Izumo Taisha, located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most historic and revered Shinto shrines. At the heart of the shrine stands the Main Sanctuary, or Honden, where Okuninushi-no-Okami, the principal deity of Izumo Taisha, is enshrined.
The Main Sanctuary is a celebrated example of Taisha-zukuri, one of the oldest styles of Shinto shrine architecture in Japan. Together with the Shinmei-zukuri style associated with Ise Jingu, Taisha-zukuri is regarded as one of the fundamental traditions of Japanese shrine architecture.
The present Main Sanctuary was rebuilt in 1744 and stands approximately 24 meters high. Its exceptional scale is remarkable for a traditional shrine building, and it was designated a National Treasure of Japan in 1952.
For visitors, the sanctuary offers an opportunity to encounter several layers of Japanese culture at once: ancient religious traditions, extraordinary architectural craftsmanship, and myths that have been passed down for generations.
The Main Sanctuary follows the architectural form known as kirizuma-tsuma-iri. In this style, the entrance is located on the gabled end of the building rather than along the long side, with a staircase positioned near the center of the front facade.
The design preserves characteristics reminiscent of ancient raised-floor storehouses and early palace architecture, making the building an important example of Japan’s early architectural traditions.
Inside the Main Sanctuary, nine enormous pillars are arranged in a three-by-three grid. At the center is the Shin-no-Mihashira, or central sacred pillar, one of the most important structural elements of the building.
This enormous pillar measures more than one meter in diameter and can be regarded as one of the symbolic elements of the sanctuary.
Additional massive pillars known as Uzu-bashira extend upward toward the ridge at the central points of the building’s north and south sides. Together, these structural elements contribute to the stability of the sanctuary and demonstrate the sophistication of ancient Japanese building traditions.
The roof of the Main Sanctuary is covered using the traditional hiwada-buki technique, in which thin layers of cypress bark are carefully overlapped to create a durable and distinctive roof.
The cypress bark used here is longer than that used in many other examples of the technique. Layer after layer is carefully applied, creating a roof that can reach approximately 20 centimeters in thickness. At the eaves, the accumulated layers extend approximately 60 to 90 centimeters, giving the roof an exceptionally substantial appearance.
During the Heisei Grand Renewal in 2013, the roof underwent major restoration and was re-covered with new cypress bark.
Above the roof are enormous chigi, the distinctive forked finials characteristic of traditional Shinto architecture. The chigi here measure more than 7 meters long. The roof is also decorated with cylindrical katsuogi covered in copper. Together, these features give the Main Sanctuary its unmistakable silhouette and imposing presence.
Inside the Main Sanctuary, the sacred seat of Okuninushi-no-Okami faces west. This is an unusual arrangement because deities at many Japanese shrines are traditionally positioned facing south.
There are several theories about why Okuninushi faces west at Izumo Taisha. One interpretation connects the orientation with Mount Yakumo behind the shrine and with Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who is enshrined at Soga-no-Yashiro. Another interpretation focuses on the architectural structure of the raised-floor building and suggests that the most honored position naturally faces west.
The sanctuary is also associated with other important deities from Japanese mythology. In the northwestern area are the Mi-aeza Goshin, five divine figures traditionally regarded as among the first gods to appear at the beginning of creation.
The ceiling of the Main Sanctuary features a vivid painting known as the Painting of Eight Clouds. Swirling clouds spread across the ceiling in a dramatic composition.
The clouds are traditionally associated with the phrase “Yakumo tatsu Izumo”, meaning “Izumo, where eight clouds rise,” an expression closely connected with the ancient name and mythology of the region.
Within the sacred interior, the fantastical clouds can also be interpreted as an artistic representation of the world inhabited by the gods. Although visitors cannot freely enter the Main Sanctuary, the tradition surrounding this artwork adds another layer of mystery to the building.
The present Main Sanctuary is already remarkably large, but traditional accounts suggest that the ancient sanctuary may once have been much larger.
The Edo-period scholar Norinaga Motoori recorded accounts in his work Tamakatsuma stating that an earlier sanctuary may have reached approximately 48 meters high. Some traditions even describe a divine-age sanctuary reaching as high as 96 meters.
If the 48-meter tradition reflects the actual scale of an ancient structure, it would have stood taller than the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple of that era. The possibility that Izumo once possessed one of ancient Japan’s largest wooden structures continues to attract considerable interest.
In 2000, archaeological excavations within the shrine grounds uncovered enormous structural remains known as Uzu-bashira.
Each pillar consisted of three large timbers bound together, creating a structure approximately 1.4 meters in diameter. The discovery provided important archaeological evidence related to traditional accounts of an enormous ancient sanctuary.
The discovery brought renewed attention to the theory of an ancient giant Izumo Taisha. Today, visitors can see excavated pillar remains and reconstruction models at the Shinpo-den exhibition facility, where they can imagine the extraordinary scale of the ancient shrine.
At the top of the stone steps in front of the Main Sanctuary stands the beautiful Yatsuashimon Gate. Built in 1667, the gate features intricate decorative carvings inspired by flowers, birds, landscapes, and the changing seasons.
Ordinary visitors are generally not permitted to enter beyond this gate. However, parts of the area may occasionally be opened to the public during special periods, such as the New Year season.
South of Yatsuashimon stands the impressive Romon Gate, a magnificent two-story gate featuring elaborate bracket structures and a richly decorated architectural design.
The gate contributes to the solemn and imposing atmosphere of the central shrine complex.
In front of the Worship Hall stands a bronze torii gate, regarded as one of the oldest surviving bronze torii gates in Japan.
It was donated by Mori Tsunahiro in 1666. Its dark, substantial form provides a striking contrast with the surrounding wooden buildings.
The Main Sanctuary is protected by three layers of sacred fences known as the Tamagaki, Mizugaki, and Aragaki.
These fences serve an important religious purpose by marking the boundary between the sacred realm of the deity and the ordinary human world. They also help preserve the secluded atmosphere surrounding the Main Sanctuary.
Directly behind the Main Sanctuary, at the foot of Mount Yakumo, stands Soga-no-Yashiro. The shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the legendary deity famous for defeating the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi.
Behind the shrine, visitors can see and touch exposed rock from Mount Yakumo, an area traditionally regarded as sacred and off-limits to general entry. The combination of the ancient shrine, mountain, and exposed rock creates an especially mysterious atmosphere.
Long, narrow buildings known as the Nijukusha, or Nineteen Shrines, stand to the east and west of the Main Sanctuary. They are traditionally believed to serve as lodgings for the many deities who gather in Izumo during Kamiarizuki, the “Month When the Gods Are Present.”
During the Kamiari Festival, the doors are opened, and according to tradition, deities from throughout Japan stay here. The Nineteen Shrines provide a fascinating glimpse into the distinctive religious traditions of Izumo.
To the west of the Main Sanctuary stands the Kaguraden, famous for the enormous shimenawa sacred rope hanging from its facade.
The rope measures approximately 13 meters long and weighs about 5.2 tons, making it one of the largest shimenawa in Japan. It has become one of the most recognizable symbols associated with Izumo Taisha.
Kaguraden is also used for weddings and Shinto ceremonies, allowing visitors to experience the distinctive ceremonial atmosphere of Izumo.
The Main Sanctuary of Izumo Taisha is much more than an important historic building. It stands at the heart of a sacred landscape deeply connected with Japanese mythology and with centuries of prayer and worship.
Its enormous scale, sophisticated traditional architecture, distinctive structural design, mysterious orientation, and legends of an even greater ancient sanctuary all contribute to its extraordinary character.
When visiting Izumo Taisha, take time to appreciate the details visible from the permitted areas, including the massive roof, chigi, katsuogi, gates, sacred fences, and surrounding buildings. Each feature reflects traditions that have been preserved across generations.
By exploring the Main Sanctuary and its surroundings, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation of the spiritual traditions, architectural heritage, and mythology of ancient Japan, all within one of the country’s most remarkable sacred landscapes.