Shimane Prefecture is located in the Chugoku region and faces the Sea of Japan. With many historic shrines, including Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, which is a representative “power spot” of Japan, the prefecture is said to be the setting of earliest-stage nation building of Japan. It is written about in the Kojiki (Japan’s oldest historical chronicle), and is called “a land of myths and legends.”
Izumo has a wealth of charms and attractions, starting with the power to bring good luck in romance and marriage.
Here are four model routes to enjoy Izumo, with stories along the way.
From Kobe: A Journey of Matchmaking Bliss, Praying for Success in Love and Career!
From Hiroshima: Visiting World Heritage / Japan Heritage sites and praying for peace
From Kansai: Guided by the white hare to Izumo
Officially named Toyouke Daijingu, this sacred site enshrines Toyouke no Omikami, the god of food and industry.
The shrine venerates Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, who is worshipped as the ancestral deity of the Japanese people. The shrine is said to be the spiritual homeland of the Japanese.
Just a 5-minute walk from the Naiku Inner Sanctum of Ise Jingu Shrine, this area is home to over 50 shops, from famous local eateries to sellers of special regional goods and Ise souvenirs.
The main deity is Susano-O no Mikoto, who slayed the mythical monster, Yamata-no-Orochi.
This approximately 700-meter road to the main gate of Izumo Taisha Shrine is lined with souvenir shops and places to try local cuisine.
According to legend, Izumo Taisha was built by the order of Okuninushi in exchange for ceding the country to Amaterasu. It is said to have had a huge main hall 48 meters in height when first built. In recent years, pillars were excavated in the precincts that may prove that this tale is true.
The transfer of the country took place at this beach, where Okuninushi confronted Takemikazuchi, the messenger of Amaterasu. The sunset seen from this beach is designated a Japan Heritage site as the “Sacred Land of Izumo Where the Sun Sets.”
