Saying goodbye to Shimane 島根 and IzumoTaisha 出雲大社

On my 2nd to last day in Shimane, I drove by my favorite place in all of Japan - IzumoTaisha shrine - to have one last look around.

The Grand Shrine at Izumo is undergoing some construction that will give the large inner shrine, usually off-limits to the public, a new roof. This rebuilding/remodeling only happens every 60 years.

If any of you new JETs end up in the Chugoku region, then I highly recommend a day-trip out to Izumo for a visit to the shrine.

Peace,
Jason

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[monkeystu52]

Hi Jason,

Don't suppose you've had a chance to go back and have a look at the new roof since you've been back?

Also have you been in touch with Kaori? I remember watching a Vlog where you spoke very highly of her and mentioned you hoped to perhaps see her again.

Hope all is well.

Stuart

[myargonauts]

new roof takes longer than you'd think... I think it will still be under construction for a few years.

Haven't seen Kaori, but have been able to see many other students

[TiramisuHappy]

I keep coming back to this video for some reason. It's just so moving. I get choked up every time.

By the way, did you know there is another Izumo Taisha shrine outside of Japan? Much closer to San Diego?

It's in Honolulu, Hawaii. The shrine there is about 103 years old. It's obviously the only Izumo Taisha on the planet other than the original structure in Shimane. And most likely the only place where you can stick a coin in the gigantic "shimenawa" and go surfing in Waikiki Beach!

[myargonauts]

thanks - I'm glad you like the vid - it was emotional for me too, but I know I'll be back to visit next year.

That's cool about another IT - I'll have to make a point of seeking it out if I ever go to Hawaii.

[Limastudent]

Silly and strange to comment on the cicadas but...

American cicadas sound is ,"biz-zoo" over and over and the Japanese ones have a very different song. Their song is more haunting. Love hearing it here and in old Japanese movies. It is a timeless sound.

[Jmadiso1]

You've really inspired me with your videos. I'm not sure if I'll be doing JET per say but you've made me realize that traveling isn't just a dream, it's just a practical investment in the future. Thanks for a glimpse into your world! ^_^

[myargonauts]

@corle1 thanks for the nice comment!

[corle1]

@myargonauts For real, apart from the heat, you make IT feel very homey. I mean, if i were a JET applicant, i would wanna be near Toukyou, but after your vlog, i really don't care anymore. And if i were to be placed at IT, i now know i need not to worry. So thanks for all of this. BEST. EMBASSADOR. EVER!!! The Dude abides.

[myargonauts]

yeah - I was really honored.

Not sure why the funeral was at the nearby shrine, but my guess is that it made it possible for students to walk to the service from our school, which is also nearby.

[myargonauts]

excellent - traveling is the best education in the world.

[myargonauts]

people do cry - the teacher's students were certainly crying - but big emotional outbursts are probably rare - the service for Ishitobi sensei was very dignified and serene

[myargonauts]

great - thanks for the sub!