Traditional Arts and Crafts

Washi Balls Balls are wrapped with Izumo's washi paper, embroidered and decorated with cut designs. These beautiful balls are used for displays, good luck charms, or a talisman. The designs cut by hand leave soft edges, giving the pieces a warm look.

Izumo Stone Lanterns

Specialties

Shicchin, the seven exotic flavors of Lake Shinji-ko The seven flavors are comprised of Lake Shinji-ko's whitebait, smelt, freshwater eel, bass, carp, shrimp, and shellfish. Whitebait is mixed in miso (bean paste) and vinegar, smelt is stewed in sweet sauce, eel is broiled, bass is steam-baked, carp is thinly sliced and served raw, shrimp is stewed in sauce, and shellfish is usually served in miso soup.

Japanese Confectionery In Matsue, there is a large population of people who appreciate the tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony. Thus production of confectionery which complement the tea is in high demand. Rakugan, or rice-flour cake which was favored by the prominent tea master Fumaiko is especially popular among tea experts. Made with high-quality refined sugar, these delicate sweets have an exquisite flavor. Japanese confectionery stores, some of which serve complimentary maccha (powdered tea), line the city streets