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Izumo Taisha 出雲大社

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2010

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Visiting Izumo Taisha today

  • What it is: One of Japan's oldest and most important shrines, dedicated to Okuninushi, the god of good relationships and marriage. The Kaguraden hall has the giant straw shimenawa rope that most people come to see.
  • Getting there: From JR Izumoshi Station, buses run about every 30 minutes and take about half an hour (¥470–530 depending on the stop). Or take the Ichibata Railway, changing at Kawato, to Izumo Taisha-mae Station (about 20 minutes, ¥500), then walk five minutes.
  • Hours and admission: The grounds are always open and free. The Treasure Hall is open 8:30–16:30 (last entry 16:00), ¥300.
  • How to pray: Clap four times instead of the usual two.
  • Best time: In the tenth month of the old calendar, usually November, the gods of Japan are said to gather here (Kamiarizuki), and the Kamiari Festival is held.
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Kamiari Festival, usually November (10th month of the old calendar)

Checked against: Izumo Taisha – japan-guide.com · Izumo Taisha Travel Guide – GLTJP. Check opening times and prices before you go.

Izumo Taisha on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

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Izumo Taisha

In August 2010 I took the train across to Shimane to visit Izumo Taisha, one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan. It is the shrine of…