Gotsu, Coastal city in Shimane Prefecture, Japan
Gotsu is a city on the western coast of Shimane Prefecture that stretches across about 268 square kilometers. The northern area features coastal terraces while the southern region consists of forested hills.
The settlement started as a village in 1889 and became a town in 1914 before gaining city status in 1954 through the merger of several communities. This growth shaped the city as it exists today.
Local artisans continue making traditional Sekishu roof tiles and Iwami ceramics using methods passed down through generations. You can see these crafts practiced in workshops throughout the city, representing skills rooted in the region's pottery heritage.
The city connects to surrounding regions via the San'in Main Line railway and major highways including the San'in Expressway and National Route 9. These transportation links make it easy to reach from other parts of Shimane Prefecture.
In 1905 residents rescued over 200 Russian sailors from the sinking transport vessel Irtysh, an event remembered today through an annual commemorative festival. This rescue mission remains a distinctive chapter in the city's story and continues to link it with Russian culture.
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