Travel Guide: San'in, Japan

SAN’IN, JAPAN

By Grace Scott

(Japan-guide.com, Spectacular views from the Lighthouse)

CONTENT

03…Geography

23…What to Pack

05…History and Facts 25…What to Wear 07…Travel Plan

27…Cuisine

13…Places to See

29…Estimated Expenses

CONTENT CONT.

31…Language

35…Vaccines

33…Religion

37…References

GEOGRAPHY

(Sanin-Japan.com, About-map)

• San’in is a mountainous coastal region on the west side of Japan’s main island • San’in is made up of two smaller regions: Shimane on the west, Tottori on the east • San’in can also be broken down further into three regions, as seen on this map

4 (Sanin-Japan.com, About-map)

HISTORY AND FACTS

(Utagawa Hiroshige, 10th Station)

• Of the many regions in Japan, San’in has some of the closest ties with Japan’s historical roots • It is unknown when Japan was first inhabited by mankind • Japan’s earliest peoples were skilled in pottery and craftmanship • The royal court was established in central Honshu, unifying Japan sometime during the mid fourth century • During the 10th century, Japan developed its own script; up until this point, Japan had utilized Chinese script • Men of power often shunned the new Japanese script in favor of the traditional Chinese script, especially when penning government documents; educated Japanese women took the opportunity to learn the new script in order to gain literary freedom and create their own works of literature • Japan experienced regular shifts in power and was often at war or in conflict between social classes and other nations • The first Europeans to set foot in Japan were shipwrecked on Tanega Island in 1543 • Japan began to adopt a Western style constitutional government, but their attempt at a two-chamber house in 1868 failed.

• Fought with the Allied forces in WW1 • Signed the Anti-Comintern Pact in 1936, creating ties with Germany • Attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 • Hiroshema and Nagasake were bombed on August 6th and 9th 6 (Hibata Osuke, The Mission of Commodore Perry to Japan in 1854)

TRAVEL PLAN

(Cagnin, View of Clouds)

Flight: The Airports provided are the airports at which each student should arrive and depart. Flight cost will vary. Provided costs and layovers are merely estimations. Students are responsible for scheduling and paying for their flights. Upon arriving to Japan, there will be a two-day rest period. This offers cushion time for layovers.

Schedule: The first week and a half will be devoted to sightseeing and cultural experiences.The following weeks are dedicated to the work-study program. Any further experiences are to be organized by the student and/or their hosts.

Lodging: Lodging is predetermined and will be covered by the sponsors of the program.

(Malík, Mt. Fuji)

Transportation: Transportation will be provided via rental car by the chaperone for the first week and a half.

Students are responsible for any further transportation. At the end of the program, students will be eligible for transportation 8 reimbursement up to $300.

Example Flight for Cost/Time Analysis Price: $2,128

Date of Departure: May 17, 2024

Airport

Time: Arrival

Gerald R. Ford, Grand Rapids, MI, US

---

O’Hare Airport, Chicago, IL, US

7:24 A.M.

Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan Izumo Airport, San’in, Japan

Time: Departure

Flight Length

Airline

Type

1hr 14min

Japan Airlines 7363

Economy

10:20 A.M.

13hr 35min

Japan Airlines 9

Economy

2:55 P.M.

5:00 P.M.

1hr 35min

Japan Airlines 285

Economy

6:35 P.M. 5/18/24

---

---

---

---

7:10 A.M.

9 (Kelley, Woman Looking at Map)

Schedule

Lodging

Length: 6 Weeks Day

Place

Length: 6 Weeks Transportation

Travel Time from Previous Dest.

Day

Place

1

Twin Leaves Hotel

2-3

Toyoko Inn Matsue

1

Hotel

car

10min

2

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

car

58min

2

Tamatsukuri Hot Spring

car

1hr 19min

2

Hotel

car

12min

3

Matsue Castle

car

5min

3

Horikawa Sightseeing

on foot

10min

3

Stroll around Samurai Residences

on foot

10min

(Kelley, Woman Looking at Map)

10

Schedule

Lodging

Length: 6 Weeks Day

Place

Length: 6 Weeks Transportation

Travel Time from Previous Dest.

Day

Place

on foot

4min

4

Yasugi-en Hotel

5-7

Royal Hotel Daisen

3

Hotel

4

Okuizumo Tatara and Sword Hall

car

1hr 15min

4

Hotel

car

50min

5

Adachi Museum of Art

on foot

2min

5

Hotel

car

36min

6

Mt. Daisen National Park

car

5min

6

Hotel

car

5min 11

(Kelley, Woman Looking at Map)

Schedule

Lodging

Length: 6 Weeks Day

Length: 6 Weeks Place

Transportation

Travel Time from Previous Dest.

7

Rest Day

---

---

8

Mitokusan Sanbutsu Temple Nageire Hall

car

1hr 11min

8

Hotel

car

17min

9-41

SANAA Architecture Firm Build Site

car

40min

42

Yonago Kitaro Airport

car

1hr

Day

Place

8

Hotel To-enkan

Lodging for days 9-41 will be provided by locals in the area who will offer their student(s) guidance and cultural experiences during their time in Japan.

12

(Kelley, Woman Looking at Map)

PLACES TO SEE

(Superschoolnews, Buddhist Temple Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto)

IWAMI GINZAN SILVER MINE Address: Oda-shi, Shimane Phone: 0854-89-9090 Website: http://www.ginzan-wm.jp/en

(San’in Tourism Organization,Ginzan)

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TAMATSUKURI HOT SPRING Address: Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane Phone: 0852-62-3300 Website: http://www.tama-onsen.jp/

(San’in Tourism Organization,Tamatsukuri)

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MATSUE CASTLE Address: 1-5 Tono-machi, Matsue-shi, Shimane Phone: 0852-21-4030 Website: http://www.kankoushimane.com/en/?p=649

(San’in Tourism Organization,Matsuejo)

16

Horikawa Sightseeing Address: 507-1 Kuroda-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane Phone: 0852-27-0417 Website: http://www.matsue-horikawameguri.jp/

(San’in Tourism Organization,Horikawa)

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STROLL AROUND SAMURAI RESIDENCES Address: 305 Shiomi-Nawate, Kitahori-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane Phone: 0852-22-2243 Website: http://www.matsue-tourism.or.jp/buke/

(San’in Tourism Organization, Bukeyashiki)

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OKUIZUMO TATARA AND SWORD HALL Address: 1380-1 Yokota, Okuizumo-cho, Nita-gun, Shimane Phone: 0854-52-2770 Website: http://www.kankoushimane.com/ja/spot/detail/2062

(San’in Tourism Organization,Okuizumo Tatara)

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ADACHI MUSEUM OF ART Address: 320 Furukawa-cho,Yasugi-shi, Shimane Phone: 0854-28-7111 Website: https://www.adachi-museum.or.jp/

(San’in Tourism Organization,Adachi Museum)

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DAISEN TEMPLE AND OGAMIYAMA SHRINE Address: 9 Daisen, Daisen-cho, Saihaku-gun, Tottori Phone: 0859-52-2158 Website: http://www.daisenji.jp/

(San’in Tourism Organization,Daisen-ji)

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MITOKUSAN SANBUTSU TEMPLE NAGEIRE HALL Address: 1010 Mitoku, Misasa-cho, Tohaku-gun, Tottori Phone: 0858-43-2666 Website: http://www.mitokusan.jp/

(San’in Tourism Organization,Mitokusan)

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WHAT TO PACK

(Karpovich, Black and Green Luggage Bag on Brown Carpet)

Expert Tips for Your Japan Packing List – Boutique Japan

Information for U.S. citizens traveling to Japan - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan (usembassy.gov)

• Pack light

• Comfortable shoes

• Passport

• Sketchbook

• Travel Insurance

• Pens, pencils, or another portable medium

• Formal and casual clothes

• Bathroom supplies

• Power adapter

• Camera (optional)

• Pocket WIFI

• English to Japanese pocket dictionary

• Japanese Yen

• Certificate of approval for prescription drugs, including over the counter medications

• Cash (Japan is widely card-free) • Small souvenirs from home to give as gifts to guides and hosts

• Visas are unnecessary for short trips up to three months in leu of an American passport

24 (Weber, Unrecognizable Person Packing Clothes)

WHAT TO WEAR

(Subiyanto, Focus woman packing suitcase on bed)

• Japan has four distinct seasons • San’in is a mountainous coastal region, so temperatures tend to be cooler, especially in the winter • Layer your outfits in order to adapt to varying temperatures • The removal of shoes when indoors is a sign of respect in Japanese culture, so wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off • Dress modestly: Shorts, tank tops, and mini skirts are not advisable; opt for long skirts, pants, and loose-fitting clothes; do not wear anything revealing • Dress well: Japan is more formal in its dress code, do not wear yoga pants or frumpy clothing while out and about • Bring gloves, scarves, and hats depending on the time of year • Though it may be tempting to try traditional Japanese garb, be cautious to not mock the culture

26 (The 5TH, Woman Wearing Peach Dress and Black Jacket's Left Hand Closeup Photography)

CUISINE

(Cats Coming, Round White and Blue Ceramic Bowl With Cooked Ball Soup and Brown Wooden Chopsticks)

What To Expect When Dining At Restaurants In Japan (travelawaits.com) • Proper communication • Utensil use • Tipping • Navigating dietary restrictions

Japanese Street Food - ORIGINAL FRIED RAMEN + 5 Must Eat Foods in Fukuoka, Japan!! – YouTube • Street food • Traditional cuisine

what I eat in a day in Japan 🇯🇯🇯🇯 |Traditional Japanese food 🍜🍜 – YouTube • Home-cooked Japanese cuisine • Culture • Vocabulary

How to Eat in Japan: 5 Mistakes to Avoid! – YouTube • Etiquette 28 (TP, Sushi On Brown Wooden Board)

ESTIMATED EXPENSES

(Grabowska, Man Getting Dollars from Wallet)

Estimated Cost Chart

These costs are merely estimations. Actual cost will be determined by each individual’s experience and spending habits.

Up to $300 of the transportation fee will be covered by the sponsors of the work-study program.

Category

Cost

Flight

$5,000 (generous est.)

Scholarships do not apply to this program.

Food

$480 (for first week)

For further cost analysis, consult the links bellow:

Shopping

$200

Passport

$360

Pocket Wifi

$70

Transportation

$500

Miscellaneous

$50

Total

$6,660

Japan Vacation: Every Cost You Need to Know (sightseeandsushi.com) Fees - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan (usembassy.gov)

30 (Grabowska, Person Counting Cash Money)

LANGUAGE

(Pixabay, Dictionary Text in Bokeh Effect)

Traveling to a foreign country with an unfamiliar dialect can be daunting. Fortunately, Japan is no stranger to American tourists or the English language. In general, you should have little difficulty when interacting with staff at restaurants, tour guides, or businesses. This is not always the case though, so it is wise to come prepared with a small but useful vocabulary. This vocabulary should aid you in asking for directions, ordering food, locating restrooms, finding shelter, and asking for help.

Learn simple words or short phrases. Do not try to learn complicated sentences; this can result in confusion and offers greater chance for error.

Ordering Food: 【Order】How To Order Food at a Restaurant in Japanese | How to speak Japanese – YouTube 【Order】How to Order at McDonald's in Japanese /マクドナルドでの注文 – YouTube Hotel Check-In: 【Hotel】Checking in at Japanese HOTEL | Japan travel,YOU MUST-KNOW Conversation – YouTube Airport Check-In: 【Airport】Check-in Phrases in Japanese/Tokyo Narita | Japan Travel Tips YOU MUST-KNOW – YouTube Shopping: 【Convenience Store】Phrases | Shop in Japanese MUST-KNOW | Learn Japanese for beginners, Travel – YouTube 【Shopping】Must-Know Japanese Phrases to Go Shopping in Japan/買い物 – YouTube Other Useful Phrases: Japanese phrases you need for travelling Japan // Basic – YouTube 10 MORE Japanese phrases to know before travelling Japan - YouTube (Zuo, Natural Hair Calligraphy Brushes )

32

RELIGION

(Japan-guide.com, Various effigies are carved in the rock around the temple grounds)

RELIGIONS OF JAPAN Shintoism

Buddhism

Christianity

Shintoism: • Most common religion in Japan • Unique to Japan • Around 100,000 Shinto Shrines

Other

11%

Buddhism: • Second most common religion • Became influential in the 16th century • Arrived due to Korean influence

2%

52%

Christianity: • Makes up of about 2% of the current population • Originated from Portuguese travelers and Jesuit Catholic missionaries • Was enforced in some areas by converted nobles and men of power until it was banned • Ban was lifted in 1873

35%

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VACCINES

(Winstead, White Syringe with Blue Liquid Inside)

Vaccination laws for travel to and from Japan are relatively relaxed. Most routine immunizations are a must. Some vaccinations specific to Japan are encouraged. As of April 2023, Covid-19 vaccines are no longer required for travel to and from Japan. For further information on requirements and recommendations, consult the CDC: Japan - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC

Highly Recommended:

Encouraged (optional):

Chickenpox Diphtheria Flu Measles-Mumps Polio Shingles

Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Japanese Encephalitis Tick-borne Encephalitis

36 (studio, Person Holding Injection)

REFERENCES

About san’in. SAN’IN -Tottori and Shimane. (2023, October 1). https://sanin-japan.com/about/ Bloggerlady, E. L. (n.d.). Commodore Perry Sails into Edo (tokyo) bay: July 8, 1853. EBL. https://evilbloggerlady.blogspot.com/2019/07/commodore-perry-sails-into-edo-tokyo.html Cagnin, C. (n.d.). View of Clouds. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/viewof-clouds- 2007395/.

Cats Coming. (n.d.). Round White and Blue Ceramic Bowl With Cooked Ball Soup and Brown Wooden Chopsticks.

Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-white-and-blueceramic-bowl-with-cooked-ball-soup-and-brown-wooden-chopsticks-955137/.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, July 13). Japan - Traveler View. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan 37

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). History of Japan. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan/History Fees. U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan. (2023a, March 16). https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/fees/ Grabowska, K. (n.d.-a). Man Getting Dollars from Wallet. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-man-getting-dollars-from-wallet-4386433/.

Grabowska, K. (n.d.-b). Person Counting Cash Money. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-counting-cash-money-4475523/.

Home. Sanin Tourism Organization. (n.d.). https://www.sanin-tourism.com/en/course/721.html Information for U.S. citizens traveling to Japan. U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan. (2023b, September 26). https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/welcomebacktojapan/ Japanese prints at Albany Institute of History & Art - Times Union. (n.d.-a). https://www.timesunion.com/preview/article/Japanese-prints-at-Albany-Institute-of-History12864702.php Karpovich,V. (n.d.). Black and Green Luggage Bag on Brown Carpet. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-green-luggage-bag-on-brown-carpet-7368191/.

Kayak. (n.d.). https://www.kayak.com/flights/GRR-IZO/2023-11-09/2023-1116?sort=bestflight_a&attempt=2&lastms=1697044107297 38

Kelley, L. (n.d.). Woman Looking at Map. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-looking-at-the-map-3935702/.

Malík, T. (n.d.). Mt. Fuji. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/mt-fuji-3408353/.

OVAN. (n.d.). Brown Leather Bag, Clothes, and Macbook. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-leather-bag-clothes-and-macbook-57750/.

Pixabay. (n.d.). Dictionary Text in Bokeh Effect. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-book-business-close-up-267669/.

Sanaa. ArchDaily. (n.d.). https://www.archdaily.com/office/sanaa Sousa, G. (2019, August 21). Religious Beliefs in Japan. WorldAtlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/religiousbeliefs-in-japan.html studio, R. (n.d.). Person Holding Injection. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-injection-3825529/.

Subiyanto, K. (n.d.). Focus woman packing suitcase on bed. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/focus-woman-packing-suitcase-on-bed-4245905/.

Superschoolnews, J. (n.d.). Buddhist Temple Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/buddhist-temple-kinkaku-ji-in-kyoto-18584292/.

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Thomas, B. (2022, May 17). What to expect when dining at restaurants in Japan. TravelAwaits. https://www.travelawaits.com/2471136/japan-what-to-expect-when-dining-at-restaurants/ Tips for visiting Japan as an American – visit nagasaki. (n.d.-b). https://visit-nagasaki.com/tips-for-visiting-japan-asan-american/ TP, R. (n.d.). Sushi On Brown Wooden Board. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/sushi-on-brown-wooden-board-2098085/.

Traditional Japan in the heart of the san’in region. Traditional Japan in the Heart of the San’in Region. (n.d.). https://www.japan-guide.com/ad/sanin/ Traveling to Japan one day? here’s what to expect & how to plan: Live japan travel guide. LIVE JAPAN. (n.d.). https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-tokyo_suburbs/article-a0002299/ Weber, T. (n.d.). Unrecognizable Person Packing Clothes. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-person-packing-clothes-9185880/.

Wilkinson, E. (2020, April 16). Japan vacation: Every cost you need to know. Sightsee & Sushi. https://sightseeandsushi.com/cost-of-japan-vacation/ Winstead, T. (n.d.). White Syringe with Blue Liquid Inside. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-syringe-with-blue-liquid-inside-7723203/.

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Zuleta, A. (n.d.). Expert Tips for Your Japan Packing List. Boutique Japan. October 15, 2023, https://boutiquejapan.com/japan-travel-tips-packing-for-japan/ Zuo, F. (n.d.). Natural Hair Calligraphy Brushes. Pexels. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.pexels.com/photo/natural-hair-calligraphy-brushes-5788534/.

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