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Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine)
〒699-0701 島根県出雲市大社町杵築東１９５
Izumo Taisha is a shrine located in Kizuki-higashi, Oyamacho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. The enshrined deity is Okuninushi-no-Ookami. It is a Shikinaisha (Meishin Dai) shrine, the Ichinomiya (first shrine) of Izumo Province, and was formerly classified as a Kanpei Taisha (Grand Shrine under imperial patronage). It is listed as a special shrine by the Association of Shinto Shrines and serves as the head shrine of the Izumo Taisha-kyo religious organization. Under the modern shrine ranking system established during the Meiji Restoration, it was the only shrine permitted to bear the title 'Taisha' (Grand Shrine).
Enshrined deities
Okuninushi-no-Okami
History
Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Its origins are traced to the 'Kuni-yuzuri' (Ceding of the Land) myth recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, where the enshrined deity Okuninushi-no-Ookami ceded the land he ruled to Amaterasu-Omikami in exchange for a magnificent palace. Originally known as Kizuki-no-Ooyashiro, it was renamed Izumo Taisha during the Meiji period. The current main hall (honden) was built in 1744 CE (Encho 1) and preserves the 'Taisha-zukuri' architectural style, considered the oldest form of shrine architecture in Japan; it is designated as a National Treasure. According to tradition, deities from all over Japan gather at Izumo during the lunar tenth month, which is referred to in Izumo as 'Kamiarizuki' (Month of the Gods). A distinctive feature of worship here is the ritual of two bows, four claps, and one bow, differing from the standard two bows, two claps, and one bow.
Blessings
Okuninushi-no-Ookami is widely worshipped as a deity of matchmaking and good relationships. He is believed to facilitate not only romantic unions between men and women but also all forms of beneficial connections between people. The shrine is renowned for blessings related to marital harmony and family well-being, attracting many visitors from across the country.
What visitors say
The vast shrine grounds exude a sacred and solemn atmosphere, and the imposing presence of the massive shimenawa (sacred straw rope) is breathtaking. Since there is a unique method of worship, it is advisable to check the procedure beforehand for a smooth visit. After worship, visitors can enjoy local specialties such as Izumo soba noodles along the street in front of the shrine, and the surrounding area offers a pleasant environment.
Opening hours
- Monday: 6:30 – 19:00
- Tuesday: 6:30 – 19:00
- Wednesday: 6:30 – 19:00
- Thursday: 6:30 – 19:00
- Friday: 6:30 – 19:00
- Saturday: 6:30 – 19:00
- Sunday: 6:30 – 19:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
First shrine visit to the Great God of matchmaking. During the three New Year's days, visitors come from all over the country.
Enshrining Oogami-no-Ookami, the deity of matchmaking, it is widely revered across the country. During the three New Year's days, the area beneath the large shimenawa rope in the Kagura Hall is bustling with many worshippers.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Large shimenawa rope in the Kagura Hall
- ・First shrine visit for matchmaking
- ・The ritual of two bows, four claps, and one bow
- Around February 3Setsubun-sai (Bean-Throwing Rite)
A Shinto rite of Setsubun to sweep away evil and invite good fortune.
Held on the day before the beginning of spring, the bean-throwing rite is performed to remove the year's misfortunes and to pray for good health and safety for the household.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Throwing lucky beans
- ・Prayer for good health and safety
- May 14 (grand rites May 13-18)Reisai (Annual Grand Festival) (Izumo Taisha Dai-sairei)
The most important imperial festival at Izumo Taisha, attended by imperial envoys.
An imperial festival where sacred silk and cloth are offered on behalf of the Emperor. Centered on the annual grand festival on May 14, Shinto rites such as yabusame (horseback archery) and rice-planting dances are performed from May 13 to 18.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Imperial festival with imperial envoys
- ・Yabusame (horseback archery) rite
- ・Dedicatory offerings including rice-planting dances
- June 30Natsu-wake no Oharai (Summer Purification Rite)
A Shinto rite to purify the sins and impurities of the past six months and pray for health and safety.
A rite to cleanse the impurities accumulated in the first half of the year. Impurities are transferred to paper effigies (hitogata) and purified, praying for health and safety in the second half of the year.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Purification using paper effigies
- ・Prayers for health and safety
- Old calendar October (usually late November to early December)Kannazai-sai (Festival of the Presence of the Deities)
A Shinto rite for the 'Month of the Deities' when gods from all over Japan gather. It is said that matchmaking rites are performed.
In the tenth month of the old calendar, it is said that the eight million deities from all over Japan gather at Izumo Taisha, and this month is called 'Kannazuki' (Month of the Deities) in Izumo. Beginning with the welcoming rite at Inasa Beach, festivals such as the Grand Matchmaking Festival are held, where it is said the deities connect the fates of people.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Welcoming rite at Inasa Beach
- ・Grand Matchmaking Festival
- ・Kannazai-sai (Festival of the Departure of the Deities)
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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