Featured Area

Okuizumo, Unnan, and Yasugi

Sustainable Life with Nature

Link to Moive

Long ago, the mountains in this area were abundant with high-quality iron sand, which was used to make swords for samurai. Steelmaking required a large amount of wood, but the forests here which supplied that wood were protected, as they were continuously replanted in a 30-year cycle. And when the mountains ended their role as a source of iron sand, the land wasn’t neglected. The paths used to transport the iron sand became waterways, and the land was turned into farmland. These days, the steelmaking techniques have been passed down, but there is no mining of iron sand anymore, and this area has become a beautiful farming village where rice fields surrounded by forests stretch out before you. Now the people that live here feel that their way of life exists precisely because previous generations took such good care of the land. Wouldn’t you like to take part in that way of life, up here in the mountains?

READ MORE

Explore the Origins Of Japanese Culture

  • ALL
  • ACTIVITY
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • FOOD
  • SPOT
  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Activity

    Soba noodle making workshop for lovers of local cuisine

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Accommodation

    Cozy Japanese-inn with tranquil stream and onsen

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Accommodation

    Macrobiotic food for health, beauty, and long life

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Activity

    Private demonstration of Japanese sword making

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Accommodation

    Naniwa Ryokan

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Accommodation

    Try dancing the traditional Yasugibushi Dojosukui Odori along with the inn's proprietress!

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Activity

    Handmade tofu making experience

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Accommodation

    Mikuni Lodge

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Accommodation

    Fukuroya Ryokan

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Accommodation

    Fukuya Ryokan

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Accommodation

    Spend a night at a museum! (Okuizumo Tane Museum of Natural History)

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Spot

    Oni-no-Shitaburui Gorge

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Spot

    Adachi Museum of Art

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Spot

    The Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Food

    Veg cafe & health food store "Nanohana"

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Food

    Sabo Jugodai

  • ★RECOMMENDED
    Spot

    The Itohara Memorial

Travel Report

A trip to Okuizumo was an unforgettable trip for me. Our excellent guides introduced us the unique awesomeness and the unique offers of the place in its quiet atmosphere! As I love nature, it was a perfect place for me! A visit to the Ooe no Sato residence enlightened me to the lifestyle of the people. Such a peaceful and healthy lifestyle they are enjoying! I even wished that I had been born there. We had a healthy local lunch there! It was a very healthy delicious meal!

See Other Areas