Visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine

Set a 40-minute train ride from the central Izumoshi Station, Izumo Taisha Shrine is a national treasure believed to have been constructed over 1,300 years ago. Izumo City is often referred to as the realm of gods which this giant Shinto shrine is much to thank for. Legend has it that Okuninushi, the deity of marriage and relationships, handed over the Izumo region to the man Ninigi-no-Mikoto who was sent to Earth to make Japan a peaceful country and whose descendants have been the emperors of Japan ever since. This fantastic shrine was then built in dedication to Okuninishi for his good deed, which remains an integral chapter in the Japanese creation myth.

Visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine

Visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine

The lead up to the shrine consists of four torii gates which conclude at the 24-meter-high Kaguraden, which is believed to have been halved in size from a tremendous 48 metres. But the impressive facts don’t stop there; the huge shimenawa rope that protects the shrine weighs five tons making it the largest shimenawa in Japan while the taisha-zukuri style building was the first of its kind and has been the inspiration for the design of Shinto shrine buildings around the country. Entering the shrine grounds is free of charge and can keep you occupied for a good couple of hours with the array of buildings dipping in and out of the surrounding woodland.

Visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine

For those arriving by train, the approach to the shrine from Izumotaisha-Mae Station is via the bustling Shinmon Dori. Packed out with cafes, shops, and local produce, it’s best to visit this spot at off-peak times to allow yourself a little more space to explore. If you’re passing by at lunchtime, it’s time to try out the local specialty Izumo soba noodles. Head to Izumo Soba Enishi for local, organic noodles where you can choose your own toppings and condiments to spice up this wholesome dish.

A new and relatively hidden spot is Goen Yokocho, which is the last street to the left off Shinmon Dori before reaching the Izumo Taisha grounds. Boasting nine charming restaurants and a fine selection of souvenir shops, the highlight of this appealing alleyway is its snacks which include the sweet and salty Izumo zenzai mochi, pickled cucumbers, and grilled mackerel sushi which is baked in a moreish sweet sauce.

Visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine

Visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine

With Izumo Taisha Shrine a little out of the city center, it’s worth visiting other attractions in the vicinity while you’re there. The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is home to groundbreaking artifacts found in recent years which support evidence that there were settlers in this part of Japan some 120,000 years ago.

Head all the way to the coast and you’ll come to Inasanohama Beach, a pretty stretch of sand facing west onto the Sea of Japan. Sat upon a rock just off the beach lies a small shrine which you can get up close to when the tide is out.

Visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine

Izumoshi

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Super Hotel Izumo-Ekimae

1-3-3 Ekiminami-machi, Izumo-shi Shimane

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Izumo Oyashiro(Izumo Taisha)

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Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoukidukihigashi 195

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島根県出雲市大社町杵築南836-2

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