Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha - one of Japan’s oldest and most revered Shinto shrines - enshrines Ōkuninushi no Ōkami (widely known as Daikoku‑sama), the deity of nation‑building, agriculture, medicine, and harmonious relationships.

According to legend, Ōkuninushi created a rich and fertile realm called Toyoashihara no Mizuho no Kuni (“Luxuriant Reed Plains and Land of Fresh Ears of Rice”). He taught the people agriculture and many other skills essential to daily life. For this achievement he bears the divine title Tokorozukuri‑amatsushita no Ōkami, “Great Deity Who Built the Land Under Heaven”. His efforts gave rise to the epic task known as Kunizukuri - the building of the nation.

After completing the land, Ōkuninushi ceded it to Amaterasu Ōmikami, ancestral goddess of the Imperial line, in an event called Kuniyuzuri (“Transfer of the Land”). Amaterasu thereafter governed the visible world - politics and human affairs - while entrusting Ōkuninushi with the invisible, spiritual realm. This divine accord laid the foundation for Japan to be ruled by successive emperors descended from Amaterasu.

Today, Ōkuninushi is also venerated as the deity of enmusubi - the forging of sacred bonds. These en (connections) extend beyond romantic ties, symbolizing the relationships that let all living beings thrive together.

Architectural History of Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha’s original main hall was said to reach 96 meters - matching the height of nearby Mt. Yakumo - and even during the Heian period stood around 48 meters, surpassing Tōdaiji’s Great Buddha Hall in Nara. Known as “Un-Tai” (short for Izumo Tarō, “Izumo the Tallest”), it was Japan’s tallest structure according to the Heian-era text Kuchizusami. A construction diagram preserved by the Senge priestly family, the Kanawa-go Zōei Sashizu, depicted how three logs were bound by metal rings to form a massive central pillar. This legend was confirmed in 2000 when remains of such a pillar were discovered. In 1115, the “Yoriki Reconstruction” restored the main hall to its formal style (shōdono-shiki), following the collapse of the previous structure in 1108, after which a provisional hall (karidono-shiki) had been used.

From the Kamakura period onward, the hall was gradually reduced in size due to political and financial strain. Still, in 1325, it was described as resembling a tower. The 1609 reconstruction measured about 20 meters and introduced foundation stones - replacing earth-set pillars.

In 1667, the Tokugawa shogunate supported a new reconstruction (Kanbun Sengū). This project also marked one of Japan’s earliest examples of Shinto-Buddhist separation, as Buddhist structures were removed from the shrine grounds.

The current main hall was built in 1744 (Enkyō Reconstruction) with funding gathered through nationwide appeals. Major repairs followed in 1809 (Bunka 6), 1881 (Meiji 14), 1953 (Shōwa 28), and 2013 (Heisei 25).

To mark 60 years since the last repair, extensive restoration began in 2008, including roof replacement and structural restoration. On May 10, 2013, Ōkuninushi no Ōkami was ceremonially returned to the main hall (honden-senza-sai), witnessed by over 12,000 people and Imperial family members. A sudden wind and rainfall at the climax left a lasting spiritual impression.

By 2016, other sacred buildings were repaired, and by 2019, renovations of the treasure hall and offices were completed - ensuring the shrine’s spiritual and architectural legacy endures.

Shrine Grounds

The Honden (Main Hall)

The Honden of Izumo Taisha is famously praised as a “peerless grand structure” - a magnificent shrine unmatched in scale and dignity. Throughout its long history, the honden has been rebuilt and restored many times, preserving its grandeur to the present day.

The current honden was constructed in 1744 and was designated a National Treasure in 1952. Standing approximately 24 meters tall, it exemplifies the Taisha-zukuri style - one of the oldest architectural styles in Japan’s shrine tradition.

The building features a gabled roof with a tsumairi entrance (with the front on the gable end) and a square floor plan, organised around nine pillars arranged in a grid pattern. At its center stands the shin-no-mihashira, or "heart pillar," a key spiritual and structural element.

The interior is divided by a wooden partition wall between the central pillar and the pillar to its right (from the viewer’s perspective when facing the front). Behind this partition lies the inner sanctuary (naiden or goshinza), where the enshrined deity Ōkuninushi no Ōkami resides. Unusually, his seat faces west, not south like the main building.

In the anteroom in front of the inner sanctuary, along the partition wall, are the so-called “guest seats” (okyakuzashiki), where five primordial deities known collectively as the Kotoamatsukami are enshrined: Ame-no-Tokotachi-no-Kami, Umashi-Ashikabi-Hikoji-no-Kami, Kamimusubi-no-Kami, Kamimusubi-no-Kami, Takamimusubi-no-Kami, Amenominakanushi-no-Kami.

Near the central pillar, Wakafutsunushi-no-Mikoto, a child of Ōkuninushi and guardian of livestock (ushikai no kami), is also enshrined.

Haiden (Worship Hall)

The current Haiden (Worship Hall) was completed in 1959, following a fire in 1953 that destroyed the original structure along with adjacent halls. Rebuilt through nationwide support under the honorary leadership of Prince Takamatsu, the new hall became one of Japan’s most significant postwar wooden shrine buildings.

Designed by Shinto architecture expert Dr. Toshio Fukuyama, the Haiden combines elements of the ancient Taisha-zukuri style with a gabled roof (kirizuma-zukuri). Though the roof is copper, the structure is made entirely of Kiso hinoki, a high-quality Japanese cypress. It covers a floor area of approximately 485 square meters and rises to a height of 12.9 meters. The main pillars are set on massive foundation stones made of 13-ton Okazaki stone from Aichi Prefecture.

Today, the Haiden serves as the central space for worship, rituals, and major ceremonies such as the traditional Koden Niinamesai harvest festival.

Shinkoden (Divine Blessings Hall)

The Shinkoden was completed in 1981, designed by the renowned architect Kiyonori Kikutake. Since its opening, it has served as the treasure hall of Izumo Taisha, exhibiting many precious artifacts passed down through the shrine’s long history. The name “Shinkō” (神祜) means “divine blessing” or “favour received from the gods.”

Following the major “Heisei Era Sengū” (shrine reconstruction project), the Shinkoden underwent extensive renovations to mark the occasion. Its exhibition space was updated to better showcase the shrine’s rich spiritual and historical heritage. Among the key exhibits is the central pillar (shin-no-mihashira) from the ancient main hall, unearthed on the shrine grounds in 2000, offering a tangible connection to the earliest eras of Izumo worship.

The shrine’s unchanging spirit is symbolized by the monumental scale of its main hall, a physical continuation of traditions reaching back to the age of myth. Each of the treasures preserved here reflects the prayers and devotion of generations of worshippers.

Notable among the collection is the National Treasure “Aki-no-Shika Makie Tebako” (Lacquered Cosmetics Box with Autumn Deer Design), along with many other artifacts that transcend their value as fine art or archaeological objects. These items quietly convey the prayers and spiritual sentiments of those who came before us.

Kaguraden (Hall of Sacred Music and Dance)

Originally, the Kaguraden served as the great hall of the Senge family, the hereditary priestly household (koku-zō) of Izumo Taisha, and was known as the Fūchōkan (Hall of Gentle Winds).

With the establishment of Izumo Taishakyō (a Shinto sect) in the Meiji period, the hall began serving also as the main sanctuary of the Izumo Taisha religious organisation. It continues to be used for prayer rituals, weddings, and a variety of religious ceremonies throughout the year.

In 1981, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Izumo Taishakyō’s foundation, the building was rebuilt and expanded to its current scale as the Kaguraden. Its great hall spans 270 tatami mats (≈ 446.31 m²), making it one of the largest of its kind. Unusually for shrine architecture, the front gable (hafu) is adorned with stained glass, adding a distinctive touch.

One of the most iconic features is the giant shimenawa (sacred straw rope) hanging over the entrance. Measuring approximately 13 meters in length and weighing 5.2 tons, it is one of the largest in Japan. This rope is ceremonially replaced every few years.

In front of the Kaguraden stands a 47-meter-tall flagpole, from which a massive national flag measuring 75 tatami mats (8.7 meters tall by 13.6 meters wide) is flown - a powerful visual symbol of reverence and presence.

Behind the Kaguraden are guardian shrines (chinju-sha) dedicated to the ancestral deities of the Senge family and Tenmangū (a shrine for Tenjin, the deity of learning). To the south of the flagpole stand additional shrines for Haraesha( purification) and Kotohira-gū (Kotohira no Ōkami), maintaining the sacred atmosphere of the precinct.

Senge Kokuzōkan (Residence of the Izumo Priestly Family)

The Kokuzōkan is the official residence of the Izumo no Kuni no Miyatsuko (Izumo Provincial High Priest), a hereditary role passed down from Ame-no-Hohi no Mikoto, the ancestral deity of the priestly Senge family who have served Izumo Taisha for generations.

Within the residence is a special study room (shoin) that holds historical significance: in 1912, it was used by Emperor Taishō during his visit to Izumo Taisha. Since then, many members of the Imperial Family have also stayed there.

An essential feature of the Kokuzōkan is the Saikaden (Purification Fire Hall), also known as the Ohi-dokoro (Sacred Fire Place). This hall serves as the ritual purification site for the Izumo Priest. When a new kokuzō (chief priest) takes office, a sacred flame is ignited using a traditional fire-drilling method (hikirigine and hikiriusu – fire stick and fire board). This flame is preserved inside the Saikaden and must not be extinguished for the entire duration of that priest’s life and service.

Before conducting any ritual, the kokuzō enters the Saikaden to purify himself. All food he consumes is also prepared using this sacred flame. Thus, the Kokuzōkan is not merely a residence, but also a highly sacred and strictly maintained space of ritual purification, central to the spiritual duties of the Izumo Taisha priesthood.

Okunigaeri Hall

Located to the left of the Kaguraden, Okunigaeri Hall (Okunigaeri Kaikan) serves as a central facility supporting both religious and ceremonial functions at Izumo Taisha. It houses the Administrative Headquarters of Izumo Taishakyō, the organization established to promote the teachings and faith of Izumo Taisha throughout Japan.

The second floor of the hall contains a dedicated wedding venue, where traditional Shinto wedding ceremonies are held under the protection of Ōkuninushi no Ōkami.

As the central office of Izumo Taishakyō, the headquarters oversees and coordinates the many branch shrines, grand churches (daikyōkai), regional churches (kyōkai), and religious associations (kōsha) affiliated with the faith across the country. The hall functions not only as an administrative center but also as a key base for the transmission and preservation of the shrine’s spiritual heritage.

Soreisha (Ancestors’ Hall)

Located west of the Kaguraden stands the Soreisha (formally, Izumo Taishakyō Soreisha), a large building with a traditional tiled roof. Its origins trace back to 1875, when the first superintendent of Izumo Taishakyō, Senge Takatomi (then also the Chief Priest of Izumo Taisha), established it.

The hall was built based on the divine virtue of Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, who governs the realm of the unseen. It serves as a place to honour the spirits (mitama) of those who have passed on - ensuring they may rest peacefully and continue to protect their families as guardian spirits. Here, funerals and memorial ceremonies are held to offer prayers for the souls of the departed and to maintain a spiritual connection with them through periodic rites similar to Buddhist memorial services.

Bronze Torii Gate (Dōtorii)

The Bronze Torii Gate stands at the main entrance of the Aragaki (innermost sacred enclosure), the sacred enclosure of Izumo Taisha. This greenish-bronze gate was donated in June of 1666 by Mōri Tsunahiro, the grandson of Mōri Terumoto, a prominent feudal lord. It marks the formal boundary into the sacred grounds of the shrine.

Sessha and Massha (Subsidiary Shrines)

Scattered throughout the grounds and surrounding areas of Izumo Taisha are sessha and massha - subsidiary shrines that honour deities closely associated with Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, the enshrined deity of Izumo Taisha.

The sessha (auxiliary shrines) are dedicated to important kami such as his consort deities and divine offspring, while the massha (minor shrines) enshrine other related deities. These shrines form an essential part of the spiritual landscape, deepening the connection between the main deity and the wider pantheon of Shinto belief.

Weddings at Izumo Taisha

Couples can celebrate their union through a traditional Shinto ceremony honouring Ōkuninushi no Ōkami and his consort Suserihime-no-Mikoto, whose eternal bond symbolises harmony and lasting relationships. Ceremonies take place at the Kaguraden or the dedicated wedding shrine in Okunigaeri Hall. The tradition of marriage in Japanese mythology dates back to the divine union of Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, who circled the Ame-no-Mihashira (“Heavenly Pillar”) and became the first married couple, giving birth to the land and gods of Japan. In honour of these divine examples, couples participating in the wedding ceremony at Izumo Taisha walk around a symbolic Heavenly Pillar within the shrine, just as the gods did, and then recite their vows (chikai no kotoba) before the altar-pledging an everlasting bond under the protection of the deities.

Izumo Taisha and the Rabbits

One of the most beloved legends associated with Ōkuninushi no Ōkami is the tale of "The White Hare of Inaba", as recorded in Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters). On his journey to the land of Inaba while carrying a large sack for the other gods, Ōkuninushi encountered a suffering, skinless hare in distress. He kindly treated its wounds and saved its life - an act of compassion that has been passed down through generations.

Within the grounds of Izumo Taisha, you’ll find numerous rabbit statues commemorating this story. Most notably, near the southeastern side of the shrine office stands a bronze statue known as “Gojiai no Goshinzō” (Statue of Divine Compassion), depicting Ōkuninushi comforting the White Hare.

In addition, rabbit statues can be seen throughout the precincts - behind the Main Hall, around the shrine garden, near the Kaguraden, and by the Soreisha. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the grounds and enjoy discovering these charming rabbit figures while paying their respects.