Izumo Taisha

What to know

Izumo Taisha (出雲大社) is one of Japan's most significant shrines, located in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, about an hour by train west of Matsue. While its exact founding date is unknown, it is often regarded as the oldest shrine in Japan, already mentioned in the country's earliest chronicles from the early 700s.

In prehistoric times, Izumo was ruled by a powerful clan, and the region features prominently in Japan's creation myths. The main deity enshrined here is Okuninushi no Okami, who, according to legend, created the land of Japan and ruled Izumo. He is also known as the god of good relationships and marriage. Worshippers clap four times instead of the usual two during prayers: twice for themselves and twice for their partner or desired partner.

Every year from the 10th to the 17th day of the 10th lunar month (usually November), all Shinto deities gather at Izumo Taisha for a meeting. For this reason, the 10th lunar month is called Kamiarizuki ("month with deities") in Izumo, and Kannazuki ("month without deities") elsewhere in Japan. The Kamiari Festival is held at the shrine during this period.

The main approach begins at a giant torii gate and a shopping street lined with stores and restaurants. At the end of the street stands a large wooden torii gate marking the entrance to the shrine grounds. Continuing north, the path uniquely slopes downhill for a few dozen meters to the Matsu no Sando, where the trail splits into three lanes by two rows of pine trees. Visitors should avoid the center lane, as it is reserved for the deities.

Past the pine trees, a bronze torii gate leads into the main shrine grounds. Immediately inside, visitors see a beautiful wooden structure with a huge sacred straw rope (shimenawa) hanging across half its length. This is the Worship Hall (Haiden). The shimenawa indicates a deity's presence and separates the divine from the mortal realm. Large shimenawa are characteristic of the Izumo region and can be seen at other local shrines.

Behind the worship hall stands the Main Hall (Honden), 24 meters tall—the tallest shrine building in Japan. In the past, it was even taller, perched on large pillars. The current structure was built in 1744 in a purely Japanese architectural style called Taisha-zukuri, which predates Buddhism's arrival and its influence on shrine architecture.