Shimane
Volunteer 2015 top
ANSO
Shimane-ken: Although I have been to Japan many times, this is my first time in Shimane-ken and also my first time to the Sea of Japan. The landscapes are very beautiful, and the entire region is surrounded by translucent sea, mountains recovered of green forests and pretty valleys where we can enjoy Onsen, bathing in the fresh water of the river, great view of the terraced rice fields… Nature is everywhere and every day I am impressed by its beauty! I just wished there wasn’t as much insects and mosquitos…But one cannot have it both ways.
The department of Shimane is also composed of amazing cultural sites such as Izumo Taisha, one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines of Japan. We had the chance to visit it on our day off with Hiratani-san, one of the staff members of Manyo Park.
Masuda-shi: Masuda is a city of 50 000 inhabitants, with a lot of good restaurants, the impressive “Grand Toit” museum (meaning big roof and entirely recovered of red tiles) which host performances and art exhibition, and the tranquil and idyllic Manyo Park. The sunsets are very beautiful with the red glowing sun entering the sea, and the people living in Masuda are all very friendly.
TOMI
Masuda is a small town in the southern part of Japan. When I was traveling by train from Izumo to Masuda constantly looking out the window. So beautiful and breathtaking landscapes were seen around. A huge amount of greenery, mountains and sea surrounded by the Japanese prefecture Shimane! But despite the fact that Shimane small city, there is everything you need for a comfortable life. Shops, school, college, park, river, playground, museums, shrines, restaurants! It is amazing!!! And to the neighboring cities can be reached from ten minutes before the two hours! Shimane residents are very welcoming and friendly. During various celebrations and meetings with us always communicated city residents, interested from where we came, whether we like Shimane, asked to be photographed together.
An weekend we went to Izumo and Hiroshima. In Izumo has a very popular and old shrine - Izumo Taishya. This is really great place! We also learned a lot about the history of Japan in the Historical museum of Izumo. Unlike Tokyo Masuda reminiscent of “Old” Japan: city along the river, narrow streets, wooden two-storey houses with sparkling in the sun tiled roofs, and a huge amount of flowers and trees.
Shimane is a real world of nature. And Masuda is a city filled with ancient traditions, quiet and comfortable life, Japanese identity. Arriving here you will feel the true spirit of Japan.
Ayaka
This time is my second trip to Shimane. I have been to Shimane when I was an elementary school student. But I didn’t visit Masuda city before. The moment I came here, soon I knew this is a wonderful place. There are a lot of trees, emerald wide sea, and blue wide sky. I really love the nature of Manyo Park and also the one of Masuda city. Masuda city is really hot, but fortunately, it is not that humid. So we can do volunteer activities comfortably during the work camp.
Shimane prefecture has famous sightseeing spots. Among them, there is Izumo taisha. This old temple has a very long history. We went sightseeing to Izumo and saw the famous temple. Izumo taisya is so magnificent that all of us were impressed by it. The same day, we also went to the museum of Iwami Ginzan (Ginzan means silver mine in English). It registered as a world heritage in 2007. The way to extract silver from the mine was valuated. In the museum, we could learn a lot of things about silver.
When it comes to the local people of Masuda city, I want to mention especially about the kindness. All of the local people are really kind to us. I’m glad I got to meet all of them.
I can’t help talking about Grand Toit when I think about the good places of Shimane. Grand Toit is really a wonderful place. The roof and walls of Grand Toit are all made of Japanese tiles. The number of tiles is about as many as 28 thousands. In the wide blue sky, the contrast with the dark red roof is amazing. Grand Toit is valuable to see.
Lastly, the most wonderful place of Masuda city is, of course, Manyo Park. The nature of Manyo Park is really luxurious. Everyone visiting the park can feel happiness thanks to the rich nature. In the park, you can see the great nature everywhere. You can spend your time freely with your friends or family. Manyo Park has especially three valuable places to visit.
The first one is a mysterious power spot. Surprisingly, an old tree’s gnarl looks like a mask of female demon. (Female demon is Hannya in Japanese) Actually, you can see the gnarl if you go near the entrance of “stone plaza”.
The second one is the very wide and large plaza, named “sun plaza”. There, a lot of kinds of events are often held. For example, ground golf tournament, Manyo festival and so on. Ground golf is a popular sport among old people. Ground golf tournament is held once in every month except for January and February. As many as three hundreds of old people participate in that event every time.Manyo festival is held on April, and more than 20 thousands people visit the festival to see the Japanese traditional Noh dance, Iwami Kagura and enjoy the festival atmosphere. There are also many food carts which sell various kinds of drinks and foods.
The last one is “Yasuragi no Ie” (Comfortable house in English). There, you can take a rest and eat food surrounded by wonderful nature. In summer, there is no cooler, but it isn’t that hot thanks to the comfortable wind. Birdsong and the sound of blowing wind will make you relax. The food is also great.
Because of these three reasons, I strongly recommend you to visit Manyo Park at least once in your life☺
