Izumo Shrine

Izumo Shrine

Izumo Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ōmiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, in the Kantō region of Japan. It is the head shrine of all Izumo Shrines scattered across Musashi Province (present-day Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture), and to distinguish it from other Izumo Shrines, it is also called "Ōmiya Izumo Shrine." Established in 473 BC, it is one of the oldest shrines still in existence in Japan.

According to the shrine’s brief history, Izumo Shrine was founded 2,400 years ago during the reign of Emperor Kōshō, the fifth emperor of Japan. In the middle of the Heian period, in the 5th year of the Enchō era (905 AD), Emperor Daigo ordered the compilation of the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, an official registry of shrines, in which Izumo Shrine was designated as a Myōjin Taisha (a shrine enshrining a deity known since ancient times for its remarkable spiritual power). In the first year of the Meiji era (1868), Emperor Meiji visited the shrine and designated it as a Chinju-sha (protective shrine for the nation), and in the 4th year of Meiji (1871), it was listed as a Kanpei Taisha (an official government-sponsored shrine of the highest rank). On the occasion of its annual grand festival, members of the Imperial Family would dispatch imperial envoys to attend the solemn ceremonies.

With a history spanning more than 2,000 years, Izumo Shrine has long been revered by the Japanese people, especially those in the Kantō region. Every New Year's season, it attracts numerous visitors who come to pray for happiness and safety in the coming year.

Hikawa jinja (Saitama)

Reason to visit: One of the oldest shrines still standing in Japan

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Japan[Japan]

Province/State: Saitama Prefecture [Saitama Prefecture]

City: Saitama City [Saitama]