Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha, also known as Izumo Grand Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. It is renowned for enshrining Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, the deity associated with nation-building, agriculture, and medicine. The shrine is particularly famous for its association with enmusubi, or matchmaking, attracting visitors seeking blessings for relationships and connections. (kankou-shimane.com)

The main hall (honden) of Izumo Taisha is an exemplary structure of the Taisha-zukuri architectural style, characterized by its unique design elements. Historically, the honden was believed to have been approximately 48 meters tall, making it one of the tallest wooden structures of its time. This claim was supported by the discovery of massive pillar remains during archaeological excavations in 2000. (www1.pref.shimane.lg.jp)

A distinctive feature of Izumo Taisha is the large shimenawa (sacred straw rope) adorning the Kagura Hall (Kaguraden). Measuring 13.6 meters in length and weighing 5.2 tons, it is one of the largest in Japan. (kankou-shimane.com)

Traditionally, the shrine observes a unique worship practice known as "two bows, four claps, one bow" (ni-rei, yon-kashira, ichi-rei), differing from the more common "two bows, two claps, one bow" ritual found in other Shinto shrines. (sanin-tourism.com)

Annually, during the 10th month of the lunar calendar, it is believed that deities from across Japan gather at Izumo Taisha for a meeting, leading to the month being referred to as "Kamiarizuki" (Month of the Gods) in the Izumo region, while it is known as "Kannazuki" (Month without Gods) elsewhere. (sanin-tourism.com)

Visitors can access Izumo Taisha by taking the Ichibata Electric Railway to Izumo Taisha-mae Station, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, buses from JR Izumo City Station provide direct routes to the shrine. For those driving, the shrine is approximately a 15-minute drive from the Izumo Interchange on the San'in Expressway. (kankou-shimane.com)

For more detailed information, you can visit the official website of Izumo Taisha. (shimane-jinjacho.or.jp)