Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha is located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture and is one of Japan's oldest shrines, and as the "god of matchmaking," visitors come from all over the country to worship at this grand shrine. Its official name is read as "Izumo Ōyashiro," and the enshrined deity is Ōkuninushi no Ōkami. According to the myth of "Kuniyuzuri" (Transfer of the Land) recorded in the Kojiki, it is said to have originated as a grand palace built as compensation when Ōkuninushi no Ōkami ceded the land to Amaterasu Ōmikami.

The main hall of Izumo Taisha is built in a style called "Taisha-zukuri," the oldest shrine architecture in Japan, and is designated as a National Treasure. The current main hall, standing at approximately 24 meters tall, still possesses great majesty, but it is said that even larger shrine buildings existed in ancient times. Massive pillar foundations discovered within the grounds in 2000 suggest that the ancient main hall may have reached approximately 48 meters in height, and a "restoration model of ancient Izumo Taisha" can be viewed at the adjacent Ancient Izumo History Museum.

The worship ritual differs from typical shrines, performed as "two bows, four claps, one bow." Clapping four times is unique to Izumo Taisha and is said to show respect to the deities of the four cardinal directions. The giant sacred rope hung in the Kagura Hall measures approximately 13 meters in length and weighs about 5.2 tons, making it among Japan's largest, and its impressive presence overwhelms visitors.

The blessing of "matchmaking" is said to connect not only romantic relationships between men and women, but all good connections—between people, between people and work, between people and places. In the old lunar calendar's tenth month (around November in the modern calendar), it is said that eight million deities from across the country gather in Izumo to hold "Kamihakari" (divine assembly). While this month is called "Kannaduki" (Month of No Gods) nationwide, in Izumo it is called "Kamiarizuki" (Month of Gods Present). The Kamiai Festival during Kamiarizuki is Izumo Taisha's greatest festival, and it is believed that worshipping during this period, when the deities hold their matchmaking conference, brings special blessings.

The shrine grounds feature a beautiful pine-lined approach, where the approximately 700-meter path from the main gate to the main hall passes under four torii gates. Ancient pine trees, several hundred years old, line the approach, creating a solemn atmosphere. Beyond the approach lies the purification basin, worship hall, the eight-legged gate, and the main hall. Soga Shrine, located behind the main hall and dedicated to Susanoo no Mikoto, has recently gained attention as a power spot. It is also said that touching the Iwakura (sacred rock) behind Soga Shrine grants you spiritual power.

The "Shinmon Street" in the shrine town was greatly renovated following the 2013 grand relocation ceremony and is now an attractive street lined with stylish cafes, gift shops, and renowned Izumo soba restaurants. Izumo soba's signature dish is "warikosoba" (divided soba), served in three-tiered round boxes with condiments and dipping sauce. "Arakiya" and "Yakumo" are renowned establishments beloved by locals. Zenzai (sweet red bean soup) is said to have originated in Izumo, with a theory that it derived from "Jinzaimochi" (Kami-present mochi). Enjoying Izumo zenzai at confectioneries near the shrine entrance is one of the pleasures after worship.

There are many attractions around Izumo Taisha, and the adjacent Shimane Prefectural Ancient Izumo History Museum showcases valuable artifacts including 358 National Treasure bronze swords, as well as a restoration model of ancient Izumo Taisha. The Hinomisaki Lighthouse, about a 20-minute drive from Izumo Taisha, is Japan's tallest stone lighthouse and offers spectacular views of the Japan Sea. Inasa Beach is a sacred shore where deities are said to land during Kamiarizuki, and the combination of Benten Island and sunset represents one of Izumo's most iconic scenic views.

Access: Approximately 7-minute walk from Izumo Taisha Mae Station (Ichibata Railway) or about 25 minutes by bus from JR Izumo City Station. Admission is free; the treasure hall costs 300 yen for adults. Why not visit this place where the god of matchmaking resides and pray for good connections in your life?