Izumo Taisha – The place where Shinto deities gather

Izumo Taisha Shrine (出雲大社) is located in the city of Izumo in Shimane Prefecture , an hour west of Matsue by train and is one of the most important shrines in Japan. There are no records of exactly when Izumo Taisha Shrine was built, although it is often considered the oldest shrine in Japan as revealed by Japan’s oldest chronicles circa early 700 AD

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Izumo used to be ruled by a powerful clan in prehistoric times, and the region plays a central role in Japan’s creation mythology. The main deity or kami enshrined in Izumo Taisha is Okuninushi no Okami . According to creation myths, Okuninushi (大国主) was the creator of the land of Japan and the ruler of Izumo . He was also known as the deity of good relationships and marriage. For this reason, those who visit the shrine clap their hands four times instead of the usual two times during their prayers: twice for themselves and twice for their current or future partners.

Every year on the tenth day of the tenth lunar month (usually in November), the eight million Shinto deities from all over the country come to Izumo Taisha for a meeting. This is why the tenth lunar month is known as Kamiarizuki神在月 (“month when the deities are here”) in Izumo, and Kannazuki神無月 (“month without deities”) throughout Japan. According to tradition, the Kamiari Festival is held at the shrine during this period.

Once inside the Izumo Taisha Shrine grounds, it is possible to walk around the outer fence and see more shrines around it. Between them are two long wooden structures on either side of the main shrine, called the Jukusha , which serve as a welcoming place for the eight million deities when they arrive at the shrine for their annual gathering.

Surely you are wondering why the eight million deities gather once a month in this sanctuary. A shrine consecrated to a deity of love, good relationships, and marriage, the deities gather for a week (some say a month) to decide on the ties that bind people: which chance encounters will lead to friendships. for a lifetime, which soul mates will meet and unite, and which loved ones will lose.

If you haven’t visited this shrine yet, you can add it to your list of places to visit when you come to Japan! A highly recommended place with a lot of history!

If you have already visited this sanctuary, tell us in the comments how your experience was!