🇯🇵Japan, Shimane, Un-nan
Explore the legendary birthplace of Yamata no Orochi and Unnan's iron history
3 Kisukichō Shinichi, Unnan, Shimane 699-1334, Japan
Stone statues recreating the epic confrontation between Susanoo no Mikoto and Yamata no Orochi
Yamata no Orochi Park features stone statues depicting the legend of slaying the eight-headed serpent. Sculptures recreate the dramatic scene of Susanoo no Mikoto confronting Yamata no Orochi.
The Chopstick-Finding Monument commemorates a legend in which chopsticks discovered in the Hii River after defeating Yamata no Orochi inspired the construction of a shrine.
Ryuzuga Falls, Kakeyacho Matsukasa, Unnan, Shimane 690-2705, Japan
One of Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls. Also known as a 'back-view waterfall'
Ryūtō Falls is a stunning 40-meter waterfall cascading through a gorge in the upper reaches of the Hii River, and it has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.
Known as a 'waterfall you can walk behind,' Ryūtō Falls offers a unique experience where visitors can view the cascading waters from behind a shimmering curtain of water.
4210-2 Yoshidachō Yoshida, Unnan, Shimane 690-2801, Japan
Japan's only remaining traditional iron-forging village settlement. The inspiration behind 'Princess
An extraordinarily precious place where an iron-forging settlement that flourished from the Edo through Meiji periods has been preserved intact, complete with buildings and living spaces.
The residences, blacksmith shops, and furnace ruins where tatara iron-forging craftsmen once lived remain in their original configurations.
Daitocho Shinjo, Unnan, Shimane 699-1251, Japan
A park where fireflies dance through the air. Best visited late May through mid-June
From late May through mid-June, you can witness Genji and Heike fireflies dancing above the waters of Akakawa. Hundreds of fireflies illuminate the park at night in a magical display.
2533 Yoshidachō Yoshida, Unnan, Shimane 690-2801, Japan
A museum preserving the history of tatara steelmaking
Tatara steelmaking produced tamahagane, the raw material for Japanese swords. In Unnan City, there is a museum that displays the full scope of this ancient steelmaking method.
Through reconstructed furnace models, steelmaking tools, and excavated artifacts, you can explore the era when the Chugoku region was the center of Japan's iron production.