The Great Shrine of Izumo

Entrance  to Izumo Taisha

The Great Shrine of Izumo or the Izumo-taisha is located in the center of Izumo or the Shimane prefecture in Japan.  Izumo is known as the land of the gods and the land of myths. Considered one of the oldest shrines in all of Japan the Great Shrine of Izumo is one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines. Although there's no exact record of when the great shrine of Izumo was built its believed to have been already been built well before the Heian period.

Upon entering the Izumo-taisha visitors will be confronted by a wooden structure that is used a the worship hall. The worship hall has the biggest shimenawa in all of the world hung across half it length. Behind the worship hall lies the main shrine which is the tallest shrine building in Japan. The main shrine measures approximately 24 meters in height but it is supposed that when it was first built was 48 meter in height or taller. Both buildings are designated as national treasures. Also within the shrine is a treasure hall which exhibits old painting, documents and lavishly ornamented containers all having to do with Izumo-taisha.

The kami of worship in this shrine is known as Okuninushi. According to creation myths, Okuninushi was the creator of the land of Japan and the ruler of Izumo. He also became known as the deity of good relationships and marriage.

Every year from the 10th to the 17th day of the 10th lunar month, Shinto's eight million kami from across all of japan gather at the Great Shrine of Izumo. At this time in Izumo is know as kamiarizuki or month with kami while in the rest of japan this time is known as kannazuki or month without kami. During this time the kamiari festival is held in the shrine.