A Modern Building Designed by Kiyonori Kikutake
The present Shinko-den building was completed in 1981 and was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kiyonori Kikutake. Kikutake was one of the leading figures of the Japanese Metabolist architectural movement, known for combining traditional Japanese ideas with innovative modern architecture.
The building itself therefore provides an interesting contrast with the ancient religious traditions represented by the exhibits inside.
Learn About the History of Izumo Taisha
The first floor introduces the history and origins of Izumo Taisha, along with its religious ceremonies and distinctive architecture. One of the major themes is the shrine’s tradition of Shikinen Sengu, a major program of restoration and renewal traditionally carried out approximately every 60 years.
During a Sengu, shrine buildings are repaired or rebuilt, and the enshrined deity is temporarily transferred to a newly prepared sacred space. At Izumo Taisha, this tradition has been repeated since ancient times, helping preserve both the buildings and the cultural traditions associated with them.
The exhibition also includes historical maps showing the layout of the shrine precincts from the Kamakura period through the Edo period. Comparing these maps allows visitors to see how Izumo Taisha developed and changed over the centuries.
The Giant Uzu-bashira Pillar
One of the most impressive exhibits is the enormous Uzu-bashira pillar discovered during archaeological excavations in 2000.
The pillar was made by binding together three massive Japanese cypress timbers, each approximately 1.35 meters in diameter. Together, they formed a structure approximately 3 meters across. It is believed to have supported the main sanctuary during the Kamakura period.
Historical records contain traditions that the main sanctuary of Izumo Taisha once stood approximately 48 meters high. The discovery of the Uzu-bashira provided important archaeological evidence for the possibility that the ancient sanctuary was indeed an enormous structure.
Alongside the actual pillar, the exhibition features a reconstruction model of the ancient main sanctuary. The model helps visitors imagine the spectacular scale of the shrine as it may have appeared in ancient Japan.
Experience the Architecture of the Main Sanctuary
The main sanctuary of Izumo Taisha is built in the distinctive Taisha-zukuri style, one of Japan’s oldest forms of Shinto architecture.
At Shinko-den, visitors can see full-scale displays explaining the construction of the sanctuary’s roof and its traditional hiwada-buki, or cypress-bark roofing. Layers of carefully prepared cypress bark create a roof that combines durability with a distinctive natural beauty.
The displays also explain the structural features of Taisha-zukuri, including the shin-no-mihashira, the central pillar of the sanctuary, and the uzu-bashira pillars positioned toward the gable ends.
These exhibits offer an opportunity to learn about the sophisticated woodworking techniques of ancient Japan and the ideas behind architecture created for the worship of deities.
Archaeological Objects Connected with Ancient Izumo
The second floor displays archaeological artifacts discovered in the Izumo region, as well as treasures associated with Izumo Taisha. Among them are objects believed to have been used as offerings in ancient religious ceremonies.
Magatama Beads and a Bronze Halberd
Particularly notable are a magatama bead and a bronze halberd excavated near Inochinushi Shrine.
The magatama was made from jadeite originating in Niigata Prefecture, providing evidence of extensive trade networks during the Yayoi period. The bronze halberd was produced in northern Kyushu, demonstrating that ancient Izumo maintained connections with distant parts of the Japanese archipelago.
These objects are thought to have been offerings to the gods and provide an insight into the importance of Izumo as a sacred place from ancient times.
Bronze Swords, Bronze Bells, and Ritual Objects
The museum also features replicas of bronze swords and dotaku bronze bells excavated from the Kojindani and Kamo Iwakura archaeological sites.
These objects are believed to have been associated with ancient religious rituals. Their distinctive shapes and intricate designs also reveal the artistic sensibilities of people living in ancient Japan.
Other exhibits include kagura bells, ceremonial clothing, and ritual implements, providing a glimpse into the religious traditions that have been passed down through the Izumo region.
The Yakumo-goto and the Yakumo Ceiling Painting
Among the more unusual exhibits is the Yakumo-goto, a rare Japanese stringed instrument. While a conventional koto generally has 13 strings, the Yakumo-goto has only two strings.
The instrument was created in the 19th century. According to tradition, its maker received the design in a dream from Okuninushi-no-Okami, the principal deity of Izumo Taisha.
The museum also displays a replica of the Yakumo-no-zu, the colorful cloud painting found on the ceiling of the main sanctuary. The swirling clouds create an imaginative scene associated with the mystical world of Izumo.
Because the interior of the main sanctuary is normally inaccessible to ordinary visitors, these exhibits provide a valuable opportunity to appreciate some of its artistic and religious imagery at close range.
National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties
Shinko-den also preserves numerous valuable cultural treasures, including objects designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
The National Treasure “Aki-no-shika Makie Tebako”
The Aki-no-shika Makie Tebako, a beautifully decorated lacquered box depicting deer in an autumn landscape, is designated as a National Treasure. Its refined design demonstrates the exceptional skill of traditional Japanese maki-e lacquer craftsmanship.
Historical Documents Associated with Emperor Go-Daigo
The collection also includes important historical documents, including rinji documents attributed to Emperor Go-Daigo. These materials provide evidence of the longstanding historical relationship between Izumo Taisha and Japan’s imperial court.
Other exhibits include valuable objects associated with samurai culture, such as a sword attributed to the famous swordsmith Mitsutada, as well as armor and helmets.
Izumo Taisha as a Center of Religious Tradition
Izumo Taisha has long been revered as one of Japan’s most important sacred sites. Its principal deity, Okuninushi-no-Okami, is widely known today as a deity associated with good relationships and marriage, but he has also traditionally been revered as a deity connected with the creation and development of the land.
Every treasure preserved at Shinko-den reflects part of the long history of devotion surrounding Izumo Taisha. These objects are not simply museum pieces; they represent the prayers, beliefs, and hopes of generations of people.
This is what makes the Izumo Taisha Treasure Hall particularly meaningful. Rather than functioning simply as a museum, it offers visitors a way to experience the religious traditions and cultural heritage of Izumo through architecture, archaeology, art, historical documents, and ritual objects.
Getting to Izumo Taisha Treasure Hall
By Train and Bus
From JR Izumoshi Station, take an Ichibata Bus bound for Izumo Taisha and Hinomisaki. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes to the Izumo Taisha bus stop.
From the direction of Matsue, another popular option is to take the Ichibata Railway to Izumotaisha-mae Station.
By Car
From the Izumo Interchange on the San’in Expressway, the shrine area can be reached in approximately 15 minutes by car. Parking areas for visitors are available around the shrine.
From Izumo Airport
From Izumo Airport, the journey by taxi takes approximately 40 minutes.
A Gateway to the History and Spiritual Heritage of Izumo
The Izumo Taisha Treasure Hall (Shinko-den) offers much more than a collection of historical objects. It is a place where visitors can explore the spiritual traditions, mythology, craftsmanship, and history that have shaped Izumo for centuries.
From the enormous Uzu-bashira pillar and archaeological artifacts to National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and traditional ritual objects, the exhibits reveal the remarkable history behind one of Japan’s most famous sacred sites.
After visiting Izumo Taisha, take time to explore Shinko-den and discover another side of this ancient shrine. It is an excellent place to deepen your understanding of ancient Izumo and Japan’s religious and cultural heritage.