Grand Shrine of Izumo
Quick Summary
The Grand Shrine of Izumo, known as Izumo-taisha, is considered the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. Located in Taisha, northwest of Izumo city, it is a significant religious center that draws pilgrims year-round. The shrine complex, covering 40 acres, features buildings constructed primarily in the late 19th century and is approached by an avenue of pine trees.1
Shinto shrines typically have a torii gate at the entrance, followed by an ablution basin for cleansing. Visitors may offer a small donation at the oratory (haiden) and pray. The most sacred part is the inner sanctuary (honden), which houses a sacred symbol (shintai) representing the kami (deity), usually a mirror, but sometimes a sword or image. The honden at Izumo-taisha is said to be modeled after ancient house construction.2
A unique tradition associated with Izumo is that all Shinto gods are believed to gather there in October, making it "Kamiarizuki" (Month with Gods) in the region, while it's known as "Kannazuki" (Month Without Gods) elsewhere in Japan.1
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