The Shimane region is the source of many of Japan's oldest myths and legends. The ritual dances of Iwami were first created to entertain the gods: in the small concert hall in the Sanku shrine of Hamada, the musicians are to the left while the dancers, dressed in colourful costumes and beautiful masks, roam the dance floor with energy. The most famous myth enacted is that of Orochi, featuring the famous fight of the god Susanoo against the eight-headed serpent.