Tamatsukuri Yu Shrine

The Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, located in Tamayu Town, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is an ancient shrine with a dual character, enshrining both the God of Jewel-Making and the God of Hot Springs. Since ancient times, this area has been renowned for producing magatama (curved beads), tubular beads, and round beads. Numerous archaeological remains related to jewel production have been found in the surrounding Kasen-yama area, which is regarded as the core center of jewel-making in the Izumo region. Some of the excavated artifacts preserved by the shrine have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

The main deity worshiped here is Kushimikatama-no-Mikoto, revered as the ancestral god of Izumo jewel-making. The shrine also enshrines Ōkuninushi-no-Kami (Ōnamuchi-no-Kami), Sukunabikona-no-Kami, and Itakeru-no-Kami. Ōkuninushi and Sukunabikona are deities associated with the mythology of hot springs, symbolizing the tradition of Tamatsukuri Onsen as the “Hot Spring of the Gods.” Itakeru-no-Kami is believed to be connected with the deity known as Kan-koku Itate-shin.