Izumo Taisha Matchmaking: Praying at the Sacred Matchmaking Site Where the Gods Gather in Kamiari Month

Izumo Taisha in Izumo City, Shimane is one of Japan's oldest shrines enshrining Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, revered as the god of matchmaking. The tradition holds that in lunar October (Kamiari Month - "the month with gods"), gods from throughout Japan gather in Izumo for the matchmaking council "Kamiari."

Highlights of Izumo Taisha

The shrine's symbol is the giant shimenawa rope, with the 13.5-meter-long, 5.2-ton massive rope hanging in the haiden worship hall being one of Japan's largest. The main hall is in the "taisha-zukuri" style, Japan's oldest shrine architectural style, designated as a National Treasure.

Kamiari Month Kamimukae Ceremony

On the 10th day of lunar October, the "Kamimukae Ceremony" (welcoming the gods) is performed. This mystical ceremony welcoming gods from throughout Japan at Inasa Beach has a fantastical atmosphere as the ritual proceeds amid torchlight. Visiting Izumo during this period is said to bestow special matchmaking blessings.

Inasa Beach and Sacred Matchmaking Site Tour

"Inasa Beach" about 1 kilometer from Izumo Taisha is the sandy beach that served as the setting of the "Kunitsukami" mythology, also known as a matchmaking power spot. Historical sites and shrines associated with matchmaking are dotted throughout the surrounding area.

Access

5 minutes on foot from Ichibata Electric Railway Izumo Taisha-mae Station. About 30 minutes by bus from JR Izumo-shi Station.