All the gods from across Japan are said to leave their shrines and gather in Izumo once a year in late autumn. They arrive via Inasa Beach and travel to Izumo Taisha, where they discuss human relationships and destinies - and, perhaps, catch up with one another.

Our visit was too early in the year for this divine conference, but we enjoyed the legend and reflected on the connection between Japanese people and nature.

By this point, our ride through Japan had taken us over volcanic slopes, along wild coastlines and through apple orchards. We passed many roadside shrines, offerings made by local people asking the gods for protection and help in their everyday lives.

Cycling along the San'in Coast in this raw, elemental corner of Japan, we felt insignificant - and alive.