A Journey Ends with Smiles: What a Quiet Trip to Izumo and Matsue Left Behind

Travel doesn't always have to be far away or luxurious.

Sometimes, it's simply about stepping into a different rhythm for a day or two.

This was the final chapter of our journey through Izumo and Matsue, two places in western Japan where history, nature, and quiet traditions still shape everyday life.

A Hotel That Felt Like Home

Lately, my husband and I often choose simple business hotels when we travel.

Hotel prices have certainly gone up, haven't they?

This time, we stayed at Onyado Nono Matsue, a hotel with an unusual custom.

Everyone removes their shoes at the entrance and spends the entire stay barefoot.

There are no slippers.

At first it felt a little strange, but after a few minutes, it was surprisingly relaxing—as if we had returned home.

The hotel also had a large public bath, an open-air bath, and a sauna.

After soaking in the hot water, guests were even treated to complimentary ice cream.

The next morning, before breakfast, I visited the bath again.

It happened to be completely empty.

The silence was so peaceful that I couldn't resist quietly singing to myself.

No audience, just warm water and the echo of my own voice.

Perhaps that's one of the small luxuries that only travel can offer.

Breakfast was another reason we chose this hotel.

Izumo soba noodles, fresh seafood over rice, shijimi clam soup from nearby Lake Shinji, seasonal vegetable tempura...

I probably ate more than I should have.

But that's part of traveling, isn't it?

A Shrine That Celebrates Connections

Before heading home, we visited Yaegaki Shrine, one of Matsue's best-known shrines.

It is famous throughout Japan as a place connected with en-musubi—the blessing of meaningful relationships.

While often translated as "matchmaking," en-musubi is actually much broader than romance.

It can refer to friendships, family, work, or any connection that enriches our lives.

One of the shrine's traditions is the Mirror Pond Fortune.

Visitors place a special piece of fortune paper on the pond and gently set a coin on top.

If the paper sinks within about fifteen minutes, it is said that good connections may come sooner.

As my paper floated quietly, the hidden words slowly appeared.

"A smile attracts good fortune. East and south are favorable."

It felt surprisingly fitting.

I placed my coin on top...

...and waited.

My husband's paper sank after about eight minutes.

Even visitors who started after me saw theirs disappear beneath the water.

Mine simply floated.

And floated.

I couldn't help laughing.

"Is this going to work?"

Finally, after thirteen minutes, my paper slowly slipped beneath the surface.

I felt oddly relieved.

Sometimes waiting becomes part of the memory.

A Smile of Surprise

Yaegaki Shrine is also known for prayers for happy marriages and family harmony.

Nearby stands a smaller shrine dedicated to fertility and safe childbirth.

Beside it was something I certainly wasn't expecting.

A remarkably large stone carving that immediately made us stop and laugh.

At first, it was surprising.

Later, I learned that offerings representing fertility have long been part of local folk traditions in Japan.

Rather than being viewed as shocking, they symbolize life, prosperity, and gratitude for future generations.

It's one of those cultural moments that reminds you how differently traditions can express the same universal hopes.

The Quiet Gift of Traveling

On our drive home, we stopped at a service area in Hiruzen and shared a vanilla soft-serve ice cream.

"It was hot today."

"We walked a lot."

Simple conversations.

Nothing extraordinary.

Yet somehow, they became my favorite memories.

Many people in Japan enjoy traveling in what is called a lucky direction, based on traditional calendars and personal timing.

Whether or not you believe it brings good fortune isn't really the point.

For me, the real gift is much simpler.

Seeing unfamiliar landscapes.

Breathing different air.

Sharing unhurried moments with someone you love.

Those experiences gently clear the mind and leave you feeling just a little lighter when you return home.

Perhaps that, too, is a kind of good fortune.

You don't have to travel far.

Even a small trip to a nearby town can quietly change the way you feel.

The next time you have a free weekend, perhaps you'll discover a place that leaves you smiling all the way home.

---

Thank you for joining me on this quiet journey through Izumo and Matsue.