Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, located in Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, and has long been read as "Izumo Oyashiro". The main deity is Okuninushi no Okami, who is widely worshipped as the god of matchmaking. Matchmaking is not only about men and women, but also about connecting and bonding with all kinds of people, and many worshippers visit the shrine in search of its benefits. It is also known as the stage for "Kamiarizuki", the month when eight million gods from all over Japan gather in Izumo in the tenth month of the lunar calendar (Kannazuki).

The buildings, such as the main hall, give a sense of history, but the nature and location, such as the mountains behind Izumo Taisha, are wonderful.

The main hall is a representative example of the "Taisha-zukuri" style, the oldest shrine architectural style in Japan, and is designated as a national treasure. The current main hall was built in 1744, but it is said that in ancient times it was 48 meters tall, about twice its current height. There are many things to see in the grounds, such as the "Kagura Hall" famous for its huge shimenawa rope and the beautiful pine-lined approach to the shrine. Worship is generally performed in a unique manner of "two bows, four claps, one bow."

The vast grounds show different faces in each season, and their beauty is particularly striking during the seasons of new greenery and autumn leaves. Izumo Taisha is not just a tourist destination, but a very sacred and special place where you can experience Japanese mythology, history, and culture.

Shimane Winery is about a five-minute drive east. Inasa Beach is about a five-minute drive west.

To get to Izumo Taisha by train, take the "Yakumo Express" from JR Okayama Station, then transfer to the "Ichibata Railway" for a four-hour train ride.
If you take the expressway, it takes about 2 hours from Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. The Onomichi Matsue Expressway has a free section, so it's quite economical.

[Trivia]
The correct way to worship at Izumo Taisha is generally to bow twice, clap four times, and bow once. Also, since the main shrine's altar faces west, it is said that you can pray to the god head-on if you walk clockwise around the main shrine and pray from the back of Soganoyashiro on the west side.

[Hidden Spot Information]
The Soganoyashiro, located directly behind the main shrine, is said to be one of the most powerful power spots in Izumo Taisha. After praying at the Hachisokumon Gate, walk clockwise around the main shrine to get there. In addition, right next to Izumo Taisha Shrine is the Shimane Prefectural Museum of Ancient Izumo History, where you can learn about the ancient Izumo Taisha Shrine, including the giant Uzu Pillars that were excavated, so it is recommended to visit before worshiping.