Tamatsuki

Tamatsuki (, Tamatsuki) is an island which exists in a blind spot on the Near Shore. It is the location of the Crafter's grave and where the first mask was found by Ebisu.

Location
Because it exists in a blind spot, one can pass right by the island without noticing it. It can only be revealed by repeating a certain Waka poem three times at dawn. Doing so dispels the mist and reveals the island to travelers. "In the dim dawn / Across Ayakashi bay / In the morning mists / Vanishing between the islands / I follow a boat with my thoughts"

Synopsis
Tamatsuki is mentioned in a poem in Ebisu's records on the masks: "Paddling from the shores of Tamatsuki / Breath white in the evening / To visit the mountain of camellia / Dimly drifting on a song naught but thrice"

It is further mentioned that an Ebisu of several reincarnations ago had disposed of many shinki on the same day he died, and ordered Iwami to make sure they would therefore never return to Tamatsuki again. The current Ebisu assumed that the God's Greatest Secret had gotten out, and his predecessor had no choice but to kill his own shinki. In the present time, Ebisu and Takemikazuchi travel together to Tamatsuki in a rowboat, since Ebisu thought a motor boat or a yacht would be too large.

Takemikazuchi reveals the island by thrice repeating a Waka collection poem that Kiun had him learn as a child.

Once Ebisu and Takemikazuchi land on the island, they discover an old man and his family - a woman and two children. The old man, Satou, introduces himself as the 73rd keeper of the Mask-Maker's grave and explains that the island represents his bottomless rage, remarking that only the lost can find the island. The Mask-Maker was "cursed to be called a god", yet was indeed something akin to a god to the people who worshipped at Tamatsuki.

The grave located in a back room of the hut consists of a mound piled with numerous masks, surrounded by candles.

Meaning of the poem
Ebisu interprets the poem as being about a winter night.


 * "Paddling from the shores of Tamatsuki" means they would have traveled by boat west from an inlet.
 * "Visit the mountain" means you should paddle until you reach a cove.
 * "Dimly on a song" means that the Waka collection poem should be recited at dawn.
 * "Naught but thrice" means the poem should be repeated three times.