Izumo Taisha Honden
Izumo Taisha Honden: Sanctuary of the Gods
Izumo Taisha: Japan's Ancient Shrine of Gods and Relationships
Discover Japan's oldest and most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deity of marriage and good relationships, in the mythical land of Izumo.
Izumo Taisha, officially Izumo Ōyashiro, is one of Japan's oldest and most significant Shinto shrines, located in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. Dedicated to Ōkuninushi, the deity of marriage and relationships, it's a revered power spot where, according to legend, all Shinto deities gather in the tenth lunar month (usually November) for their annual meeting.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Izumo Taisha
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
195 Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Izumo, Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Shimane, 699-0701, JP
Monday
6 am-7 pm
Tuesday
6 am-7 pm
Wednesday
6 am-7 pm
Thursday
6 am-7 pm
Friday
6 am-7 pm
Saturday
6 am-7 pm
Sunday
6 am-7 pm
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Izumo Taisha
Getting There
Public Transport
From Izumoshi Station (JR Line), take the Ichibata Bus bound for Izumo Taisha. Get off at the Izumo Taisha-Seimon-mae bus stop, which is near the entrance to the main grounds. The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes and costs around ¥510. Alternatively, take the Ichibata Railway from Izumoshi Station to Izumo Taisha-mae Station. From there, it's a 5-minute walk to the shrine.
Walking
From Izumo Taisha-mae Station (Ichibata Railway), exit the station and walk north. Follow the main street lined with shops and restaurants leading towards the shrine. After a few minutes, you'll reach a large wooden torii gate marking the entrance to the shrine grounds. Continue through the gate and follow the path downhill to the main shrine area.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Izumoshi Station. The taxi ride to Izumo Taisha takes approximately 10 minutes and costs around ¥3,600 - ¥4,300. Ask the driver to take you to 'Izumo Taisha Seimon-mae' (出雲大社正門前), the main entrance of the shrine.
Local tips
✓
Remember to clap four times (2-4-1) when praying at the main hall, a custom unique to Izumo Taisha.
✓
Explore the approach to the shrine, lined with shops and restaurants offering local specialties like Izumo soba noodles.
✓
Visit the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, located near the shrine, to learn more about the region's history and mythology.
✓
Take the path to the main shrine, but avoid walking in the center lane, which is reserved for the deities.
✓
If visiting in November, experience the Kamiari Festival, when deities from across Japan gather at Izumo Taisha.
Discover more about Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha, also known as Izumo Grand Shrine, is shrouded in myth and history, with its origins possibly predating the 8th century. Dedicated to Okuninushi no Okami, the deity of relationships and marriage, it draws visitors seeking blessings for love and strong connections. According to Japanese mythology, Okuninushi helped create the land of Japan. In exchange for ceding the land to Amaterasu's grandson, Okuninushi was granted dominion over the realm of the gods.The shrine's main hall is built in the Taisha-zukuri style, an ancient architectural form. The current structure, dating back to 1744, stands 24 meters tall and is designated as a National Treasure. It's characterized by its impressive gable-entrance structure, thick thatched roofs, and massive wooden pillars. The main hall was believed to be much taller in the past, possibly reaching 48 meters. Surrounding the main hall are two sets of fences, marking inner sanctuaries.Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, admire the architecture, and experience the spiritual atmosphere. A unique aspect of Izumo Taisha is the custom of clapping four times during prayer, twice for oneself and twice for a desired partner. The shrine is also known for its large shimenawa, sacred straw ropes, with the one at Kaguraden Hall being one of the largest in Japan. Every year in the tenth month of the lunar calendar, the Kamiari Festival is held here, welcoming deities from all over Japan. During this time, the shrine comes alive with rituals and ceremonies.
A brief summary to Izumo Taisha
Use Izumo Taisha as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Chugoku
Discover Chugoku: Explore Japan's serene landscapes, rich history, and delectable cuisine in this captivating region of Honshu island.
Tell me more about Chugoku
