A Shrine Dedicated to Six Major Deities
The name “Rokusho,” meaning “Six Shrines,” comes from the six principal deities enshrined here: Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu Omikami, Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and Okuninushi-no-Mikoto.
These deities occupy central positions in Japanese mythology and are associated with the creation of the Japanese islands and gods, agriculture, industry, the management of the land, and the prosperity of human life. Bringing these six deities together at one shrine symbolically represented the protection of the entire province of Izumo and reflects the shrine’s former role as the provincial Sōja.
Rokusho Shrine as the Sōja of Izumo Province
During Japan’s ancient ritsuryo period, provincial governors were traditionally expected to visit and worship at the shrines within their jurisdiction after arriving at their appointed province. Because Izumo was a large province with numerous shrines, visiting every shrine in person was difficult.
To solve this problem, a central shrine known as the Sōja was established. By worshipping at the Sōja, the provincial governor could symbolically fulfill the obligation of paying respects to the shrines throughout the province. Rokusho Shrine served this important function in Izumo.
Priests from shrines throughout Izumo gathered here, where ceremonies involving offerings presented on behalf of the provincial government and various prayers were performed. In this way, Rokusho Shrine became a place where the political administration and religious traditions of ancient Izumo came together.
Standing on the Site of the Ancient Izumo Provincial Government
Archaeological excavations carried out from the 1960s onward revealed that the site of the ancient Izumo provincial government office extended across the present shrine grounds and the surrounding area. Remains associated with the provincial government complex were discovered to the north of the shrine, while remains thought to form part of the main government hall were identified immediately to the east.
These discoveries demonstrate the close relationship between Rokusho Shrine and the administrative center of ancient Izumo. There is also a theory that the shrine may have originally stood elsewhere and was later moved to its present location. Regardless of its exact history, the site provides an exceptional glimpse into the political and religious heart of ancient Izumo.
The Main Sanctuary and Its Traditional Crest
The main sanctuary follows the traditional Taisha-zukuri architectural style associated with Izumo. It retains an ancient structural feature in which the large uzubashira pillars project forward and backward from the building. This distinctive architectural tradition is characteristic of the Izumo region and conveys the shrine’s long history and high status.
The shrine crest is known as double tortoiseshell with the character “Ari”. The character “Ari,” meaning “to exist” or “to be present,” is traditionally said to represent the presence of the gods. Another interpretation connects its design with the tenth month, traditionally known in Izumo as the month when the gods gather.
The same crest can also be seen at other ancient Izumo shrines, including Izumo Taisha, Kamosu Shrine, and Manai Shrine, reflecting a shared tradition among the region’s historic sacred sites.
Ancient Rituals and Important Cultural Properties
Rokusho Shrine preserves traditional rituals that have continued since the imperial court era. One of the most important is the Ota-sen Shinto Ritual, which was once considered significant enough to receive visits from imperial envoys.
Imperial envoys were sent to the shrine until 1350, and a painting depicting the procession and ceremony, known as the Illustrated Procession of an Imperial Envoy, is designated as an Important Tangible Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture.
Artifacts excavated from the Okadayama Kofun burial mounds are also designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. They provide valuable evidence of the ancient culture and craftsmanship that flourished in the Izumo region.
A Central Shrine on the Six Shrines of Ou Pilgrimage
Rokusho Shrine is one of the Six Shrines of Ou, and pilgrimage to these six sacred sites has been practiced since before the Edo period. The six shrines are Kumano Taisha Shrine, Manai Shrine, Iya Shrine, Rokusho Shrine, Yaegaki Shrine, and Kamosu Shrine.
Visitors can still follow this traditional pilgrimage route today, making Rokusho Shrine an important stop for those interested in exploring the ancient religious landscape of eastern Shimane.
Exploring the Shrine Grounds
The shrine grounds are centered around the main gate, worship hall, and main sanctuary, which are arranged within a peaceful sacred forest. Surrounded by greenery and the tranquil scenery of the Ou Plain, the shrine offers a quiet atmosphere for reflection.
Walking through the grounds while considering the ancient provincial government that once stood here provides a unique sense of history. The surrounding area is also home to several archaeological and historical sites, making Rokusho Shrine an excellent destination for travelers interested in ancient Japanese history and the origins of Izumo culture.
How to Get to Rokusho Shrine
From JR Matsue Station, take a bus for approximately 20 minutes and get off at the Fudoki-no-Oka Iriguchi bus stop. From there, the shrine is about a 15-minute walk.
The surrounding area includes historical parks and archaeological sites, so Rokusho Shrine can easily be combined with a walking tour exploring the remains of ancient Izumo.
A Historic Shrine at the Heart of Ancient Izumo
Rokusho Shrine is far more than a place of worship. Its location, history, architecture, rituals, and archaeological surroundings bring together the politics, religion, and culture of ancient Izumo in one remarkable place.
As the former Sōja of Izumo Province and one of the Six Shrines of Ou, it offers travelers an opportunity to experience a landscape where the religious traditions and administrative history of ancient Japan were closely intertwined. A visit here is a chance to slow down, explore the sacred grounds, and reflect on the long history of Izumo.