出雲
Izumo Province
出雲国 · いずも
Province
Sanindo Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Emerging Clouds"
True Etymology
The characters mean 'emerging' (出) and 'cloud' (雲). The name likely refers to the characteristic clouds rising from the mountains of the region, or to the sea mists common along the San'in coast. Izumo is Japan's most mythology-rich province—the land of Ōkuninushi and the gathering of gods each October.
Alternative Theory
In Izumo mythology, the gods of Japan gather at Izumo Taisha Shrine every October (the month called 'Godless Month' elsewhere in Japan, but 'Month of Gods' in Izumo). The province's 'emerging clouds' name thus evokes the celestial drama of divine gatherings.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Sanindo |
|---|---|
| Reading | いずも |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |