Izumo Taisha, the heart of Japanese mythology in Shimane, truly leaves you speechless the moment you stand in front of the Kaguraden and see its unbelievably enormous shimenawa rope! Seeing one of Japan’s thickest and largest shimenawa ropes in person, with the immense weight of layer upon layer of tightly woven straw, is dozens of times more imposing than it looks in photos. The sheer power of it hanging beneath the majestic wooden eaves makes you keep staring upward in awe!
The worship hall is equally magnificent, with thick, dark natural-wood pillars, layers of rustic cypress-bark roofing, white lanterns bearing the shrine crest hanging on both sides, and a solemn shimenawa rope. Under the bright sun and clear sky, it gives off a powerful sense of sacredness and calm. When visiting, don’t forget to follow the local custom. What makes worship at Izumo Taisha especially unique is the ritual of “two bows, four claps, and one bow.” Along with the crisp, resounding claps, you can pray for all kinds of good connections at Japan’s most powerful sacred place for matchmaking—whether in relationships, your career, or finances. It feels like your positive energy is instantly maxed out!
The entire shrine grounds are also incredibly spacious and enjoyable to explore. Strolling along pebble-covered paths, with a cool stream bordered by old stone embankments beside you, sunlight filtering through the lush green maple leaves and casting dappled patterns, and a gentle breeze blowing by, the atmosphere is peaceful and unbelievably comfortable. Around the corners, you’ll also come across stone artworks in various forms, as well as super-cute little rabbit sculptures based on the myth of the “White Rabbit of Inaba.” The sight of them sitting obediently on stone pedestals with their paws together is unbearably adorable and makes you stop to snap a few extra photos!
From the visually stunning giant shimenawa rope at the Kaguraden and the wooden shrine buildings filled with history, to the forest scenery surrounded by greenery and the White Rabbits of Inaba looking cute everywhere, Izumo Taisha has both the sweeping solemnity of a top-tier shrine and a spiritual, soothing quality throughout that completely relaxes you. This fulfilling experience of wandering around at your own pace and personally connecting with the origins of Japanese mythology is definitely an unforgettable, top-tier mythological pilgrimage on any trip to the San’in region!
Izumo Taisha | Review by Jk
Other Reviews by Jk
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You’re instantly surrounded by the warm energy of an island vacation and lively musical rhythms! This straight avenue, about 1.6 kilometers long, rapidly rose from the ruins and flourished after the war, earning it the famous nickname “Miracle Mile.” Both sides of the street are lined with tall palm trees swaying in the breeze and packed with colorful souvenir shops, Ryukyu cuisine restaurants, izakayas, and small variety stores. Grinning shisa statues with wide-open mouths stand everywhere by the entrances, while shopkeepers enthusiastically call out to passersby. The air is filled with the sweet, oily aroma of freshly fried Okinawan sata andagi doughnuts and the savory smell of grilled Agu pork. From morning to night, the entire street is always crowded and bursting with energy!
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Nara Park
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I was completely charmed by the thousands of wild sika deer! Spanning more than 600 hectares, this vast green space completely overturns the usual idea of an urban park. The deer here are regarded as sacred messengers of the gods and have lived in harmony with the ancient shrines and temples for generations. As soon as you hold up some freshly bought deer crackers, deer from all around immediately trot over with their bright, expressive eyes. They even repeatedly bow as if politely asking for a snack, making the interaction incredibly fun!
The park perfectly brings together the World Heritage sites of Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine with the primeval forest. Walking beneath towering ancient trees, accompanied by the distant ringing of temple bells and the crisp sound of the deer’s footsteps, the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere unique to this ancient capital is completely soothing for the body, mind, and soul.
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