Shimane Bullfighting and Nita Rice: Brand Rice and Traditional Culture of Nita District Okuizumo

Nita District Okuizumo Town, Shimane is a village of agriculture and traditional culture deep in the Chugoku Mountains. The mountain climate with large day-night temperature differences provides an ideal environment for producing "Nita rice," one of Japan's premier brand rices.

Nita Rice: One of Japan's Premier Brand Rices

Okuizumo's Nita rice is Koshihikari cultivated in mountain areas with large temperature differences and abundant clear water. Its deliciousness is highly regarded nationwide, consistently earning "Special A" in food taste rankings each year. Farm stays using directly-delivered Nita rice are available, allowing enjoyment of freshly cooked Nita rice with mountain scenery.

Tatara Iron-Making and Japanese Sword Culture

Okuizumo is known since ancient times as the center of "tatara iron-making" (traditional iron-making using sand iron). "Sugaya Tatara Sannai" is designated as a National Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property and can be visited. Also famous as a production site for "tama-hagane" (jewel steel), the material for Japanese swords, attracting many sword enthusiasts.

Stage of Japanese Mythology: Yamata no Orochi

The Okuizumo region is known as the setting of the Japanese myth "Susanoo's Slaying of Yamata no Orochi," allowing visits to mythological sites associated with Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Yamata no Orochi. The source region of the Hii River is the legendary stage.

Access

From JR Kisuki Line Izumo-Yokota Station to the Okuizumo area. About 1 hour by car from central Matsue City.