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Izumo Taisha 出雲大社
Izumo, Shimane · Open in Google Maps
Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan, built for Ōkuninushi in return for handing the land over to the gods of heaven. It is Japan's most famous shrine for matchmaking.
What to look for
- In the tenth month of the old lunar calendar, the gods of all Japan are said to gather in Izumo. Elsewhere the month is called Kannazuki, "month without gods"; in Izumo it is Kamiarizuki, "month with gods".
- The giant twisted straw rope (shimenawa) hanging on the Kaguraden hall is one of the largest in Japan.
- Here the custom is to bow twice, clap four times and bow once, instead of the usual two claps.
Enshrined kami
- Ōkuninushi 大己貴命
What people pray for here
Matchmaking in the widest sense: love and marriage, but also good ties with people and work.
Etiquette
Remember the four claps. Inasa Beach, where the gods are said to arrive, is a short way west.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.