Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is dedicated to Ōkuninushi no ōkami, famously known as the deity of en musubi, making the connections which bind us all together. This, of course, includes romantic relationships but also involves friendships, family, and even chance encounters. The Main Hall of the shrine, a national treasure, stands at 24 meters, making it the tallest shrine building in the country. As impressive as that height is now, in ancient times it was said to have been 48 meters tall.

During the tenth month of the old Japanese lunar-based calendar, all of the various deities throughout Japan leave their areas and come to Izumo Taisha, where they meet and discuss what kinds of connections people will make in the upcoming year. As such, the tenth month is known as Kannazuki, or The Month of No Gods, throughout Japan, but in the Izumo region, that same time is known as Kamiarizuki or The Month of the Gods. Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is also famous for the enormous shimenawa rope which hangs on the Kagura Hall. Shimenawa are straw ropes which designate holy spots on or around shrine grounds. Near the main shrine gate for Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, there is a place where visitors can experience making their own shimenawa, and the staff there are involved with making the giant shimenawa on the Kagura Hall.

“Ancient IZUMO”
https://ancient-japan-izumo.com