English Version
Lake Shinji in Shimane Prefecture is said to have a darker side after sunset. According to local ghost stories, people walking around the lake at night have heard human voices when no one was nearby, or felt as if someone had suddenly tapped them on the back.
The lake has also been associated with a number of deaths, including suicides by drowning and fatal accidents. Clams are gathered along the lakeshore, and local accounts also speak of accidents in which fishermen were swept away by waves while working.
One of the best-known legends connected to Lake Shinji involves a small island called Yomegashima, often translated as “Bride Island.” The story says that a young bride, unable to endure cruel treatment from her mother-in-law, threw herself into the waters of Lake Shinji. Taking pity on her, a god is said to have raised the island from the lake overnight.
The location associated with this account is listed as 1175 Mino-cho, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. If you visit the lakeside, especially at night, stay in public areas, watch your footing near the water, and avoid interfering with fishing work or entering restricted places.
Japanese Language
夜に周囲を歩くと人の声が聞こえるとか、背中を誰かに叩かれるといった心霊現象が起こっている。宍道湖では何人もの死亡者がでている。入水自殺する者、事故で死亡する者など数多い。海岸ではシジミが採れるが、シジミ漁の最中に漁師が波にさらわれた事故もあることだろう。また、この湖には「嫁ヶ島」と呼ばれる小さな島があるが、この島には姑のイジメに耐えかねた若い嫁が宍道湖に身を投げ、それを哀れんだ神様が一夜にして島を浮かび上がらせたという言い伝えもある。島根県出雲市美野町１１７５
