Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

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Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

A shrine known for granting luck and love that’s also said to draw all the gods from across Japan.

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Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is one of the most revered, ancient shrines in Japan, along with Ise Jingu Shrine. Its records go as far back as writings from the Kojiki, Japan’ oldest historical account compiled in 712. The deity enshrined here is Okuninushi no Okami, who is known as the deity of love and marriage.

The front of the kagura-den hall boasts the famous “oshimenawa” rope. Measured at 13-meters long and a weight of 5.2 tons, it’s one of Japan’s largest sacred cords. The main hall was reconstructed in 1744 using ancient shrine architectural styles that earned a status of “National Treasure”. On the grounds you’ll also find 4 torii gates, a sando promenade lined with 400+ year-old pines, and the largest national flag in Japan.

According to tradition, October is called “Kannazuki” or (lit. “the month of no gods”), because all of the gods are said to leave their shrines and gather at Izumo Taisha. For the locals of Izumo, October is known as “Kamiarizuki” (month of gods) because they are said to draw near here. There are many worshippers who visit the shrine in October because its believed you can pray to any of the gods across Japan at one place.
About 1 kilometer west of Izumo Taisha shrine is Inasa Beach, which is said to be the waiting place for the gods during this sacred season.

Izumo Taisha shrine is deeply related to the Japanese myth The White Rabbit of Inaba, which is why you can find many cute, stone statues of rabbits dotted across the shrine grounds.

Highlights

  • The official name of the shrine is “Izumo Oyashiro”, but most people read it as “Izumo Taisha”.
  • The god Okuninushi no Okami, the god of love and marriage is enshrined here. Many people come here to pray for good fortunes outside of love as well.
  • This shrine is especially busy in October as it its believed to be the month when all gods across Japan gather here.
  • The oshimenawa rope at the Kagura-den is one of the biggest in all Japan.
  • Unlike other shrines, the etiquette when visiting here is to bow twice, clip 4 times, then bow once.

Photos

  • The “haiden” worship hall.

    The “haiden” worship hall.

  • The “Kagura-den”, hall of sacred dance and music.

    The “Kagura-den”, hall of sacred dance and music.

  • The “honden” main hall.

    The “honden” main hall.

  • The second torii gate.

    The second torii gate.

  • The main “sando” promenade.

    The main “sando” promenade.

  • Inasa Beach

    Inasa Beach

  • Stone statues of rabbits dotted across the shrine grounds

    Stone statues of rabbits dotted across the shrine grounds

  • Stone statues of rabbits dotted across the shrine grounds

    Stone statues of rabbits dotted across the shrine grounds

  • oshimenawa rope

    oshimenawa rope

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have foreign language support? (If it is available, what language is available?)

A

English pamphlets are available.
There’s a building onsite with an information board that provides QR code access to English, Korean and Chinese support.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?

A

Not available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Reviews

20
  • 許思思

    許多人來到出雲大社是為了祈求良緣和幸福,為自己和家人朋友祈求幸福和平安。

  • Lin Lui

    走進這座神社,仿佛能感受到神聖的力量,讓人心靈深處得到了慰藉和寧靜。

  • 陳子安

    佔地廣大,參拜的人很多,有販賣很多的護身符,兔子是吉祥物相當可愛。

  • Juan 結

    最有名的就是神樂殿屋簷下掛著巨大的注連草繩結,看到得人都不禁發出讚嘆的聲音。

  • 許家祥

    日本神話故事眾神聚集地,也是求姻緣有名的神社,境內還有很多兔子雕像,神聖嚴肅中又多了一份可愛。

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Details

Name in Japanese
出雲大社
Postal Code
699-0701
Address
195 Taishachokizukihigashi, Izumo City, Shimane
Tel
0853-53-3100
Hours
6:00am-8:00pm
Regular Holidays
None
Admission
Free
Access
7 min. walk from Izumotaisha-mae station on the Ichibata Electric Railway
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)