Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha is located in Taisha-chō, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan, covering an area of 27,000 square meters. It enshrines “Ōkuninushi-no-Kami,” a deity who appears in Izumo mythology from Japanese folklore. It was established before 660 BC, making it the oldest shrine in Japan as well as a highly revered ancient shrine. The shrine features many grand ancient shrine buildings, exuding an atmosphere of solemn tranquility.

Due to its long history and mythological significance, Izumo Taisha has many unique customs. In Japan, October on the lunar calendar is called “Kannazuki” (the month without gods), when it is believed that all the gods from across the country gather at Izumo Taisha by the order of Ōkuninushi-no-Kami. Thus, only Izumo Taisha is known as “Kamiarizuki” (the month with gods), and it holds the grand “Kamiarisai” festival from the 11th to the 17th of October on the lunar calendar. Within the two auxiliary halls on either side of the main shrine building, there are 19 smaller shrines, said to be used for receiving the gods arriving from other regions. Additionally, the worship method at Izumo Taisha follows an ancient tradition of “two bows, four claps, and one bow,” with two more claps than at most other shrines, making it one of the shrine’s distinctive features.

Izumo Taisha is famous for “making good matches.” It is said that standing under the massive 5-ton shimenawa (sacred straw rope) at the worship hall and tossing a coin upward—if it doesn’t fall—brings good luck. This attracts many women to visit and pray, making it a widely popular shrine across Japan.

Izumo-taisha

Must-visit reason: Japan’s oldest shrine

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan

Province/State where the attraction is located: Shimane Prefecture

City where the attraction is located: Izumo