Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha (出雲大社), in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most venerated shrines — dedicated to Okuninushi no Mikoto, the god of marriage and good fortune. According to myth, Okuninushi agreed to cede the land to the heavenly gods only on condition that a great palace be built for him, its posts sunk deep and its forked roof finials (chigi) reaching the sky. That palace is the origin of Izumo Taisha. It stands as the ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Izumo Province and, in the Meiji era, was the only shrine in Japan to hold the formal title taisha (grand shrine). Each autumn on the tenth lunar month, legend has it that all eight million deities of Japan gather here for divine counsel — so while the rest of Japan calls that month Kannazuki ("month without gods"), Izumo calls it Kamiari-zuki ("month with gods"). The main hall behind its triple enclosure walls, the subsidiary shrines surrounding it, and the ancient massive pillars unearthed on the grounds all hold stories worth far more than a glance at the main sanctuary.
Japan · 54 The overlooked corners inside
The overlooked corners inside
Archaeological Site of the Shrine Precinct
The roughly 27,000-square-metre precinct beneath your feet conceals a remarkable secret. In 2000, construction work for an underground ritual-preparation room unearthed an extraordinary structural relic: three cedar trunks, each about 1.4 metres in diameter, bound together with iron hoops to form a single massive pillar. This composite column — known as uzubashira — was briefly seized on as evidence of the legendary ancient hall said to have towered over the shrine in antiquity. The find has since been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the buried archaeological layer it represents extends across the entire precinct. You are, quite literally, walking above a nationally protected site.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Inochi-nushi no Yashiro (Mikoto-nushi Shrine)
Set slightly apart from the main precinct, in the Kitajima area of Taisha-cho, this small shrine's formal name is Kamimusubi Inochi no Nushi no Mikoto Shrine, though it is universally known by the popular title Mikoto-nushi-sha — "shrine of the master of life." It is listed in the Engishiki, the tenth-century catalogue of state-registered shrines, and enshrines Kamimusubi no Kami, the deity who, in Izumo mythology, dispatched the shellfish goddesses to restore Okuninushi to life after he had been killed. Easily overlooked from the outside, this quiet sanctuary is directly bound to the central birth-death-rebirth narrative of the shrine's patron deity.
Okami Okisaki Shrine (Mimukaissha)
The Okami Okisaki Shrine — popularly called Mimukaissha ("the shrine that faces the main hall") — sits within the innermost zuigaki enclosure around the main hall and is one of the highest-ranking subsidiary shrines on the grounds. It is listed as a meijin taisha, one of the most prestigious categories in the Engishiki register. The shrine enshrines Suseri-bime no Mikoto, the principal consort of Okuninushi — the goddess of mythology famed for her fierce jealousy and unflinching devotion to her husband. Several subsidiary shrines at Izumo Taisha are dedicated to women connected to Okuninushi; Mimukaissha stands as the highest in rank among them, and when major rites are held at the main hall, corresponding ceremonies take place here in step.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Kamimusubi Inochi no Nushi no Mikoto Shrine
The Kamimusubi Inochi no Nushi no Mikoto Shrine (Mikoto-nushi-sha) stands outside the arakaki outer fence, the only massha (末社, outer subsidiary shrine) within the Izumo Taisha complex that retains the status of a shikinaisha — an Engishiki-registered shrine — while lying beyond the main hall enclosure. The name means literally "master of the life-spirit," and the enshrined deity is Kamimusubi no Kami. What draws particular archaeological attention to this modest site is that a Yayoi-period (c. 300 BCE – 300 CE) bronze dagger and a jadeite magatama curved bead were unearthed within its grounds. Designated as Important Cultural Properties in 1953, these prehistoric objects are among the very few pre-historic finds from within the Izumo Taisha precincts, confirming that this land was already a site of religious significance well before written history.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Kaminushi Miko Tamagawa Shrine (Sansei-sha)
The Kaminushi Miko Tamagawa Shrine, known by its popular name Sansei-sha, is a shikinaisha outside the main Izumo Taisha precinct. It enshrines Kotoshironushi no Kami, son of Okuninushi, together with Takahime no Mikoto (Shitateruhime) and Mitoshi no Kami, the deity of grain and agriculture. The name Sansei-sha carries connotations of the divine governance of time and growth among the heavenly kami. The shrine stands in the Kitajima area of Taisha-cho, and together with the other outlying subsidiary shrines, it forms a ring of mythological family members surrounding the great shrine's patron deity.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · wikidata.org
Inochihi-me Shrine (Amasaki-sha)
The Inochihi-me Shrine — known as Amasaki-sha ("the shrine at the sky's edge") — is one of… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Kamimusubi Miko Shrine (Tsukushi-sha)
The Kamimusubi Miko Shrine — known as Tsukushi-sha — lies within the innermost zuigaki enc… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Onamuchi Miko Tamagawa Shrine (Otomi-sha)
The Onamuchi Miko Tamagawa Shrine, known as Otomi-sha, stands in the Oshirimenomukoi area… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · wikidata.org
Onamuchi Inasehagi Shrine
The Onamuchi Inasehagi Shrine sits in the coastal settlement of Sagiura, Taisha-cho, and e… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · wikidata.org
Inasa Shrine
Inasa Shrine (Inasa no Kami no Yashiro) stands outside the arakaki outer fence, at 3008 Ki… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Main Hall (Honden)
The main hall (honden) of Izumo Taisha is wrapped in three concentric enclosure walls — th… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Izumo Taisha Treasure Hall
The Treasure Hall (Hoshokan) of Izumo Taisha was completed in 1981, designed by the eminen… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Senke Takanori
The bronze statue to the right of the Seidemari torii depicts Senke Takanori (千家尊福, 1845–1… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: xn----5b8ax8bf9l52i5xley4a9w3c.jinja-tera-gosyuin-meguri.com · ja.wikipedia.org
Izumo Taisha (Seidemari Stone Monument)
Just inside the Seidemari (勢溜) entrance stands a large stone monument bearing the four cha… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: kurashi-karu.com · pixta.jp
Daikoku-sama (Musubi no Goshinzo)
Just inside the bronze torii on the right, this statue — formally titled Musubi no Goshinz… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: kurashikaru-ooyashiro.jp · toppy.net
Temizusha (Purification Fountain)
This temizusha (hand-purification pavilion) on the approach to the haiden worship hall is… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: izumooyashiro.or.jp
Shinwa no Mori (Grove of Mythology)
"Shinwa no Mori" (Grove of Mythology) is a sculptural installation along the left side of… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: izumodekurasu.com
Mizube wo Aruku (Walking by the Water)
"Mizube wo Aruku" (Walking by the Water) is a figurative sculpture placed on a riverside p… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: izumodekurasu.com
Daihon Shinron Monument
This stone monument records the connection between Izumo Taisha and Onisaburo Deguchi (出口王… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: izumodekurasu.com
Haiden (Worship Hall)
The haiden worship hall, completed in May 1959, replaced the previous structure destroyed… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: izumooyashiro.or.jp
Shokokan (Exhibition Hall)
The Shokokan ("Hall for Illuminating Antiquity") was registered as a Nationally Registered… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Soga Shrine (Soganoyashiro)
Soga Shrine — formally Izumo Jinja, but universally known as Soganoyashiro — hides directl… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Mimukaissha (御向社)
Mimukaissha is the popular name of Okami Okisaki Shrine, one of the subsidiary shrines wit… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Amasaki-sha (天前社)
Amasaki-sha is the popular name of Inochihi-me Shrine, one of the subsidiary shrines withi… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Tsukushi-sha (筑紫社)
Tsukushi-sha is the popular name of Kamimusubi Miko Shrine, within the innermost zuigaki e… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Gate Shrine (Mon-jinja)
Gate Shrine (Mon-jinja) stands not as a single building but as two small halls flanking th… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
West Jukusha (Nishi Jukusha)
The West Jukusha is the dormitory that houses all eight million deities of Japan during th… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: kurashikaru-ooyashiro.jp
East Jukusha (Higashi Jukusha)
The East Jukusha mirrors the West Jukusha symmetrically on the opposite side of the main h… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: kurashikaru-ooyashiro.jp
Kama Shrine (Kamanoyashiro)
Kama Shrine stands just outside the zuigaki enclosure and enshrines Uka no Mitama no Kami… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Uji Shrine (Ujinoyashiro)
Uji Shrine (Ujinoyashiro) comprises two small halls: the northern one enshrines Amenohohi… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Nomino Sukune Shrine
Nomino Sukune Shrine stands northwest of the sumo arena in the shrine garden, to the west… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Bronze Torii (Dono Torii)
The bronze torii — the fourth and innermost of the approach gates — marks the entrance to… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: izumooyashiro.or.jp · online.bunka.go.jp
Seidemari Grand Torii (Second Torii)
The Seidemari Grand Torii — the second torii on the approach — marks the formal start of t… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: kurashi-karu.com
Nationally Designated Important Art Object
Izumo Taisha holds a bronze waniguchi — a flat circular bell hung at the front of a shrine… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Kamimusubi no Kami
Kamimusubi no Kami is one of the five "guest deities" (Okyakuza no Gojin) enshrined in the… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Ajisukitakahikone no Kami
Ajisukitakahikone no Kami, son of Okuninushi, is enshrined at Asuki Shrine (Ajiki-sha), a… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Kotoshironushi no Kami
Kotoshironushi no Kami, son of Okuninushi, is co-enshrined with Takahime no Mikoto (Shitat… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Onamuchi Miko Tamagawa Shrine (Otomi-sha)
The Onamuchi Miko Tamagawa Shrine, known as Otomi-sha, stands in the Oshirimeno Mukoi area… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
White Rabbit Deity (Shirousagi no Kami)
Shirousagi no Kami — the White Rabbit deity — is co-enshrined as a subordinate deity along… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Upper Shrine (Kami no Miya)
The Upper Shrine (Kami no Miya) stands in the Kitajima area of Taisha-cho and enshrines Su… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Lower Shrine (Shimo no Miya)
The Lower Shrine (Shimo no Miya) stands in the Kitajima area of Taisha-cho, adjacent to th… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Izumoi Shrine
Izumoi Shrine (Izumoi no Yashiro) stands in the Oshirimeno area of Taisha-cho and enshrine… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Takemikazuchi no Kami
Inasa Shrine (Inasa no Kami no Yashiro) stands at 3008 Kitajima, Taisha-cho, and enshrines… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Minato Shrine
Minato Shrine (Minato no Yashiro) stands in the Nakaharagi area of Taisha-cho and enshrine… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Otoshi no Kami
Otoshi Shrine (Otoshi no Yashiro) in the Kitajima area of Taisha-cho enshrines Otoshi no K… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Harae-dono (Purification Shrine)
Harae Shrine (Harae no Yashiro) stands to the east of the main approach torii, at 195 Kita… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Nomino Sukune no Mikoto
Nomino Sukune no Mikoto is the deity enshrined at Nomino Sukune Shrine and was simultaneou… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Romon (Two-Storey Gate)
The romon is one of the 21 shrine buildings at Izumo Taisha collectively designated Import… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Subsidiary Shrine: Okami Okisaki Honden
The main hall of Okami Okisaki Shrine (Mimukaissha) is a nationally designated Important C… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Subsidiary Shrine: Kamimusubi Miko Honden
The main hall of Kamimusubi Miko Shrine (Tsukushi-sha) is a nationally designated Importan… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Subsidiary Shrine: Kamimusubi Inochihi-me Honden
The main hall of Kamimusubi Inochihi-me Shrine (Amasaki-sha) is a nationally designated Im… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Subsidiary Shrine: Gate Shrine (Monjin) — Two Halls
Both halls of Gate Shrine (Mon-jinja) are nationally designated Important Cultural Propert… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Kansairo and Cloister Corridors
The Kansairo (観祭楼, an observation gallery for viewing festivals) and the surrounding clois… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
West Cloister (Nishi Kairou)
The west cloister (Nishi Kairou) is the western section of the zuigaki enclosure corridor… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
FAQ
What overlooked corners are worth seeing inside Izumo Taisha?
Archaeological Site of the Shrine Precinct, Inochi-nushi no Yashiro (Mikoto-nushi Shrine), Okami Okisaki Shrine (Mimukaissha) and more — 54 spots in all, each with sources and a guide in your language to read or listen to on the spot.
Is the Izumo Taisha guide free?
The first 5 spots are free to read; the other 49 unlock with a one-time purchase (not a subscription).