Izumo Taisha Shrine (Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture)

☆Speaking of matchmaking, everyone knows Izumo Taisha.

　・This is also the place where gods from all over Japan gather once a year during Kamiarizuki (October in the lunar calendar) to discuss matters. (For this reason, it is called Kannazuki in areas outside of Izumo.)
　・It has a deep history, and the origins of its founding are recorded in the Kojiki, Nihon Shoki, and Fudoki. You can almost feel that long history in the large pine trees lining the approach to the shrine.
　・The enshrined deity is Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, who is affectionately known as Daikoku-sama.
　・You can also see rabbit statues associated with Daikoku-sama here and there within the grounds. They're so cute, you can't help but take photos.

☆When praying, the correct routine is two bows, four claps, and one bow.
　・You can also stop by Inasa Beach before visiting Izumo Taisha, scoop up some sand from the beach, offer it at Soga Shrine, and receive some sacred sand from Izumo Taisha Shrine as your home.

📍Inasa Beach...parking available. Of course, you can also walk there from Izumo Taisha Shrine.

📷A personal highlight...

📷The row of pine trees along the approach to the shrine.

The green pine trees are soothing to the eyes and soothe the soul. The clean air also makes you realize once again that this is a place of faith.

📷Circular marks carved into the base of the main shrine indicate the location of an ancient temple pillar.

Even a single pillar would have been thick, and when you consider that three of them were bundled together with gold rings...it's fun just to imagine how large the shrine must have been.

📷The large shimenawa rope at the Kaguraden.

It's an incredibly huge shimenawa rope. Upon investigation, it was revealed to be a whopping 13.6 meters long and weigh 5.2 tons.

Just looking up at it is overwhelming.

📷 Shinmon-dori Street stretches from the Ukabashi Bridge to the Setamari torii.
This street is lined with souvenir and food shops. Even just strolling around is fun, with shops selling matchmaking goods, Izumo souvenirs, and even the famous Izumo soba.

📷 Ichibata Electric Railway Izumo Taisha-mae Station and Station Building.
The Ichibata Electric Railway station building is located in the middle of Shinmon-dori Street. Inside, the light filtering in through the stained glass is very charming. Old trains are preserved and on display on the premises, giving the area a very retro feel.

😚 Izumo is a place where you can feel the breath of history everywhere. It's a must-see for lovers of historical romance.

#ShimaneTravel #DomesticTravel #IzumoTaisha