Launched on January 26, 2020, "Izumo Day" includes a special two-day event starting on either January 29, 30, or 31 of 2024 during "Izumo Week." This event, titled " Journey to Izumo, the Land of the Gods - Unraveling Japan's Spiritual Legends & Myth via “Izumo Day”, an All-Exclusive Trip" takes you straight into the lore to experience the legendary exodus of the gods.
Kannazuki is the legendary 10th lunar month in Japan when all the gods are said to take their exodus to Izumo. This trip brings travelers to the footsteps of the shrouded mystique in Izumo as they take up the journey of the gods.
The event starts at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, dedicated to "Okuninushi no Okami," the deity of nation-building who is said to have bestowed the wealth of wisdom needed to thrive each day, including anything from agriculture and fishing to industry and medicine.
At the main shrine of the great deity, participants can enter the normally inaccessible "Yatsuashi Gate" and step into the inner sanctum of worship. Here you’ll find the "Yakagura Prayer", an exclusive, sacred moment when priests reciting each participant's chosen wishes, and the shrine maidens bless the air with a dedicated dance.
Next, the event moves to the "Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo" for its first-ever night museum. The museum's large number of copper swords and excavated large pillars point to the sheer grandeur and power that lies in ancient Izumo, as per the "Kamiarizuki" tradition. This special time will be led by a private curator, ready to delve into the mysteries that unfold.
The main highlight on this trip is the private chamber performance, NAORAI Cultural Experience & Premium Izumo Night Kagura. According to the lore, the gods who made their way to Izumo during Kamiarizuki (the name for the 10th lunar month in Izumo) and were entertained with a banquet called “naorai”. This time, a meal prepared by local chefs, who once offered their cuisine to Izumo Taisha, will be served at an Izumo residence, a cultural property of Izumo city. The meal features local ingredients from Izumo and San'in region, accompanied by new and famous sake brands from Izumo, the birthplace of Japanese sake. The event culminates with a performance of "Daichi Kagura," a nationally designated important intangible folk cultural property, offering a chance to witness the awe and glory of Kagura dance and interact with the performers up close.
The second day launches with a deep dive into Mankusen Shrine, the site where the gods are set to depart.
Here at the spot said to be the last visit of the gods before setting out from Izumo you’ll receive a portion of sacred sake and prayer for travel mercies ahead of the riest's dance, concluding this special trip with a promise of reunion.
Cap off this remarkable trip while the priest regale unforgettable tales and send off the gods back to their lands across Japan.
Highlights
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An event exclusive held during the "Izumo Week" period on January 29, 30, and 31, 2024.
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Backstage, exclusive access at Izumo Taisha into the usually inaccessible Yatsuashi Gate for a unique "Yakagura Prayer."
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Participate in the first night museum at the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo.
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Impeccable dining and sake at an Izumo residence before watching "Daichi Kagura" dances during the "NAORAI Cultural Experience & Premium Izumo Night Kagura."
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Top off your trip with sacred sake and a priest's ceremonial dance at Mankusen Shrine, the departure point of the gods.
Event Schedule
*Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
