Hokkaido Shrine
北海道神宮
Hokkaido · Sapporo
Independent Ichinomiya Development
Kanpei Taisha
Ichinomiya (Izumo Province)
Izumo Grand Shrine
出雲大社
/ Izumo Taisha
Admission
Free (treasure hall ¥300)
Goshuin
¥300
Access
10 min walk
Hours
6:00–20:00 (Nov–Feb 6:30–20:00)
Overview
Izumo Taisha is revered as the spiritual home of en-musubi — the divine forging of bonds between people. According to mythology, every October the eight million gods of Japan gather here for a grand assembly, making the month locally known as Kamiarizuki (the month with gods), while the rest of Japan calls it Kannazuki (the month without gods). The shrine's taisha-zukuri architecture — the oldest style of shrine building in Japan — lends its name to this very place.
History
1744📄Documented
Current honden completed, standing 24 meters tall — the tallest shrine structure in Japan.
1952📄Documented
Main hall designated as a National Treasure.
2000📄Documented
Massive ancient pillar foundations discovered, suggesting the original hall may have stood 48 meters tall.
2013📄Documented
Heisei-era grand relocation ceremony (Sengū) completed; over 8,000 attendees.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and en-musubi (binding of fates/relationships)
Blessings
Shrine Network
Izumo Taisha head
Did You Know?
💡
The Kagura-den houses Japan's largest shimenawa (sacred straw rope), measuring 13.5 meters long and weighing approximately 5 tons.
Source: documented
💡
Visitors clap four times instead of the standard two — the extra claps are said to be for an unseen companion.
Source: tradition
In Pop Culture
anime / 2010
Noragami Izumo Taisha in Shimane. Referenced in the context of Shinto mythology that forms the series' backdrop. The gathering of gods (Kamiari) is a plot element.
anime / 1997
Princess Mononoke Izumo Taisha and the San'in region. The film's setting is loosely based on the Chugoku mountain region, where Izumo mythology originates.
game / 2006
Okami Izumo Taisha in Shimane. Susano-o, who appears in the game, is deeply connected to this shrine. The Yamata no Orochi legend featured in the game originates from the Izumo region.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.4019, 132.6856
Physical Address
195 Kitsukihigashi, Taisha-machi, Izumo, Shimane 699-0701
〒699-0701 島根県出雲市大社町杵築東195
Historical Province
Izumo / Iwami / Oki
Access
Izumotaisha-mae Station (Ichibata Electric Railway)
10 min walk
Hours
6:00–20:00 (Nov–Feb 6:30–20:00)
Bus
Bus from JR Izumoshi Station, ~25 min
Best Times to Visit
October (Kamiarizuki)New Year
Foreign Language Support
English signage
Accessibility
Partially accessible; main approach is flat
Official Website
https://izumooyashiro.or.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
Japan's most important shrine for marriage blessings and divine connections, with mythological roots as old as the nation itself. The annual gathering of all gods makes October a uniquely powerful time to visit.
Related Shrines
Obihiro Shrine
帯廣神社
Hokkaido · Obihiro
Independent Agriculture
Iwakiyama Shrine
岩木山神社
Aomori · Hirosaki
Independent Ichinomiya Agriculture
Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin)
神田神社
Tokyo · Chiyoda
Independent Business Prosperity
Hikawa Shrine (Omiya)
氷川神社
Saitama · Saitama (Omiya)
Hikawa Ichinomiya Matchmaking
Futarasan Shrine (Nikko)
二荒山神社
Tochigi · Nikko
Independent Ichinomiya Matchmaking
Related Myths
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Izumo Grand Shrine?
Izumo Taisha is revered as the spiritual home of en-musubi — the divine forging of bonds between people. According to mythology, every October the eight million gods of Japan gather here for a grand assembly, making the month locally known as Kamiarizuki (the month with gods), while the rest of Japan calls it Kannazuki (the month without gods). The shrine's taisha-zukuri architecture — the oldest style of shrine building in Japan — lends its name to this very place.
Where is Izumo Grand Shrine located?
Izumo Grand Shrine is located in Izumo, Shimane. The full address is: 195 Kitsukihigashi, Taisha-machi, Izumo, Shimane 699-0701.
What deities are enshrined at Izumo Grand Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: Okuninushi no Mikoto.
What blessings can you pray for at Izumo Grand Shrine?
Izumo Grand Shrine is known for: Relationship Bonds, Marriage, Good Relationships, General Prosperity.
How do I get to Izumo Grand Shrine?
The nearest station is Izumotaisha-mae Station (Ichibata Electric Railway). It is about a 10-minute walk from the station. Bus from JR Izumoshi Station, ~25 min