A Town Shaped by Nature, History, and Local Life
Located in the mountains of the Chugoku region, Ohnan has developed through a long history of living alongside nature. Ancient burial mounds and archaeological sites can be found throughout the town, showing that people have lived and developed their own culture here since ancient times.
Modern Ohnan Town was created in 2004 through the merger of the former Iwami Town, Mizuho Town, and Hasumi Village.
A Community Focused on Family and Local Food
Ohnan has promoted itself as a “Japan’s No. 1 Child-Rearing Village”, developing a community lifestyle that makes use of its natural environment and strong local connections.
The town is also known for its “A-Class Gourmet” initiative, which promotes high-quality cuisine made with local ingredients. Visitors can therefore experience Ohnan not only through its scenery and history, but also through its distinctive food culture.
Mountains, Rivers, and a Snowy Winter Landscape
Mountains such as Futatsuyama and Kanmuri rise around Ohnan, while clear streams including the Gonokawa River and Dewagawa River flow through the region.
These natural resources support agriculture and tourism and create a variety of landscapes throughout the year. The area has a Sea of Japan climate and is known for heavy snowfall in winter. The snow-covered mountains and villages offer a completely different atmosphere from the warmer seasons.
Scenic Natural Attractions
Dangyokei Gorge and Senjokei Gorge
Dangyokei Gorge was carved over many years by the Nigori River cutting through the surrounding rock. Strange rock formations and waterfalls line the approximately 4-kilometer-long gorge, creating a dramatic landscape.
The scenery changes with the seasons, from fresh greenery in spring and summer to colorful foliage in autumn.
Senjokei Gorge, meanwhile, is characterized by clear flowing water and lush greenery. Its quiet atmosphere makes it a refreshing place to spend time in nature. It is particularly popular during summer, when visitors come to enjoy the cool surroundings, while autumn brings colorful foliage to the valley.
Terraced Rice Fields and Highland Scenery
Ohnan is home to beautiful terraced rice fields, including the Ueda and Hirasa rice terraces and the Kamiya rice terraces. These landscapes evoke the traditional rural scenery of Japan, with fields carefully arranged along the mountain slopes.
The appearance of the terraces changes throughout the year, and the view at sunset can be particularly beautiful.
At Bankurayama Nature-Recovery Highland, visitors may also be lucky enough to see a sea of clouds under the right weather conditions. The observatory at Obochi Basin is another recommended viewpoint for enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery.
Waterfalls and Mysterious Landscapes
Numerous waterfalls can be found throughout Ohnan, including Aozasa Falls, Tenzō Falls, and Kumoi Falls.
Mitaki Kannon is particularly atmospheric, with three waterfalls cascading through the surrounding natural landscape. The combination of flowing water, forest, and religious traditions creates a place where visitors can appreciate both the power of nature and a sense of spirituality.
Historic Temples, Shrines, and Religious Heritage
Ancient Shrines and Sacred Forests
Ohnan has numerous historic shrines that have supported local religious traditions for generations. These include Shizu-no-Iwaya Shrine, Nakano Kamo Shrine, and Suwa Shrine.
Suwa Shrine is particularly notable for its avenue of cedar trees, which has been designated a Natural Monument of Shimane Prefecture. Walking beneath the towering trees creates a solemn and impressive atmosphere.
Historic Buddhist temples such as Sairenji Temple and Sōrinji Temple also preserve the cultural heritage of the region.
Castle Ruins and Archaeological Sites
Ohnan also offers opportunities to explore the history of medieval Japan. The ruins of Futatsuyama Castle and Biwakō Castle preserve traces of mountain fortifications dating from the Warring States period.
Other archaeological sites, including the Seizoyama Ironworks Site and Kuki Silver Mine Site, provide insight into the history of local industries from ancient times through the early modern period.
Numerous ancient burial mounds can also be found in the area, including Nobushihara Burial Mound, making Ohnan an interesting destination for travelers fascinated by Japan’s ancient history.
Outdoor Activities Throughout the Year
Winter Sports at Mizuho Highland
Ohnan offers outdoor activities in every season. During winter, Mizuho Highland becomes a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, taking advantage of the area’s abundant snowfall.
In warmer months, campsites and swimming pools provide opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors. At places such as Gunbara Campground and the Youth Travel Village, visitors can spend time surrounded by forests and mountain scenery.
Learning About Local Wildlife
At the Mizuho Hanzake Nature Museum, visitors can learn about the Japanese giant salamander, a species designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan.
The Firefly Museum offers another opportunity to learn about local wildlife and the ecosystems that support fireflies, helping visitors understand the close relationship between the community and its natural environment.
Local Food and Community Experiences
Michi-no-Eki Ohnan-no-Sato
Located near the center of town, Michi-no-Eki Ohnan-no-Sato is a popular stop for discovering local produce and regional specialties. Fresh agricultural products are sold alongside local foods, making the roadside station a convenient starting point for exploring Ohnan’s culinary culture.
Fruit Picking and Local Cuisine
At Iwami Unkai Farm, visitors can enjoy seasonal fruit-picking experiences, including cherries. Eating freshly harvested fruit at the farm offers a direct connection to the region’s agricultural traditions.
Ohnan’s “A-Class Gourmet” cuisine focuses on high-quality dishes made with local ingredients. Sampling these dishes is an important part of experiencing the town and its approach to regional food culture.
Festivals and Traditional Culture
Festivals and cultural events take place throughout the year in Ohnan, providing visitors with opportunities to experience local traditions.
Dewa Hina Kaido
In spring, the Dewa Hina Kaido event features traditional Japanese hina dolls displayed throughout the town. The colorful dolls bring a festive atmosphere to the local streets and offer a glimpse into Japanese seasonal customs.
Summer Festivals and Iwami Kagura
Summer brings events such as the Firefly Festival and Yamanba Festival, when local communities come together to celebrate.
Visitors can also experience Iwami Kagura, one of the region’s best-known traditional performing arts. The performances feature powerful dancing, dramatic stories from Japanese mythology, and elaborate costumes, creating an energetic cultural experience.
Planning Your Visit to Ohnan
Ohnan Town does not have a railway line, so traveling by car is the most convenient way to explore the area. The nearest major railway station is JR Gotsu Station on the San’in Main Line, from where visitors can continue by bus or car.
Because Ohnan covers a large area and its attractions are spread throughout the mountains and valleys, it is recommended to plan your route in advance. A car makes it much easier to combine natural attractions, historic sites, local restaurants, and seasonal activities in one trip.
A Journey Through Nature, History, and Food
Ohnan Town offers a distinctive combination of beautiful mountain scenery, ancient history, outdoor activities, and a rich local food culture. Its traditional satoyama landscapes provide a glimpse into a slower and more nature-oriented side of Japan.
From dramatic gorges and terraced rice fields to historic shrines, castle ruins, snowy mountains, and locally produced cuisine, the town offers plenty to discover beyond the major tourist destinations.
Discover the Quiet Beauty of Rural Shimane
For travelers looking to escape the bustle of Japan’s major cities, Ohnan provides an opportunity to experience peaceful villages, forests, mountain streams, traditional culture, and warm local hospitality.
Whether visiting in spring for fresh greenery and festivals, summer for outdoor activities, autumn for colorful mountain scenery, or winter for skiing and snow-covered landscapes, Ohnan offers a different experience in every season.
A journey through this mountain town is an invitation to slow down, connect with nature, and discover the enduring culture of rural Shimane.