There are many different types of zenzai all over Japan, but Izumo zenzai is a little different. It continues to be loved by many people for its gorgeous appearance and good luck.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Izumo Zenzai.

Characteristics of Izumo Zenzai

Izumo zenzai is a traditional Japanese sweet that originated in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, and has long been loved by locals. Izumo zenzai is made with rice cakes in a sweet soup made from water, red beans, sugar, salt, etc. It is very juicy and often uses auspicious red and white rice cakes, giving it a gorgeous appearance.

It is made with Izumo Dainagon, a large, flavorful red bean, and has a refined sweetness that spreads in your mouth. The smooth and chewy mochi rice cakes further enhance the deliciousness of the Izumo Zenzai. When you take a bite, the simple flavor brings back memories and warms your heart.

Izumo zenzai often uses red and white round mochi and shiratama dango, which are associated with Izumo Taisha, a shrine famous for bringing people together, but there are also zenzai made with buckwheat dumplings, and you can enjoy a variety of flavors depending on the shop.

The History of Izumo Zenzai

The origin of Izumo Zenzai dates back to the "Jinzai Mochi" of the Izumo region. Every year in the tenth month of the lunar calendar, a Shinto ritual called the "Kamiari Festival" is held in Izumo, where 8 million gods from all over the country gather. "Jinzai Mochi" was prepared by the Izumo Imperial Court to entertain the gods who gathered at this special event.

The Edo period document "Gion Monogatari" describes it as "a dish made by boiling red beans to make a lot of soup and adding a little bit of mochi." It is said that when this Kamiarimochi was brought from Izumo to Kyoto, it was pronounced "zunzai" in the Izumo dialect, and then "zenzai."

In February 2007, the Izumo Zenzai Society was established with the concept that "Izumo is the birthplace of Zenzai." We are working to spread the history and flavors of Izumo to the world and to make the charms of the region widely known. Recently, we have expanded the scope of our activities, such as exhibiting at the B-1 Grand Prix and developing convenience store sweets with the help of local high school girls.

Additionally, an event is held on October 31st as "Zenzai Day," providing an opportunity for many people to enjoy Izumo Zenzai.

Shimane Tourism Information and Access

Shimane, where you can eat Izumo Zenzai, has many tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Shimane.

Izumo Taisha Shrine

Izumo Taisha Shrine is the representative shrine of the Izumo region, and enshrines the god of matchmaking, Okuninushi-no-Mikoto. Every year during the month of the gods, gods from all over Japan gather to hold a "divine council" to create various "relationships," so in Izumo, "Kannazuki" is called "Kamiarizuki."

The main shrine is known as a "Taisha-zukuri" building and is a precious building designated as a national treasure, said to have once boasted a height of 97 meters. As you walk through the grounds, you will find a row of pine trees, selected as one of Japan's 100 most famous pines, that will soothe your soul. The magnificent large shimenawa ropes and large torii gates are also worth seeing, and you will be overwhelmed by the mystical atmosphere of Izumo Taisha.

Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle is a historic castle built by Lord Horio Yoshiharu between 1607 and 1611. It is also known as "Plover Castle" because the roof resembles a plover spreading its wings. From the castle tower, you can get a 360-degree view of the town of Matsue, offering a magnificent view. It was designated a National Treasure in 2015, and its value as one of the 12 remaining castle towers has been recognized.

There are walking paths around the castle, where azaleas and camellias create beautiful seasonal scenery. In spring, the castle holds a castle festival, attracting many visitors who come to view the cherry blossoms. You can also enjoy the beauty of Matsue Castle from the water on the Matsue Horikawa Tour, which takes you around the moat.

Matsue Vogel Park

Matsue Vogel Park is a paradise for flowers and birds that spreads along the lakeside, and is a theme park that boasts one of the largest greenhouses in Japan. Colorful flowers, mainly begonias and fuchsias, bloom all year round. It is said that if you sit on the "Happy Chair" surrounded by ivy geranium flowers, you will be bound by a strong bond.

There is also a corner where you can feed the birds directly, and you can have the rare experience of interacting with toucans and owls. The sight of the penguins strolling around the park is particularly adorable and is a popular event. The greenhouses are connected by a covered corridor, so you can enjoy them comfortably even on rainy days, making it the perfect tourist spot to spend some quality time with your family, friends, or loved ones.

Shimane is an attractive place for both gourmet food and sightseeing, and there are various ways to access it.

It is also easily accessible from Japan's three largest cities, Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. If you fly, you'll arrive in no time. If you fly from Tokyo, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you fly from Osaka, it takes about 45 minutes, and if you fly from Nagoya, it takes about 1 hour.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Shimane. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Shimane Prefecture

summary

The sweet, heartwarming taste of Izumo Zenzai is a dish that truly captures the history and culture of Izumo. Tasting this traditional Japanese confectionery leaves a lasting impression on the charm of the region.

If you visit Shimane, be sure to try Izumo Zenzai.

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