WHAT TO SEE

Izumo Ōyashiro is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan. It is also called Izumo Taisha or Taisha-san.

When the first shrine was built in this area remains a mystery. The current version shrine was built in 1744 and is designated as a national treasure. The kami deity enshrined is Okuninushi-no-Okami. In Japanese mythology, it is said that this is the kami who cultivated and built Japan in the legendary past. People pray to Okuninushi-no-Okami regarding relationships (famously romance and marriage, but he oversees all kinds of connections) medicine, agriculture, and more.

The Izumo Taisha Honden (main sanctuary) is believed to have been the tallest building in Japan during medieval times. It is said that the building was immense, standing 48 meters (about 154.5 ft) tall in the 10th century. While only half that height today (24 meters or 78 ft) it is still among the tallest Shinto shrines in Japan. Another record-setting feature hangs in front of the Kagura-den building, which home to the largest shimenawa (a twisted rope delineating a sacred space) in Japan.

When one visits a Shinto shrine, the usual method prayer is two bows, two claps, silent prayer with hands pressed together, followed by one more bow (2-2-1). However, at Izumo Taisha, it is two bows, four claps, silent prayer, and one more bow (2-4-1).

In May of 2015, the “Heisei Great Sengu” was held at Izumo Taisha. Sengu is a ceremony in which the enshrined deity is moved to a temporary shrine building, while the original shrine is repaired and renewed. The renewal is not only physical, but also holds a spiritual aspect as well - to renew and restore the deity’s power along with the shrine building.

Because Japanese Shinto Shrines are made of wood, it is necessary to repair or rebuild the shrines periodically. Izumo Taisha is one of the rare shrines where sengu is held on a set schedule, in this case every 60 years.

In Japan, many shrines are surrounded by sacred forest and in Izumo Ōyashiro, area is about 18.4 hectares (which is about 45.5 acres or 3.84 times the size of Tokyo Dome). Some of the area is wild and untouched and some is tended to by human hands.

The front area of the shrine complex is open approximately 6:00-19:00 every day.
* Outside the above hours, worship may be conducted in front of the copper torii gate.
* Soga Shrine (the shrine and area behind the Honden) is accessible 6:00-16:30.

Prayer hours: 9:15-16:30 (reception hours 8:40-16:00)

Approximate time for offering charms and amulets, and receiving Goshuin: 6:30-19:00

Wheelchair rental at the shrine office: 8:30-16:30