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Izumo Taisha

島根県

4.6

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Kojiki's power spot mentioned in the book

When it comes to power spots in Shimane Prefecture, Izumo Taisha is often mentioned. The enshrined deity is Okuninushi no Okami, and it is said to have benefits for matchmaking. It is a historic shrine that is even recorded in the "Kojiki". Please come and feel the power that you can sense just by visiting!

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

Izumo Taisha, a Shrine Dedicated to the God of Matchmaking

Izumo Taisha is a shrine dedicated to "Ookuninushi-no-Mikoto," also known as the "god of matchmaking" and the deity of the "White Hare of Inaba" myth. The matchmaking here refers not only to romantic relationships but also to all kinds of connections surrounding human relationships. Visiting Izumo Taisha is possible from 6:00 to 19:00, but it can get crowded, so it's recommended to visit early in the morning or with plenty of time to spare.

Point 2

Japan's Largest Wooden Structure and a Great Shimenawa

The main shrine of Izumo Taisha stands at a height of approximately 24 meters, making it the tallest wooden structure among existing shrines and temples in Japan. The great shimenawa, which is often associated with Izumo Taisha, can be found not at the main shrine but at the Kagura-den. It measures about 13 meters in width and weighs 5.2 tons, and its size is truly overwhelming when seen up close. Although the great shimenawa is replaced every few years, it's understandable given that it takes over a year for more than 1,000 townspeople to create it.

Point 3

Gathering of Gods from All Over Japan at the Kamiari Festival

画像引用：出雲大社

The Kamiari Festival, held every year in the 10th month of the lunar calendar, is when gods from all over Japan gather in the country of Izumo. At the Upper Shrine located to the west of Izumo Taisha, a "Kamuhakari" is said to take place. Kamuhakari is a meeting where various matters of life that cannot be known to humans, as well as fate between men and women, are decided. Why not visit Izumo Taisha during this time when the eight million gods from all over Japan gather?

Point 4

Get a Stamp as Proof of Visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine

画像引用：出雲大社

Goshuin stamps are proof of visiting shrines and temples. At Izumo Taisha Shrine, you can get goshuin stamps at five locations. At the main hall and Kagura hall, the Hossho-ryou fee, which symbolizes "offering your feelings," is left up to the visitor to decide. You can also get goshuin stamps at the Izumo Kuni Shimbutsu Reijo pilgrimage, Kitajima Kuni-zu-tsu-kan, and Tenjin Shrine (Kitajima Kuni-zu-tsu-kan), so it's recommended to visit them all together!

Point 5

Izumo Sightseeing Taxi "Usagi-gou"

By using the Izumo Sightseeing Taxi "Usagi-gou," you can have a personal tour guide accompany you for each taxi, allowing you to learn more deeply about the history and highlights of the tourist spots. There are a total of 9 courses, so you can enjoy your own preferred plan, including not only Izumo Taisha Shrine, but also the places related to the Izumo Myth and Yamata no Orochi Legend, as well as the surrounding shrines where the gods stop by during the Kamiarizuki month. Highly recommended!

Access

Accessible in about an hour from Matsue City

Izumo Taisha Shrine is a shrine located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. It takes about an hour by car from Matsue City to reach Izumo Taisha Shrine. There are several free parking lots in the surrounding area, so you can visit with peace of mind even if you come by car. In addition, access by train is also possible, with a transfer between the Ichibata Electric Railway and the JR Sanin Main Line taking about an hour from Matsue City.

Required time

Enjoyable in a Stay of 1-2 Hours

The typical stay time at Izumo Taisha is about 1-2 hours, which includes exploring the shrine and its grounds, praying, receiving an ofuda, and more. Additionally, along Shinmon-dori, which connects the first and second torii gates, there are many shops selling local specialty Izumo soba and souvenirs. If you want to enjoy lunch or shopping, it's a good idea to allow extra time.

History

A Famous Shrine with a Long and Rich History!

Izumo Taisha is one of the famous shrines in Japan, known as the god of matchmaking and good fortune. It was once called "Kizuki Taisha," but its name was changed to its current name in 1871. The main shrine of Izumo Taisha is called "Taisha-zukuri" and is considered one of the two main sources of shrine architecture, along with Ise Jingu's "Shinmei-zukuri." The main shrine has a gabled roof with nine columns arranged in a T-shape, and a heart pillar with a diameter of over 1 meter stands in the center. In addition, there are Uzuryo, which extend to the ridge beam, in the center of the front and back. The enshrined deity is Okuninushi no Okami, who is revered as "Daikokusan" and is praised by many divine names for various divine virtues shown throughout Japan. Izumo Taisha is a shrine with various attractions such as historical background, myths, and architecture, and is one of the places where travelers can deeply understand Japan's history and culture.

Basic Information

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