Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha (出雲大社) is one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, deeply rooted in the nation’s creation mythology. The shrine is dedicated to Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, the deity of marriage, good fortune, and nation-building. A distinctive tradition at Izumo Taisha involves four claps during prayer—two for oneself and two for one’s current or future partner—a ritual symbolizing harmony in relationships. Every November, the shrine hosts the Kamiari Festival, when all the Shinto deities from across Japan are said to gather in Izumo for an annual divine assembly, making it the spiritual center of the country during that sacred month. One of the shrine’s most impressive features is its Main Hall (Honden), which stands 24 meters tall and is built in taisha-zukuri, Japan’s oldest style of shrine architecture.

Dating back to at least the early 8th century, Izumo Taisha has long served as a center of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection. The shrine preserves many ancient customs, including the practice of avoiding the center lane on the pine-lined approach path (Matsu no Sando), which is reserved for the gods. The Main Hall is traditionally renovated every 60 years and is surrounded by two concentric sacred fences, emphasizing its sanctity. Visitors can explore the shrine’s auxiliary buildings, sacred structures, and worship halls, all set within peaceful, wooded grounds. For a deeper understanding of the shrine’s mythological and historical significance, the nearby Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo offers a rich collection of exhibits and artifacts that illuminate the cultural heritage of the region.