Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha may predate recorded history, making it one of Japan's most ancient and spiritually significant Shinto shrines. Dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Okami, the deity of nation-building and harmonious relationships, it has long been the premier destination for couples seeking blessings for love and marriage. The shrine's distinctive architecture includes the Kagura-den hall, where Japan's largest shimenawa sacred rope hangs across the entrance, weighing an impressive 5.2 tons. Visitors will notice that worship etiquette here differs from other shrines: four claps rather than the usual two, a tradition unique to Izumo. According to Shinto mythology, all eight million gods of Japan gather at Izumo each October for a divine assembly. During this month, Izumo calls itself Kamiarizuki, the "month with gods," while the rest of Japan refers to it as Kannazuki, the "month without gods," acknowledging that their local deities have traveled here.