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Izumo Taisha

島根県

4.6

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Kojiki's power spot mentioned in the book

When it comes to power spots in Shimane Prefecture, Izumo Taisha is often mentioned. The enshrined deity is Okuninushi no Okami, and it is said to have benefits for matchmaking. It is a historic shrine that is even recorded in the "Kojiki". Please come and feel the power that you can sense just by visiting!

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

Izumo Taisha, a Shrine Dedicated to the God of Matchmaking

Izumo Taisha is a shrine dedicated to "Ookuninushi-no-Mikoto," also known as the "god of matchmaking" and the deity of the "White Hare of Inaba" myth. The matchmaking here refers not only to romantic relationships but also to all kinds of connections surrounding human relationships. Visiting Izumo Taisha is possible from 6:00 to 19:00, but it can get crowded, so it's recommended to visit early in the morning or with plenty of time to spare.

Point 2

Japan's Largest Wooden Structure and a Great Shimenawa

The main shrine of Izumo Taisha stands at a height of approximately 24 meters, making it the tallest wooden structure among existing shrines and temples in Japan. The great shimenawa, which is often associated with Izumo Taisha, can be found not at the main shrine but at the Kagura-den. It measures about 13 meters in width and weighs 5.2 tons, and its size is truly overwhelming when seen up close. Although the great shimenawa is replaced every few years, it's understandable given that it takes over a year for more than 1,000 townspeople to create it.

Point 3

Gathering of Gods from All Over Japan at the Kamiari Festival

画像引用：出雲大社

The Kamiari Festival, held every year in the 10th month of the lunar calendar, is when gods from all over Japan gather in the country of Izumo. At the Upper Shrine located to the west of Izumo Taisha, a "Kamuhakari" is said to take place. Kamuhakari is a meeting where various matters of life that cannot be known to humans, as well as fate between men and women, are decided. Why not visit Izumo Taisha during this time when the eight million gods from all over Japan gather?

Point 4

Get a Stamp as Proof of Visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine

画像引用：出雲大社

Goshuin stamps are proof of visiting shrines and temples. At Izumo Taisha Shrine, you can get goshuin stamps at five locations. At the main hall and Kagura hall, the Hossho-ryou fee, which symbolizes "offering your feelings," is left up to the visitor to decide. You can also get goshuin stamps at the Izumo Kuni Shimbutsu Reijo pilgrimage, Kitajima Kuni-zu-tsu-kan, and Tenjin Shrine (Kitajima Kuni-zu-tsu-kan), so it's recommended to visit them all together!

Point 5

Izumo Sightseeing Taxi "Usagi-gou"

By using the Izumo Sightseeing Taxi "Usagi-gou," you can have a personal tour guide accompany you for each taxi, allowing you to learn more deeply about the history and highlights of the tourist spots. There are a total of 9 courses, so you can enjoy your own preferred plan, including not only Izumo Taisha Shrine, but also the places related to the Izumo Myth and Yamata no Orochi Legend, as well as the surrounding shrines where the gods stop by during the Kamiarizuki month. Highly recommended!

Access

Accessible in about an hour from Matsue City

Izumo Taisha Shrine is a shrine located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. It takes about an hour by car from Matsue City to reach Izumo Taisha Shrine. There are several free parking lots in the surrounding area, so you can visit with peace of mind even if you come by car. In addition, access by train is also possible, with a transfer between the Ichibata Electric Railway and the JR Sanin Main Line taking about an hour from Matsue City.

Required time

Enjoyable in a Stay of 1-2 Hours

The typical stay time at Izumo Taisha is about 1-2 hours, which includes exploring the shrine and its grounds, praying, receiving an ofuda, and more. Additionally, along Shinmon-dori, which connects the first and second torii gates, there are many shops selling local specialty Izumo soba and souvenirs. If you want to enjoy lunch or shopping, it's a good idea to allow extra time.

History

A Famous Shrine with a Long and Rich History!

Izumo Taisha is one of the famous shrines in Japan, known as the god of matchmaking and good fortune. It was once called "Kizuki Taisha," but its name was changed to its current name in 1871. The main shrine of Izumo Taisha is called "Taisha-zukuri" and is considered one of the two main sources of shrine architecture, along with Ise Jingu's "Shinmei-zukuri." The main shrine has a gabled roof with nine columns arranged in a T-shape, and a heart pillar with a diameter of over 1 meter stands in the center. In addition, there are Uzuryo, which extend to the ridge beam, in the center of the front and back. The enshrined deity is Okuninushi no Okami, who is revered as "Daikokusan" and is praised by many divine names for various divine virtues shown throughout Japan. Izumo Taisha is a shrine with various attractions such as historical background, myths, and architecture, and is one of the places where travelers can deeply understand Japan's history and culture.

Basic Information

	Address	195 Kitsukihigashi, Taishacho, Izumo, Shimane 699-0701
	Business Hours	6:00～19:00
	TEL	0853-53-3100
	Web Site	http://www.izumooyashiro.or.jp/

Average Review

4.6

5 Reviews

出雲大社の伝説にすごく興味をもっていて、いつか出雲大社に行ってみたいと思いまして、2023年9月下旬にやっとここに辿り着きました。敷地内がひろくて、ここに着いた時にもう4時ぐらいでしたので、あまり余裕を持ってゆっくり散歩したり、写真を撮ったりすることができなかったんで、お早めにきたらおすすめです。出雲大社の真正面の参道の両側がお店がありますが、基本午後2時以降にやってるお店がだんだん減っていて、午後4時からまさに砂漠のような感じでしたw 出雲大社の敷地内は結構散歩できますし、人気ですので、観光客も多いですが、行った時に人が多くなくて良かったと思います。東京に勤めてた会社では出雲大社からなんじゃらで供養していて、一般の神社とかとの参拝の仕方と違うという話を聞きましたので、今回本当に出雲大社にきて実感できました。すごく綺麗大社と思います。東京から遠いですが、チャンスがありましたら、また行きたいと思います。

昨年2023年の神在祭に参拝させて頂きました。近くの宿から徒歩で向かいました。念願の月明かりの中、早朝参拝をすることができました。薄暗い中、すでに多くの方々がおられました。祓社（はらえのやしろ）は数人待ち。参拝を終えたころに朝日が昇りはじめ、その頃、祓社には列が伸びていました。一旦、宿に戻って朝食を頂いてから、ふたたび神在祭に。清々しい空気、何とも言えない凛としたエネルギーを感じました。参拝できてよかったです。ありがとうございました。

3連休直前にふと出雲大社に参拝したくなったものの、飛行機は予約が取れなかったため、新幹線＆特急やくも乗り継ぎ約7時間かけて参拝！特急やくもは酔うとの口コミが多かったので、アネロン（酔い止め）飲んで準備万端で乗車したら、新型になって揺れなくなったのか、アネロンのおかげか、全く気分悪くならず到着できて一安心。私は御朱印を頂く時間などが迫っていたため、ひとりバタバタとしていましたが、平日だったこともあり、人も多くなく、境内はゆったりとした時間が流れてました。見たかったしめ縄は、やはりとても迫力がありました！あちこちにいるウサギの石像も可愛かったです(^^)

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