Unveiling Ne no Kuni: Japan’s Mythical Land of Roots
Japanese mythology is a tapestry woven with threads of celestial beauty and subterranean mystery. While many travelers are familiar with the sun goddess Amaterasu and the High Plain of Heaven (Takamagahara), fewer venture into the stories of the underworld. Among these shadowy realms lies Ne no Kuni (根の国), translated as the “Land of Roots” or the “Land of Origin.” Unlike the Western concept of Hell, this realm is complex, representing not just death, but the deep, subterranean source of life and ancestry.
In this guide, we will journey beneath the surface to explore the origins, legends, and physical locations associated with this enigmatic domain.
The Origins of the Concept
The cosmology of ancient Shinto divides the universe into three distinct planes: Takamagahara (the heavens), Ashihara no Nakatsukuni (the Central Land of Reeds, or the physical world of humans), and the underworlds.
Ne no Kuni is often conflated with Yomi (the Land of the Dead), yet scholars distinguish them based on ancient texts. While Yomi is strictly a place of pollution and death where Izanami resides, Ne no Kuni is more ambiguous. It is the domain of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the storm god, following his banishment from heaven. The name implies a place where things originate—the “roots” of existence—suggesting a connection to the earth’s vitality rather than just the finality of death. It is a distant land, traditionally believed to be located either far underground or across the sea.
The Legend: Susanoo and Okuninushi
The most famous narrative involving Ne no Kuni is found in the Kojiki and centers on the hero Okuninushi (the Great Land Master). Seeking to escape the wrath of his jealous brothers, Okuninushi descends into Ne no Kuni to seek counsel from his ancestor, the storm god Susanoo.
Upon arrival, Okuninushi falls in love with Susanoo’s daughter, Suseri-hime. To prove his worthiness to marry her and rule the land above, Susanoo subjects Okuninushi to a series of harrowing trials. These trials include:
- The Room of Snakes: Sleeping in a chamber filled with vipers.
- The Room of Centipedes and Wasps: surviving a night with poisonous insects.
- The Humming Arrow: Retrieving an arrow fired into a vast meadow, which Susanoo then sets on fire.
With the help of Suseri-hime and a magical mouse that saves him from the fire, Okuninushi survives. He eventually flees Ne no Kuni, stealing Susanoo’s sword, bow, and zither. Susanoo chases him to the entrance (the Even Pass of Yomi) but ultimately blesses the hero, instructing him to use the weapons to conquer his enemies and rule Japan.
This legend paints Ne no Kuni not as a prison, but as a crucible—a place of trial and transformation where a hero gains the power to become a sovereign.
Modern Culture and Interpretations
In contemporary Japan, the concept of Ne no Kuni influences pop culture, anime, and literature. It often serves as a prototype for “spirit worlds” or alternate dimensions where protagonists must face their shadow selves.
Culturally, the idea that the ancestors reside in a “root land” reinforces the importance of Obon festivals and family altars (butsudan). It represents the spiritual bedrock upon which modern Japanese society stands. The term is occasionally used metaphorically to describe the distant, unseen forces that support the visible world.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting the Borderlands
While Ne no Kuni is a mythical realm, physical locations in Japan are celebrated as the “entrances” to these otherworlds. For the mythology enthusiast, Shimane Prefecture (ancient Izumo province) is the ultimate destination.
1. Yomotsu Hirasaka (Matsue City)
Located in Higashi-Izumo, this is the legendary slope said to be the border between the living world and the underworld. A large stone monument marks the spot, and the atmosphere is undeniably heavy and ancient. It is a quiet, wooded area that feels separated from modern time.
2. Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine)
This is one of Japan’s most ancient and important shrines, dedicated to Okuninushi. After returning from Ne no Kuni, this is where he is said to have established his rule. The massive shimenawa (straw rope) symbolizes the separation between the sacred and the profane.
3. Susa Shrine
Located in the mountains south of Izumo, this shrine is dedicated to Susanoo. It is considered a “power spot” with deep connections to the myths of the storm god and his subterranean domain.
Travel Tip: When visiting these sites, respect the solemnity of the atmosphere. These are not just tourist attractions but active religious sites where locals pray to the spirits of the land and ancestors.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of Ne no Kuni, the following historical texts are essential reading:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest extant chronicle in Japan (712 AD), containing the detailed story of Okuninushi’s descent into Ne no Kuni.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text offers alternative versions of the myths, sometimes equating Ne no Kuni more directly with the land of the dead.
- Izumo no Kuni Fudoki: An ancient record of the culture and geography of Izumo province, providing local context to the universal myths.