Izumo Taisha is one of Japan’s most well-known and important shrines, and attracts worshippers from all over the country. It is dedicated to the god Okuni-nushi and was built for him in return for him giving up the land to the Yamato rulers.

The shrine complex is vast and contains many halls and shrines. The main shrine is in the Taisha-zukuri style, which is the oldest kind of shrine architecture in Japan. On either side of the main shrine are long wooden buildings which are said to house the kami when they gather here during the 10th month of the lunar calendar to discuss the fortunes of the people for the coming year.

●Getting There: Take the Ichibata Railway line right through to the last stop. (You may have to change trains at a junction on the way). Turn right out of the station and continue up the hill. You will see the large torii shrine gate up ahead.

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Special Features / Myth of Izumo

Web site / Izumo Shinbutsu Pilgrimage