KIZUKI, July, 1890.
DEAR PROFESSOR CHAMBERLAIN,--I am writing to you from the little beach
of Inasa, mentioned in the "Kojiki,"--the etymology of which name, as
given by Hirata, I think you say is incorrect, or at least fantastic.
But I think you may not know that Inasa beach is in some respects the
nicest bathing-place imaginable--certainly by far the best I have ever
visited in Japan. The hotels face a beach without a pebble in its
sand, and when the water is not rough, it is clear as a diamond; when
roughened by a west wind, however, the water sometimes becomes dirty
with seaweed, drift and such refuse. This is the great bathing resort
of Izumo. But it is much more quiet and pleasant than other Japanese
bathing resorts I have seen--such as Ōiso. After the bath, moreover,
one can have a hot salt water bath or a cold fresh-water douche. And
there is plenty of deep water for swimming. Right opposite our window is
the "thousand draught rock" which the son of Ohokuni, etc., lifted on
the tips of his fingers.
Kaka is famous for its sea cave, and legend of Jizō. I think I wrote
you of this beautiful legend of the child ghosts and the fountain of
milk. But it is really too pretty to publish in a matter-of-fact record.
The term "arrows of prayer" which I use, might deceive the reader. The
arrows put into the rice-fields to scare away crows are very different
in appearance and purpose. I hope to send you some of the former from
Mionoseki.
I will stay here some weeks--the sea-bathing is too good to lose. Will
write again soon.
Most truly ever,
LAFCADIO HEARN.