We start at Hiroshima, the largest city in the Chugoku region, and journey pastoral landscapes through the Chugoku Mountains to Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. The towns along the way are alive with myths and legends from ancient times. Tales of the Kappa and other supernatural creatures defy scientific explanation. Kagura, which draws its stories from Shinto mythology, is performed in dedication to the deities. Japanese swords that are crucial in traditional events are still being made in the area.