The Origins and Myths of Susa Shrine
A Sacred Place Connected with Susanoo
The origins of Susa Shrine are said to date back to ancient times. According to the Izumo Fudoki, Susanoo traveled through various parts of the region, developing and cultivating the land before eventually arriving in this area.
According to tradition, Susanoo said that although the land was small, it was a very good place. Rather than giving his name to a rock or tree, he chose to give it to the land itself, naming the area Susa. He then enshrined his own spirit here, giving rise to the tradition behind Susa Shrine.
Because of this tradition, Susa Shrine is regarded as a place deeply connected with Susanoo and is sometimes described as the place where he spent the final part of his earthly journey. Among shrines dedicated to Susanoo throughout Japan, Susa Shrine is considered to have a particularly strong connection with the deity.
The Connection with the Legend of Yamata-no-Orochi
Susanoo is famous in Japanese mythology as the hero who defeated Yamata-no-Orochi, the legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed serpent. After defeating the monster, he is said to have discovered the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi inside its tail and presented it to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess.
After defeating Yamata-no-Orochi, Susanoo is traditionally said to have married Kushinada-hime and continued his work of developing the land in Izumo. Susa Shrine enshrines not only Susanoo but also Inada-hime, identified with his wife Kushinada-hime, as well as her parents, Ashina-zuchi and Te-na-zuchi.
The presence of these figures from Japanese mythology gives the shrine a particularly strong connection to the legendary world of ancient Izumo.
A Shrine with a Long and Distinguished History
Susa Shrine has held an important position in the religious history of the region for centuries. Its name appears in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a Heian-period register of important Shinto shrines, where it is listed as a Shikinaisha, or shrine recognized under the ancient national shrine system.
During the medieval period, the shrine was known by names such as Jusansho Daimyojin and Susa Daigu. It received the patronage and devotion of the imperial court, military leaders, and regional rulers, and its buildings were repeatedly constructed and restored over the centuries.
During the Meiji period, the shrine was classified within the modern state Shinto system, eventually being designated a Kokuhei Shosha, or Nationally Enshrined Minor Shrine. It continues to attract worshippers as one of the historically important shrines of the Izumo region.
Highlights of Susa Shrine
The Main Hall – Traditional Taisha-zukuri Architecture
The main hall of Susa Shrine was built in 1861, during the first year of the Bunkyu era, and is designated as a cultural property by Shimane Prefecture. It was constructed in the Taisha-zukuri style, the traditional architectural style also associated with Izumo Taisha and one of Japan’s oldest styles of shrine architecture.
The main hall measures approximately four meters on each side and stands about 12 meters high. Its roof has a gabled design, with the entrance positioned on the gable end. A central pillar stands inside the structure, with the sacred space for the deity located behind it.
Surrounded by a dense forest, the dignified building creates an atmosphere that evokes the long religious history of the site.
The Sacred Great Cedar – A Tree Said to Be 1,300 Years Old
One of the most impressive sights within the shrine grounds is the enormous sacred cedar standing behind the main hall. Known as the Great Cedar, the tree is estimated to be approximately 1,300 years old.
Its trunk measures around 7 meters in circumference, while the tree rises approximately 30 meters into the sky. Having stood here for countless generations, the giant cedar has an overwhelming presence and appears almost as though it is protecting the shrine.
The tree is also regarded as one of the notable spiritual sites in the Izumo region, and many visitors stop here to admire its extraordinary size and age.
Shio-no-I – A Sacred Spring Surrounded by Legend
Another intriguing spot within the grounds is Shio-no-I, a mysterious spring associated with Susanoo. According to local tradition, Susanoo drew seawater from this spring and used it to purify the land.
The spring is traditionally said to be connected underground with the Sea of Japan. It is also said that salt crystals may appear around the spring at high tide.
The combination of mythology and unusual natural phenomena gives Shio-no-I a mysterious atmosphere and makes it one of the shrine’s most interesting features.
Deities Enshrined Around the Shrine
The grounds of Susa Shrine contain several auxiliary shrines dedicated to deities from Japanese mythology. Visiting these smaller shrines offers another way to experience the rich mythological traditions of Izumo.
Amaterasu Shrine
Located across the road from the main shrine grounds, Amaterasu Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology. It is also known as Kamisha or Ue-no-Gozen-san, meaning the Upper Shrine.
Miho Shrine
Miho Shrine enshrines Mihotsu-hime-no-Mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto. It is also known as the Lower Shrine.
Inari Shrine
Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inakura-tama-no-Mikoto, a deity associated with abundant harvests and prosperous business. It reflects the continuing connection between Shinto traditions and everyday hopes for prosperity.
Festivals and Traditional Culture
Kiriake Shinto Ritual – A Traditional Nenbutsu Dance
One of the best-known traditional events at Susa Shrine is the Kiriake Shinto Ritual, held every year on August 15. Also known as Nenbutsu Odori, or Buddhist prayer dance, it has been designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture.
During the ritual, colorful decorations known as Shinji-bana are erected within the shrine grounds. Dancers move around them in a circle while chanting “Namu Amida Butsu” to the sound of flutes.
The ritual includes prayers for abundant harvests and the prosperity of the local community. It is thought to have been influenced by medieval dengaku performing arts and Nenbutsu dances, preserving traces of the historical blending of Buddhist and Shinto traditions.
For visitors interested in Japan’s traditional performing arts, the event provides a rare glimpse into a local folk tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The Seven Mysteries of Susa
The area surrounding Susa Shrine is also associated with a collection of legends known as the Seven Mysteries of Susa. Along with Shio-no-I, places such as Kagenashi-zakura, Hoshinameri, and Ame-tsubo are connected with unusual natural phenomena and local traditions.
Exploring these stories adds another layer to a visit, revealing how the landscape, local beliefs, and mythology of Susa have been closely connected for centuries.
A Mystical Shrine Where Nature and Mythology Meet
Susa Shrine stands quietly amid the mountains of Izumo, surrounded by forests and a landscape that has preserved its connection with ancient traditions. Historic buildings, enormous trees, sacred springs, and traditional rituals all contribute to the shrine’s distinctive atmosphere.
As a shrine dedicated to the spirit of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the legendary hero of Japanese mythology, Susa Shrine offers a fascinating opportunity to explore the myths and religious traditions that have shaped the cultural identity of Izumo.
When traveling through Izumo, consider making time to visit this peaceful and historic shrine. Walking through the grounds beneath the ancient trees and learning about the legends associated with Susanoo offers a memorable way to experience the spiritual and mythological heritage of the region.