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.
A brief summary to Izumo Taisha
- 195 Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Izumo, Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Shimane, 699-0701, JP
- +81853-53-3100
- Visit website
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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Unmissable attractions to see
Izumo Taisha Honden
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Sogano Yashiro
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Kitajima Kokusokan Hall
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Nominosukune Shrine
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Shimane Prefecture Ancient Izumo History Museum
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Pond of Purity
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Izumo Taisha Grand Gate of Seidamari
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Screen rock
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Inasa Beach
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Former Taisha Station
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Hamayama Park
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Izumo Cultural Heritage Museum
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Cape Hino
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Essential places to dine
Kizuki
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Arakiya
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Kasaya
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Wasabi
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The Structure Hostel & Café Bar
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Taste-Brooklyn Dining
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Sanin seafood bar Maruzen Suisan Izumo store
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Tsubameya
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U.IZUMO
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Hisazu
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天ぷら海鮮 岩八 Iwahachi
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Esuko
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Menonomise Kawashima Izumotaishaten
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Shimane Winery
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2nd Street Izumo
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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West
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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