[ SALE ] Shimane Premium Tour -‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Japan’s Ancient Refuge of Gods and Myth

Day 1:

Sekishu Washi Papermaking Workshop:

Kagura Costume Atelier

At Isho-ten, the artistry of Iwami Kagura comes to life through its vibrant costumes and intricate garments. This workshop offers a rare glimpse into the creation of the dazzling attire that graces the stage during Kagura performances. From bold, shimmering patterns to delicate embroidery, each piece embodies the elegance and tradition of this cherished cultural art form.

During your visit, you’ll witness the skilled workers in action, sewing and assembling garments with precision and care. Near-complete costumes on display reveal the complexity of their design, while samples and fabric swatches showcase the artistry behind every detail. You’ll even have the opportunity to touch these creations, feeling the textures and craftsmanship that bring the legends of Iwami Kagura to vivid life.

With its mix of creativity, history, and a behind-the-scenes look at this essential aspect of Kagura, Isho-ten is a must-visit destination for anyone intrigued by the beauty of traditional Japanese performance.

Kagura Mask Painting

The fascinating world of mask-making, an essential element of Iwami Kagura’s mesmerizing performances. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to create your own mask!

Choose from traditional face designs, each embodying the dramatic expressions that bring Kagura characters to life. The workshop takes you step by step through the  painting process, combining where you can combine your hand at artistic precision with personal creativity.
As you work, the shop owner shares the history and cultural significance behind these iconic masks, deepening your connection to this revered tradition.

The process can be a fun challenge for beginners, but the experience of transforming a blank mask into your own hand-painted masterpiece is both rewarding and unforgettable. 

Visit the Orochi Prop Studio

Our journey takes us to Jado Seisakusho, a workshop renowned for creating the iconic serpent bodies used in Iwami Kagura’s legendary Yamata no Orochi performances. These elaborately crafted props, designed to embody the mythical eight-headed serpent, are a striking testament to the artistry and ingenuity behind the region’s cultural heritage.

Stepping into the workshop, you’ll be surrounded by intricate designs and vibrant creations, each carefully crafted to combine stunning detail with the functional movement required for dynamic performances. The master artisan, whose works have earned attendance at the Osaka Expo, offers insights into their meticulous process, sharing the challenges and triumphs of keeping this traditional craft alive.

Feel the texture of completed serpent bodies, observe the delicate paper-pasting techniques, and experience the charm of the workshop’s creative atmosphere. This is more than a visit—it’s an invitation to connect with the soul of Iwami Kagura and the unparalleled skill that brings its legends to life.

Mimata Onsen

Mimata Onsen, nestled in a lush valley along a flowing river in the heart of Shimane, is renowned for its alkaline, skin-beautifying waters, making it one of Japan’s most celebrated hot springs. These rejuvenating qualities offer the perfect opportunity to rest and revitalize before continuing our journey.
The waters’ ability to calm both body and mind ensures you are fully energized for the vibrant and energetic Kagura performances ahead. We invite you to take a moment to enjoy the beautiful onsen and its tranquil surroundings.

Iwami Kagura

After dinner, you will watch a mesmerizing performance of Iwami Kagura. Iwami Kagura is a long standing cultural icon for the region and even local schools have school-clubs for Iwami Kagura. It is a piece of Japanese culture that very few have the opportunity to witness, so let’s celebrate this special traditional performance and join in with the locals!

Each event features 2-3 captivating stories from famous Japanese folklore and mythology. These performances are the epitome of local cultural theatre, complete with glittering hand-made costumes, fearsome giant serpents, and dances synchronized with music and storytelling.

While Kagura is typically performed for a local audience, this tour offers a private, exclusive performance. After the event, you’ll have the rare opportunity to meet the performers in costume and take pictures with them! Feel the weight of the costumes and examine the intricate details and designs up close, making this an experience like no other.

Following the captivating Iwami Kagura performance, you will return to your hotel, where comfort and relaxation await. Settle into your room in your hotel, ensuring a restful night’s sleep to prepare you for the excitement of the next day.

Day 2:

Iwami Ginzan:

On the second day, you will visit the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a long, deep-rooted history in Japan. You will join a special tour to the Okubo-Mabu tunnel, a location that is not usually open to the public and only accessible for a limited period with a restricted number of participants. Step into the mine and follow an expert guide through the narrow, historical shafts where history comes alive. Modern lighting illuminates some parts of the tunnels, revealing the craftsmanship of the miners, while untouched and narrow shafts transport you back in time. Imagine the dedication and resilience of those who carved through the mountain by hand as you trace their path and marks into the bedrock.

Unlike the usual route, which is short and relatively simple, the Okubo-Mabu tunnel tour is affected by weather conditions and other factors, making it a rare opportunity to experience as it is often closed to regular guests. It is more challenging than Ryugenji, and offers a truly immersive and rewarding adventure for those lucky enough to visit.

It’s an experience that connects you with the people who shaped this region, offering not just a visit but a personal journey into the heart of Shimane’s history and connection with Omori Town.

Omori Town:

After returning from the tunnels, take a walk through Omori, a town that flourished due to the silver mine and still retains its historic charm. The well-preserved buildings reflect the town’s rich past, offering a glimpse into a different era.

While exploring, be sure to visit the two dragon-themed shrines, which are symbolic of the town’s spiritual ties to the land and its silver-mining heritage.

After these fulfilling days, you’ll surely have a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture.

If you would like to read more about the Shimane region you can read our articles about Northern and Southern Shimane here:
★　Northern Shimane
★　Southern Shimane

We hope you enjoy your time in the surreal Shimane!