Izumo Taisha
出雲大社 · Izumo, Shimane
The shrine of Ōkuninushi, god of good relationships: a giant shimenawa rope and the myth of 'handing over the land'.
Know before you go
- Don't touch or tug the shimenawa
- the centre of the approach is for the gods, so walk to the side
- keep quiet around the main hall
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
Legend
The White Hare of Inaba
The Kojiki records that Ōkuninushi (then called Ōnamuji) and his eighty elder brothers set off to Inaba to court Princess Yakami. On the way they met a white hare that had been skinned: it had tricked crocodile-sharks into lining up as a bridge across the sea and was flayed when found out. The brothers played a cruel trick on it, telling it to bathe in seawater and dry itself in the wind; only Ōkuninushi told it to wash in the fresh water of the river mouth and roll in cattail pollen. Healed, the hare prophesied that Princess Yakami would choose Ōkuninushi.
Source: Wikipedia: Hare of Inaba
Legend
The myth of 'handing over the land'
According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, when Ninigi, grandson of Amaterasu, descended from heaven, Ōkuninushi handed over to him the land he had created. Amaterasu was so pleased that she granted Izumo Taisha to Ōkuninushi. The present main hall was rebuilt in 1744 and is 24 m tall.
Source: Wikipedia: Izumo Taisha
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Izumo Taisha enshrines Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, the god of matchmaking in Japanese mythology, also regarded as the god who created the land. According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Ōkuninushi handed the land over to Ninigi, grandson of Amaterasu, and in return Amaterasu granted him Izumo Taisha. The present main hall was rebuilt in 1744 and is 24 m tall.
Local customs
- At Izumo Taisha you pray with 'two bows, four claps, one bow' — two more claps than at most shrines
- the huge shimenawa rope in front of the Kagura-den is its emblem
Religion & beliefs
A Shinto shrine famous for matchmaking and good relationships.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Don't touch or tug the shimenawa
- the centre of the approach is for the gods, so walk to the side
- keep quiet around the main hall
Locals appreciate DO
Locals appreciate visitors who pray the Izumo way and go on to see the sea at Inasa Beach.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Time needed | 2 hours |
|---|
Travel tips
- From Izumo-shi Station take the Ichibata railway or a bus
- combine with Inasa Beach and Hinomisaki on the same day
- Izumo soba nearby is the local speciality
Photos
Photos
Kanesue · CC BY 4.0
Miya.m · CC BY-SA 3.0
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