Izumo Taisha and the Tradition of Good Relationships
Izumo Taisha is especially famous as a sacred place for enmusubi, a Japanese concept meaning the formation of meaningful bonds and relationships. Although it is often associated with romantic relationships, the tradition extends to many kinds of connections between people and opportunities.
According to Japanese mythology, Okuninushi-no-Okami completed the creation and development of the land of Japan before transferring authority to the descendants of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. This story is known as the “transfer of the land” or Kuniyuzuri.
In return, Okuninushi requested that a magnificent palace be built for him. This legendary palace is traditionally regarded as the origin of Izumo Taisha.
The History and Names of Izumo Taisha
An Ancient Shrine with a Long History
Izumo Taisha has an exceptionally long history. The shrine is mentioned in Japan’s oldest historical and mythological texts, including the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
For much of its history, the shrine was known as Kizuki Taisha. In 1871, during the Meiji period, its official name was changed to Izumo Taisha.
The shrine is officially pronounced “Izumo Oyashiro”, although “Izumo Taisha” is the pronunciation most commonly used today.
Different Names in Historical Records
Historical documents contain several names associated with Izumo Taisha, including Ame-no-Hisumi-no-Miya, Kizuki-no-Miya, and Izumo Daijingu. These different names reflect the shrine’s long and important history in Japanese religious tradition.
The Mythological Origins of Izumo Taisha
The Legend of Kuniyuzuri
The origin of Izumo Taisha is closely associated with the Japanese creation myths. According to tradition, Okuninushi agreed to give the land he had developed to the heavenly gods on the condition that a magnificent palace would be built for him.
The Kojiki describes this divine palace as Ame-no-Mihashira, while the Nihon Shoki refers to it as Ame-no-Hisumi-no-Miya. The legends describe an enormous structure with huge pillars reaching toward the sky.
The Legend of an Ancient Giant Shrine
Traditional accounts suggest that the main sanctuary of Izumo Taisha was once much taller than the building that stands today. Some historical traditions describe a structure approximately 48 meters high, while later interpretations have proposed that an even earlier structure may have reached around 96 meters.
A phrase found in a Heian-period text, “Un-ta, Wa-ni, Kyo-san”, is traditionally interpreted as referring to the relative heights of major buildings in Japan. “Un-ta” is understood to refer to Izumo Taisha, suggesting that it may once have been considered one of the tallest buildings in Japan.
In 2000, archaeologists discovered enormous column remains at the shrine site. The discovery of these massive pillars provided important evidence for the possibility that a very large ancient sanctuary once stood here.
The National Treasure Main Sanctuary
Japan’s Ancient Taisha-zukuri Architecture
The current main sanctuary was rebuilt in 1744 and stands approximately 24 meters high. It is constructed in the traditional Taisha-zukuri style, one of Japan’s oldest forms of Shinto shrine architecture.
The sanctuary features massive wooden pillars, a raised floor, and a distinctive roof decorated with chigi forked finials and katsuogi horizontal ornaments. Its impressive scale and ancient architectural style make it one of Japan’s most remarkable shrine buildings.
The main sanctuary is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. It is surrounded by several layers of fences, so visitors cannot enter the building itself, but its impressive exterior can be viewed from the surrounding worship areas.
A Unique Sacred Interior
Inside the main sanctuary, the sacred presence of Okuninushi-no-Okami is enshrined. One unusual feature is that the sacred seat faces toward the west rather than directly toward the front of the building. Several theories have been proposed to explain this distinctive arrangement.
The ceiling is also decorated with seven clouds, creating a symbolic connection with the world of the gods described in Japanese mythology.
How to Pray at Izumo Taisha
The Special Four-Clap Prayer
One of the most distinctive features of Izumo Taisha is its traditional method of prayer. At the worship hall, visitors traditionally perform two bows, four claps, and one final bow.
Most Shinto shrines in Japan use a two-bow, two-clap, one-bow format, making the four-clap practice at Izumo Taisha particularly distinctive.
The Haiden Worship Hall
The Haiden, or worship hall, is where visitors formally offer their prayers. The present building was reconstructed in 1959 after the previous hall was destroyed by fire in 1953.
The reconstruction was designed by Toshio Fukuyama, a leading researcher of Japanese shrine architecture. Visitors can appreciate the building while following the shrine’s traditional prayer etiquette.
The Kaguraden and Its Giant Sacred Rope
One of Japan’s Most Famous Shimenawa
The Kaguraden, located west of the Haiden, is one of the most recognizable buildings at Izumo Taisha. Its most famous feature is the enormous shimenawa, a sacred straw rope associated with Shinto rituals.
The rope is approximately 13 meters long and weighs more than 5 tons. It is made in neighboring Iinan Town and is replaced periodically.
A Place for Rituals and Weddings
The Kaguraden is used for traditional Shinto ceremonies, including kagura performances and weddings. The present building was expanded and reconstructed in 1981 and contains a large hall measuring approximately 270 tatami mats.
Its front gable also features stained glass, an unusual decorative element for traditional Japanese shrine architecture.
Important Shrines within the Grounds
Soga-no-Yashiro
Soga-no-Yashiro stands behind the main sanctuary at the foot of Mount Yakumo. It enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who is traditionally regarded as the father of Okuninushi in some interpretations of Japanese mythology.
Surrounded by the forested landscape of the shrine grounds, it is regarded as one of the particularly sacred places within Izumo Taisha.
Jukusha
The shrine grounds contain two buildings known as Jukusha, one on the eastern side and one on the western side. According to local tradition, the many gods of Japan gather here during Kannazuki, the tenth month of the traditional lunar calendar.
Inochinushi-no-Yashiro
Inochinushi-no-Yashiro is an important auxiliary shrine located outside the main grounds. It enshrines Kamimusubi-no-Kami, one of the primordial deities of Japanese mythology. A huge camphor tree on the grounds adds to the shrine’s mysterious atmosphere.
Forests and Nature around the Shrine
The grounds of Izumo Taisha are surrounded by more than 2,000 trees, creating a tranquil natural environment. Around 90 species of wild birds have also been recorded in the area.
Walking through the quiet forest and along the shrine paths provides a peaceful contrast to the impressive architecture. The combination of ancient trees, traditional buildings, and sacred spaces makes the grounds especially atmospheric.
The Pine-lined Approach
The approach to Izumo Taisha is lined with beautiful pine trees. Known as Shinmon-dori and its surrounding approach area, the route gradually leads visitors toward the sacred shrine precinct.
The traditional streets near the shrine also contain shops selling souvenirs, good-luck charms, magatama jewelry, sweets, and local specialties such as Izumo zenzai.
Kannazuki and the Kamiari Festival
When the Gods Gather in Izumo
One of the most famous traditions associated with Izumo is the belief that the gods from throughout Japan gather here during the tenth month of the traditional lunar calendar.
In most parts of Japan, this month is known as Kannazuki, meaning “the month without gods.” In Izumo, however, it is called Kamiarizuki, meaning “the month when the gods are present.”
Kamimukae Festival
During the Kamimukae Festival, the gods are traditionally welcomed at Inasa Beach, west of Izumo Taisha. According to tradition, they then gather at Izumo Taisha to discuss human relationships and matters of destiny.
These traditions remain an important part of Izumo’s cultural identity and attract visitors interested in Japanese mythology and Shinto culture.
Nearby Attractions
Inasa Beach — A Sacred Coast Connected with Japanese Mythology
Inasa Beach is a beautiful sandy beach west of Izumo Taisha and an important location in local mythology. It is traditionally regarded as the place where the gods are welcomed during the Kamimukae Festival.
A small rocky island called Benten-jima stands offshore, with a small shrine dedicated to Benzaiten. The beach is also a popular place to watch the sunset over the Sea of Japan.
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is located immediately beside Izumo Taisha. It introduces the history, archaeology, and mythology of ancient Izumo.
Exhibits include a model of the enormous ancient Izumo Taisha sanctuary and actual archaeological remains, including the massive pillars discovered near the shrine. The museum also displays important archaeological artifacts, including National Treasure bronze swords and bronze bells.
Hinomisaki Shrine
Hinomisaki Shrine is about a 30-minute drive from Izumo Taisha. Known for its vivid vermilion buildings, the shrine is traditionally associated with protecting Japan during the night.
The shrine consists of Hishizumi-no-Miya, dedicated to Amaterasu-no-Okami, and Kami-no-Miya, dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Visiting the shrine together with Izumo Taisha offers a deeper understanding of the mythology of the Izumo region.
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse is a striking white lighthouse overlooking the Sea of Japan. Completed in 1903, it is known as Japan’s tallest stone lighthouse.
Visitors can climb the spiral staircase inside the lighthouse to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding coastline and the Sea of Japan. The area is particularly beautiful around sunset.
Izumo Hinomisaki Coast
The coastline around Hinomisaki Lighthouse features dramatic rock formations, cliffs, and powerful waves from the Sea of Japan. The area forms part of Daisen-Oki National Park.
Walking trails allow visitors to explore the coastline while enjoying its rugged natural scenery.
Ichibata Yakushi Temple
Ichibata Yakushi, officially known as Ichibataji Temple, is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai school. It is widely known in Japan as the “Yakushi Buddha of the Eyes” and has long attracted worshippers praying for eye health.
The temple stands on a mountain at an elevation of around 200 meters. From the grounds, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Shinji and the Izumo Plain. The long stone staircase leading to the temple adds to the traditional atmosphere.
Experience the Mythology and Nature of Izumo
Izumo Taisha is much more than a historic shrine. It is a place where Japanese mythology, Shinto traditions, ancient architecture, and beautiful nature come together.
Visitors can explore the shrine’s magnificent buildings, learn about ancient Izumo at the nearby museum, experience the sacred atmosphere of Inasa Beach, and enjoy the spectacular Sea of Japan coastline around Hinomisaki.
For travelers interested in Japan’s ancient history and spiritual traditions, Izumo Taisha offers an opportunity to experience a side of Japan that is deeply rooted in mythology and local culture. Take time to walk through the peaceful grounds, observe the traditional architecture, and discover the stories that have been passed down in Izumo for centuries.