Usagi District is a peaceful, nature-rich area located at the western tip of the Shimane Peninsula, facing the Sea of Japan. Beyond the mountain pass from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, two small settlements—Udo and Sagiura—spread along the coast.
The area appears in the ancient Izumo Fudoki, compiled in the eighth century, where the locations are referred to as Utahama and Sagihama. These historical references show that people have lived and carried out their daily activities here since ancient times.
Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Usagi has a nostalgic and calming atmosphere. The gentle pace of life characteristic of a small port community makes it an appealing destination for travelers who want to leave the bustle of the city behind and enjoy a slower, more peaceful side of Japan.
In the past, Usagi flourished as a port of call for Kitamaebune merchant ships and Osaka Shosen shipping services. Sagiura in particular developed as a center of trade, where goods, people, and culture moved through the port and brought vitality to the community.
Udo also had mines that produced copper and gypsum, contributing to the local economy.
Today, the streets still retain many traces of this prosperous past. Traditional houses with distinctive red-tiled roofs line the narrow lanes, while glimpses of the sea appear between buildings.
Walking through these quiet streets feels almost like stepping back in time. The landscape, where historic buildings and everyday life remain closely intertwined, offers a fascinating glimpse into the character of an old Japanese coastal community.
One of the area’s most notable landmarks is Inanishihaki Shrine. This historic shrine is mentioned in both the Izumo Fudoki and the Engishiki, an important tenth-century compilation of Japanese laws and religious regulations.
The shrine has been worshipped since ancient times. Its principal deity, Inasehagi-no-Mikoto, is said to be a child of the ancestral deity of the Izumo kuni no miyatsuko, the traditional governors of ancient Izumo. In the mythology surrounding the transfer of sovereignty over the land of Japan, Inasehagi-no-Mikoto is described as playing an important role.
The shrine also enshrines Yachihoko-no-Kami, another name associated with Okuninushi-no-Okami, as well as Inaba no Shiro Usagi-no-Kami, the deity connected with the famous Japanese myth of the White Hare of Inaba.
The quiet shrine grounds have a distinctly sacred atmosphere. Visiting the shrine while reflecting on the ancient stories associated with Izumo provides an opportunity to experience a unique aspect of the region’s spiritual culture.
Sagiura offers numerous scenic and cultural attractions. One of the most interesting is the Sagiura Tunnel, a tunnel that was manually excavated by local residents in 1935. The view of the town from the tunnel’s exit has become a popular spot for photography.
From slightly elevated viewpoints, visitors can look across rows of red-tiled rooftops surrounded by green mountains. The scenery evokes the atmosphere of an older Japan, while glimpses of the blue sea appearing through narrow lanes add to the charm of a walk through the settlement.
Another important local landmark is Kashiwajima, a small island in Sagiura Port. Traditional festivals are held there to pray for safe voyages and abundant fishing, preserving customs that remain closely connected with the community’s maritime heritage.
At sunset, the view across the Sea of Japan becomes especially beautiful. Watching the sun sink toward the horizon is one of the memorable experiences of visiting Sagiura.
Udo has a different character from Sagiura. It is a small fishing village centered around a compact harbor, where houses stand close together and traditional patterns of daily life remain visible.
People can often be seen fishing around the harbor, which is also known for catches such as horse mackerel and squid.
The village is also interesting for its traditional architecture. Some houses retain small roof structures designed as smoke vents, offering visitors a glimpse of building styles associated with older coastal communities.
Walking through the quiet lanes of Udo provides a chance to appreciate the simple rhythms of village life. The peaceful surroundings and welcoming atmosphere can give visitors a nostalgic feeling of discovering a Japan far removed from the country’s major tourist centers.
The natural environment is another major attraction of Usagi District. The surrounding mountains and coastline take on different appearances throughout the year, while the period from spring through early summer brings the songs of numerous wild birds.
The Yachiyo River is home to the Kajika frog, whose clear, distinctive call can be heard in the surrounding natural environment. The sound is particularly soothing against the quiet backdrop of the mountains and river.
Camping facilities have also been developed in the area, taking advantage of the setting between the mountains and the sea. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities while staying close to nature.
The unhurried pace of the area makes it an appealing place to relax, reconnect with nature, and take a refreshing break from everyday routines.
One of the local specialties worth trying is Usagi Moshio, a traditional handmade seaweed salt. It is produced by carefully boiling seawater collected around Usagi and adding an extract made from arame seaweed.
The traditional production process requires considerable time and effort, and methods handed down through generations continue to be preserved.
Usagi Moshio has a mild, rounded flavor and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It pairs particularly well with onigiri rice balls, tempura, and seafood dishes, making it both a useful seasoning and an appealing local souvenir.
Usagi District offers a quieter kind of sightseeing experience, far removed from the lively atmosphere of major tourist destinations. Historic streets, ancient mythology, traditional religious sites, rich natural surroundings, and the everyday lives of local residents all come together here.
For travelers who want to slow down and experience a more intimate side of Japan, Usagi is an ideal place to wander without rushing. Every turn of its narrow lanes can reveal another view of the sea, an old house, a traditional detail, or a glimpse of local life.
Usagi District is a place where history, mythology, nature, and coastal culture remain closely connected. Take your time exploring Udo and Sagiura, enjoy the peaceful scenery of the Sea of Japan, and discover a distinctive side of Izumo that reveals itself gradually as you walk.