Izumo Taisha stands in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, as one of the country’s most famous Shinto shrines.
People call it the “Shrine of Marriage” because it honors Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, the deity of love and relationships.
Visitors come to Izumo Taisha to experience its rich cultural history and receive spiritual blessings.
History of Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha is considered one of Japan’s oldest shrines, with a history that dates back over 1,000 years. It is mentioned in Japan’s oldest texts, including the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, as a place where the gods gather annually during the Kamiarizuki (Month of the Gods) in October.
The main hall, or honden, is a national treasure and an example of ancient shrine architecture. It was rebuilt in 1744 and stands at an impressive 24 meters tall, making it one of the tallest wooden structures of its kind in Japan.
Features of Izumo Taisha
1. The Grand Torii Gate
Visitors see a massive torii gate at the entrance, which symbolizes the gateway to the sacred grounds.
People believe that walking through this gate purifies the body and mind before entering the shrine.
Izumo Taisha features four torii gates in total, each crafted from a different material: reinforced concrete, wood, iron, and copper. These gates are not only functional but also showcase the unique craftsmanship and design of the shrine.
2. The Sacred Shimenawa Rope
The shrine features an enormous shimenawa rope, which is not only impressive in size but also believed to ward off evil spirits.
In fact, it is one of the largest in Japan, weighing over 4 tons.
Additionally, many visitors toss coins into the rope for good luck and make their wishes, hoping for blessings.
3. Okuninushi-no-Mikoto Statue
A large statue of Okuninushi-no-Mikoto stands in the shrine grounds.
He is known as “the god who helped build and shape the land of Japan.”
Visiting Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the best weather, with cherry blossoms in April and vibrant foliage in November.
- How to Pray: Bow twice, clap four times (instead of the usual two), and bow once more. The four claps represent prayers for yourself and your loved one.
- Nearby Souvenirs: Try buying a small ema (wooden prayer plaque) to leave your wishes or a lucky charm for relationships.
How to Get to Izumo Taisha
From Izumo Station
Take the Ichibata Electric Railway to Izumo Taisha-mae Station. From there, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the shrine.
Admission and Hours
- Admission: Free (donations are welcome).
- Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
FAQ
Izumo Taisha is known as the “Shrine of Marriage” because it is dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, the deity of love and relationships. It is also one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines.
When praying at Izumo Taisha, bow twice, clap four times (instead of the usual two), and bow once again. The four claps represent prayers for yourself and your partner or loved ones.
No, admission to Izumo Taisha is free. However, donations are welcome, and there are paid options for purchasing charms or ema (prayer plaques).
| Name | Izumo Taisha |
|---|---|
| Address | 195 Kizuki-higashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane, Japan |
| Access |
|
| Hours | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Admission | Free (donations welcome) |
| Social Media | |
| URL | Izumo Taisha Official Website |
| Map | Google Maps |
