Izumo Grand Shrine
Japan's oldest and most sacred Shinto shrine — predating written history. All eight million Shinto deities are said to gather here every October to arrange marriages.
1.5–2.5 hours
Free for precinct; treasure hall (Shinkoden) ¥300 (adult), ¥200 (university & high school), ¥100 (junior high & elementary)
Open year-round. Main approach 6:00–19:00 (same in all seasons). Check official site for any temporary changes.
Year-round (October's 'Month of Gods' most special)
25 min bus from Izumo-shi station; 90 min from Yonago
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The main hall's roof uses 6-ton bundles of pine bark — replaced every 60 years
- 2
Pray with two claps instead of the standard one — Izumo's unique tradition
- 3
The giant shimenawa (sacred rope) in the Kaguraden weighs 5.2 tons
Local Tips
The grand shrine where Japan's eight million gods gather each October (October is called 'Kamiari-zuki' — month of gods — everywhere else in Japan). The distinctive double-ring rope (shimenawa) above the Kaguraden hall is the largest in Japan. Clap four times here (not twice as usual) — two for yourself and two for your partner or a future one. Izumo Taisha-mae Station on the Ichibata Railway is the most scenic arrival.
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