Izumo Grand Shrine

OVERVIEW

Meander through perhaps the oldest shrine in Japan, a rare example of early Taisha-zukuri-style architecture that presents a window into the sacred past. The Grand Shrine of Izumo may be the country’s oldest such building as it is referred to in chronicles dating to the 7th century. You will enter the shrine by passing under a bronze torii gate and then a shimenawa, which is a 1.5-ton twisted rice straw rope that denotes a sacred pure place. The main hall – which was built in 1744 – is the tallest shrine structure in Japan, yet incredibly it is only half the height of the original version. Inside, you will find numerous artifacts, especially swords. The treasure house is also noteworthy as it is filled with exquisite paintings, rare documents and the central pillar that once supported the main sanctuary. Despite its historical contents, the grand shrine’s primary attractions are its architecture and spirituality.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the ancient Grand Shrine of Izumo, an official National Treasure.
• Recognize the shrine’s rare architecture and pass under a massive symbolic straw rope.
• Behold an extraordinary collection of swords and other artifacts.
• See a model of what the larger original shrine may have looked like in ancient times.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.