Hoki-Cho: Preserving The Past for the Future -
journeys in japan

The Hoki-cho district lies in the west of Tottori Prefecture close to the foot of volcanic Mt. Daisen. It has a population of around 11,000 most of who live from farming and rearing cattle. The town lies on an ancient trail once used by the pilgrims who made their way to Izumo Shrine, one of the most venerated Shinto sites in Japan. Because of this proximity, ancient legends of the gods have been kept alive in Hoki-cho. Once a year, in October, the local people gather to conduct a traditional ritual that has been passed down through countless generations. The ritual has its roots in an ancient legend that the deity worshipped at the shrine was saved from a shipwreck by octopuses. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, John Daub from the U. S. visits Hoki-cho, samples the local specialties and meets the local people who are keeping the old ways alive.

Episode Duration: 28 minutes and 3 seconds

Episode Number: 435

About Journeys In Japan:

The lifestyle series JOURNEYS IN JAPAN, provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan.

English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.

Visit the Journeys In Japan web site

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