Travel through Japan’s Heritage
Text:Chihiro Naito
Photos:Teppei Sasaki
- A journey to trace the tales of Japan’s heritage for smooth, velvety skin
Miwa Ishihara, a freelance news presenter active in the San-in area, traveled to Iwami no Kuni. While following the tales of Japanese heritage sites, she discovered new attractions of Iwami through “tools to connect with the gods” such as Iwami Kagura and Japanese sake.
Mimata Hot Spring is located in the mountainous area about a 30-minute drive from JR Hamada-Shi Station. Although it is a small hot spring town, its hot water is often referred to as “the best hot spring in Japan for beautiful skin,” and so many different skin and health effects are recognized.
In fact, the people of Shimane Prefecture have some of the best skin in the country, having won first place in the “Nippon Bihada Ken Grand Prix” conducted by cosmetics company POLA many times in the past. The secret of the beautiful skin of Shimane women can be attributed to several factors such as the climate, including humidity, and the abundance of food, but hot springs are also said to be of benefit.
There are many natural hot springs scattered throughout Shimane, which are popular among locals and tourists. Among them, Mimata Hot Spring has a particularly strong effect on the skin. It contains a significant amount of metasilicic acid, which stimulates skin regeneration and is smooth on the skin, with a slightly dense spring water quality. The hot spring has a reputation for making the skin moist and smooth after bathing.
Miwa Ishihara was surprised to find that her entire body had warmed up after a few minutes in a knee-deep foot bath.
“It's amazing! I've only had my feet in the hot spring for a few minutes, and I feel as though my whole body is warm. I'd like to soak my whole body in this hot spring next time I come here. I think it will make my skin beautiful.”
The foot spa is easily accessible to anyone and is free of charge. It is a great place to stop while strolling around the hot spring town. Soak your feet in the hot spring water while listening to the quiet murmur of the Kakoya River behind you, to soothe both your body and mind.
Text:Chihiro Naito
Photos:Teppei Sasaki
Miwa Ishihara
Born in Shimane Prefecture. Formerly a news presenter for San-in Chuo Television Broadcasting. Currently renowned as a freelance reporter and as a presenter, narrator, seminar lecturer, and writer. Miwa has deep knowledge of Japanese sake and is a certified SSI Kikisake-shi (a specialist in the service and sales of sake who can entertain customers appropriately). Having visited many breweries in the San-in region as an evangelist for local sake, in 2013 she published two books, “Shimane Shuraku Tanbou” and “Tottori Shuraku Tanbou,” to promote the appeal of the region’s local sake. A member of San-in Good Things Expedition.