Izumo and Matsue Matchmaking Pilgrimage

Izumo is the stage of mythology depicted in the "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki." It is the land where Okuninushi no Mikoto established the nation and ceded it to the Amatsukami (heavenly deities). Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine), which enshrines Okuninushi no Mikoto, has gathered fervent devotion since ancient times as the "God of Matchmaking.

It is said that in the tenth month of the lunar calendar, the eight million deities from across the country gather in Izumo; in Izumo, this month is called "Kamiarizuki" (the month of the gods), whereas other regions call it Kannazuki. It is said that the deities hold a meeting called "Kamuhakari" (divine deliberation) to forge connections between people, which is why Izumo is called the "Sacred Land of Matchmaking."

At Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine), you will be overwhelmed by the massive O-shimenawa (sacred rice-straw rope) hanging in the Kaguraden (sacred dance hall), which is approximately 13 meters long and weighs over 5 tons. The worship etiquette is also unique to Izumo, consisting of "two bows, four claps, and one bow," rather than the standard "two bows, two claps, and one bow."

At Yaegaki Shrine in Matsue, the "En-uranai" (matchmaking fortune-telling) is popular, where you float a fortune-telling slip on the "Kagami no Ike" (Mirror Pond) at the back of the shrine and place a coin on it; the time it takes to sink and the way it sinks indicates the "speed and distance" of your destiny. You can enjoy a journey tracing mythology and matchmaking, including the vibrant vermilion buildings of Hiomisaki Shrine facing the Sea of Japan and Miho Jinja (Miho Shrine), the head shrine of Ebisu-sama. Since the sites are widely dispersed, it is recommended to spend a full day touring by car.