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Izumo-Taisha Shrine

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Izumo-Taisha Shrine (Japan)

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Izumo-taisha in Shimane Prefecture is regarded as one of Japan's oldest and holiest Shinto shrines. It is dedicated to the deity Okuninushi no Mikoto, the creator of the land and the god of human relationships and marriage. The architecture of the main hall (Honden) represents the Taisha-zukuri style, the most ancient form of shrine construction, and is designated a National Treasure of Japan. According to legend, in the tenth month of the lunar calendar (Kannazuki), all the gods of Japan gather at Izumo, which is why the month is called 'Kamiarizuki' (month of the present gods) there. A striking feature of the shrine is the massive shimenawa, a sacred straw rope, at the Kaguraden hall, which is among the largest in the country. The shrine undergoes a ritual renovation every 60 to 70 years called 'Sengu' to maintain the purity of the site. Its simple yet powerful aesthetic in harmony with the surrounding nature makes it a center of Japanese spirituality.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C8810141721252724201510
Rain mm112104117127136208240156213134110138

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Izumo-Taisha Shrine is open to visitors throughout the year. You can explore the expansive grounds and approach the main hall, though entry into the innermost sanctuary is usually restricted.
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Typical hours
The shrine typically opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. Exact hours vary by season, so it is advisable to check current notices on site.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the grounds but usually prohibited inside the main hall. Follow posted signs and avoid flash to respect the sacred atmosphere.
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Time needed
Allow at least one and a half hours to explore the shrine and its surrounding forest. For a deeper visit including the museum and gardens, plan for half a day.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo and Inasa Beach. The nearby Izumo Taisha Station area has traditional shops and restaurants.
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Getting there
Access the shrine by train from Matsue or by bus from Izumo-shi Station. From Izumo Taisha Station it is about a 20-minute walk or you can take a local bus.
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Insider tip
Visit the shrine early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Be sure to try the local soba noodles at a nearby restaurant.

Geography

Coordinates
35.40200, 132.68400

Facts

  • The main hall stands approximately 24 meters high.
  • The shimenawa at the Kaguraden weighs around 5.2 tons.
  • The current main hall was constructed in 1744.
  • The shrine is mentioned in the 'Kojiki' (712 AD).
  • The grounds feature a statue depicting the myth of Okuninushi.
  • The last major renovation (Heisei Sengu) was completed in 2013.

Explore nearby

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MatsueMatsue41 km · NExplore →
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SakaiminatoSakaiminato62 km · NExplore →
YonagoYonago72 km · NExplore →
HiroshimaHiroshima81 km · EExplore →
TakeharaTakehara84 km · EExplore →

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Sights in the town Izumo-Taisha Shrine (8)

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse📍 landmark

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse is a towering maritime beacon guiding ships along the rocky coast.

Hinomisaki Shrine⛪ religious

Hinomisaki Shrine is a prominent place of worship known for its striking vermilion-lacquered architecture near the sea.

Inasa Beach🎡 recreation

Inasa Beach is a scenic sandy shore famous for the small rock shrine sitting just off the coast.

Former Taisha Station📍 landmark

The Former Taisha Station is a historic railway building preserved for its elegant traditional Japanese wooden architecture.

Izumo Grand Shrine⛪ religious

Izumo Grand Shrine, dating back to 659, is one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-19:00🆓

Treasure Hall🏛 museum

The Treasure Hall serves as a dedicated museum preserving and exhibiting sacred artifacts from the shrine.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:30-16:30💶

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo🏛 museum

Opened on March 10, 2007, the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo showcases extensive archaeological finds from the region's early history.

🕒 Tu[1],Tu[3] off; Mar-Oct Mo-Su 09:00-18:00; Nov-Feb Mo-Su 09💶

Okigozen Shrine📍 landmark

Okigozen Shrine is a traditional Shinto site where local deities are venerated.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is this shrine considered one of the most important?
It is considered Japan's oldest shrine and the gathering place for all gods.
When do the gods gather there?
In the tenth month of the lunar calendar (usually November), called Kamiarizuki.
What is special about the clapping during prayer?
In Izumo, you clap four times instead of the usual two.
How large is the sacred rope (Shimenawa)?
In the Kagura-den hall, it is 13.5 meters long and weighs about 5 tons.
Where is Izumo-Taisha located?
In Shimane Prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan.
Izumo-Taisha Shrine: where is it located?
Izumo-Taisha Shrine is located in Japan.
Izumo-Taisha Shrine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, Hinomisaki Shrine, Inasa Beach.
Izumo-Taisha Shrine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Izumo-Taisha Shrine: why is it worth visiting?
Izumo-taisha in Shimane Prefecture is regarded as one of Japan's oldest and holiest Shinto shrines.
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History & landmarks

Izumo — Izumo-Taisha Shrine (Japan)
Izumo
Izumo is famous for the Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines.
Matsue — Izumo-Taisha Shrine (Japan)
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Matsue, known as the "City of Water," impresses with its original castle and picturesque canals along Lake Shinji.

More places

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine — Izumo-Taisha Shrine (Japan)
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A large silver mine that operated from the 16th to the 20th century.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine — Izumo-Taisha Shrine (Japan)
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
A UNESCO World Heritage site that was one of the world's most important silver mines from the 16th to the 20th century, accounting for a …
Adachi Museum of Art and Garden — Izumo-Taisha Shrine (Japan)
Adachi Museum of Art and Garden
Although modern, the museum's garden is famous for being voted the best Japanese garden in the country for over a decade.