. Each visit can therefore offer a slightly different landscape.
For travelers looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature, Kagamigaike provides a peaceful setting away from busy tourist areas.
Mitinohara Highlands lie at elevations of approximately 700 meters and above. The area is pleasantly cool during summer and is popular as a place to escape the heat.
The spacious natural environment is suitable for camping, hiking, and stargazing. On clear nights, the distance from major urban areas makes the highlands an attractive place to look up at the night sky.
In winter, the Mitinohara Ski Area opens and becomes a base for snow sports. With winter scenery covering the surrounding mountains and valleys, the landscape of Okuizumo takes on an entirely different character.
Nittoho Tatara is the only surviving operating facility in Japan dedicated to traditional tatara ironmaking. It produces tamahagane, the special steel traditionally used in Japanese swordmaking.
Operations take place during limited periods, and witnessing the traditional ironmaking process can be an impressive experience. The facility represents a rare example of a traditional Japanese technology that continues to be practiced today.
The Okuizumo Orochi was a sightseeing torokko, or open-air trolley-style train, that operated on the Kisuki Line and was known for offering passengers beautiful views of Okuizumo’s mountains and valleys.
The scenery was especially attractive during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage, when the train route provided views of dramatic valleys and colorful mountain landscapes.
The railway journey offered a leisurely way to experience the natural character of Okuizumo from the train window.
Okuizumo also contains several sites where visitors can experience the mysterious relationship between nature and human activity.
The Takezaki Katsura Tree is a massive tree said to be several hundred years old. Its enormous presence makes it an impressive natural landmark and a reminder of the long history of the surrounding forest.
Iwayaji no Kirihira is another distinctive site, where rock has been cut through to create a historic passage. The site demonstrates how people have adapted the natural landscape to their needs while leaving the character of the original rock formations visible.
Visitors to Okuizumo can learn about the production of Unshu soroban and, at participating facilities, experience aspects of the traditional manufacturing process.
Watching skilled craftspeople work at close range provides an opportunity to appreciate the precision and dedication behind Japanese traditional crafts.
The terraced rice fields of Okuizumo produce Nita Rice, while local cuisine includes regional specialties such as Izumo soba.
Food made with locally grown ingredients offers another way to experience the natural environment of the region. The flavors of the countryside reflect the water, soil, climate, and agricultural traditions that have shaped life in Okuizumo.
Okuizumo is not a destination defined by convenience or large-scale tourist facilities. Instead, its appeal lies in the experience of traveling deeper into the mountains and discovering landscapes, traditions, and stories that have developed away from major cities.
The quiet forests and mountains, ancient mythology, traditional ironmaking, terraced rice fields, local crafts, and warm rural culture come together to create a distinctive sense of place.
The idea expressed in the local phrases “the inner place is the source” and “the inner place is the beginning” captures an important aspect of Okuizumo’s character. The region can be experienced as a place where nature, life, and culture have their roots.
Okuizumo Town offers a different kind of travel experience from the major sightseeing destinations of Japan. Here, mountains are connected to mythology, rivers support agriculture, traditional ironmaking has shaped the landscape, and centuries-old crafts continue to be practiced.
From the dramatic rocks of Oni no Shitaburui Gorge and the clear waters of Enmeisui to the terraced rice fields, ancient shrines, hot springs, and historic tatara ironmaking sites, there are many ways to explore the character of this mountain region.
For travelers seeking nature, Japanese mythology, traditional craftsmanship, rural landscapes, local food, and a slower pace of travel, Okuizumo offers an opportunity to discover a quieter and deeply rooted side of Japan.
Take the time to travel into the “inner” reaches of Izumo, follow the stories of ancient gods, walk among the mountains and rice terraces, and experience the traditions that continue to give Okuizumo its unique identity.