Exploring Izumo Taisha: Japan’s Sacred Shrine

What’s the Izumo Taisha?

Izumo Taisha, located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, steeped in history, myth, and spirituality.

This ancient sanctuary is believed to be the meeting place of the Shinto gods during the Kamiarizuki, the month of the gods (October).

For more information on Izumo Taisha, click here to visit the official website.

Inasa-no-hama(Inasa Beach)

Located on the coast to the west of Izumo Taisha, Inasa Beach is a spiritual spot with a mythical connection.

There is a small island known as Benten-jima, and a small shrine sits upon this rock. It is also the beach of the kamimukae-shinji ceremony held to welcome gods from throughout Japan.

The iconic shimenawa

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god Okuninushi-no-Okami, embodies one of Japan’s oldest and most revered shrines.

Its main hall, built in the ancient “taisha-zukuri” style, stands as a National Treasure. Annually, during the 10th month of the Lunar calendar, deities from across Japan convene at Izumo Taisha for their annual gathering, a month recognized uniquely in Izumo as “The Month With Gods.” Notably, the sacred straw rope, or “shimenawa,” adorning Kagura-den Hall, is among Japan’s largest, boasting an impressive weight of 5 tons, length of 13 meters.

Torii Gate

On the path leading to the main hall, there are four torii gates, each made of different materials such as stone, steel, iron, and copper.( I missed the first one.)

Torii gates and shimenawa mark the entrance to the sacred precincts, signifying the boundary between the mundane world where humans reside and the divine realm.

Passing through each of the four torii gates brings one closer to the gods, so it is customary to bow before proceeding through. The central path is considered the gods’ pathway, thus it is proper etiquette to enter from either the left or right side.

Worship at Izumo Taisha

We have to wash our hands to purify ourselves before making a prayer at the shrine.

1. Take a ladle with your right hand and wash your left hand.
2. Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.
3. Switch the ladle to your right hand again, and pour water into your left palm.
4. Rinse your mouth with the water.
5. Hold the ladle vertically to wash it and put it back.

Put some coins into the offering box in front of the shrine and Ring the bell. At Izumo Taisha, the manner of paying respects differs from typical shrines with the practice of “ni-rei, shi-hakushu, ichi-rei.”

1. Bow twice
2. Clap four times and pray
3. Bow once more. (This applies to all shrines within the precinct.)

Find Rabbit Statues

In the precincts, there are many cute rabbit statues inspired by the legend of the white rabbit.

The white rabbit is a popular figure as a symbol of matchmaking, having mediated between Oonamuchi-no-Mikoto and Yakami-hime.

Power of the sand at  Sogano Shrine

If you walk counterclockwise from the main hall, you’ll find the Sogano Shrine, dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, famous for defeating the Yamata-no-Orochi. It’s a secretive spot known for its blessings. Behind the shrine, rocks of Mount” Yakumoyama “overlook Izumo Taisha, accessible only here.

Beneath the shrine’s floor lies a wooden box containing sand brought from Inasa Beach. The sand, purified at the Sogano Shrine, is said to have the power to purify the land when scattered. Firstly, gather sand from Inasa Beach , offer it here, and receive an equal amount of purified sand in return.

Local food

Next, I will explain the food culture of Izumo. Please try it at least once.

Izumo Soba

Izumo Soba, representing the flavors of the region, uses soba flour known as “Bikigurumi,” where not just the grain but also the sweet outer husk is ground together, resulting in a dark color and strong aroma and flavor.

Cold “Warigo soba” and hot “Kamaage soba” are both served uniquely in Izumo, where the sauce is directly poured over the soba. Each establishment has its own blend of soba flour and unique sauce, making it a delight to explore different flavors as you dine around.

Nodoguro Bowl

I also recommend the seafood bowl, especially the Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) bowl, made with fresh rice and fresh fish.

Izumo Taisha Mae Station

You can take the train from here to Izumo city station.The station building, designed in a modern Western style, was constructed in 1930.

I hope this article helps you enjoy your trip to Japan!