Izumo Taisha
出雲大社
One of Japan's oldest shrines, dedicated to Okuninushi, the god of nation-building and matchmaking. The giant shimenawa rope in the Kagura Hall is about 13.6 meters long.
Izumo Taisha enshrines Okuninushi, the god of nation-building and matchmaking, and is one of Japan's oldest shrines. The main sanctuary, rebuilt in 1744, is a National Treasure of Japan. It uses the ancient "Taisha-zukuri" style and stands about 24 meters tall. Legend says the ancient main hall reached 48 meters. The way to worship here differs from typical shrines: "two bows, four claps, and one bow." The giant shimenawa rope hanging in the Kagura Hall to the west is about 13.6 meters long and weighs about 5.2 tons, and it is a symbol of Izumo Taisha. Every October of the lunar calendar, the gods of the whole country gather in Izumo. This period is called "Kamiarizuki" (the month with gods), and a ritual to welcome the gods is held at Inasa Beach. Entry to the grounds is free, open roughly 6:00 to 20:00. Getting there: Get off at Izumotaisha-mae Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway and walk about 5 minutes, or take a bus from JR Izumoshi Station for about 25 minutes.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
- Shinmon-dori Street
- Inasa Beach
- Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse & Shrine
- Matsue Vogel Park
- Tamatsukuri Onsen
- Gessho-ji Temple
- Lake Shinji Sunset