Ou, what a relief
Ancient Izumo is a land of legends, associated with Susanoo and the slaying of the eight-headed monster (Yamata no Orochi). it’s also said to be the burial place of the mythological Izanami, who together … Read the rest
Category: Shrine visits (Page 18 of 21)
One of the most attractive areas in Japan is around Hakone and Lake Ashi. It’s a popular resort in summer, but pleasant out of season when the crowds have gone. Like many lakes in the region, it has shrines … Read the rest
Nagano in the middle of Japan is fast becoming one of my favourite places. With its mountain scenery, unspoilt landscapes and ancient traditions, what’s not to like? You’ve got to fall for a place where flautists play music for … Read the rest
Entrance to Yaegaki Shrine with characteristic Izumo-style rice rope
Japan is a land of pilgrimages, and wherever you go there’s some kind of ‘course’ to follow. In former times this would have involved walking; nowadays it’s done for the most … Read the rest
Kami visitors
The best time to visit Izumo is when all the kami of Japan go. That’s in the tenth month of the old lunar calendar (the dates vary in the modern calendar but are around this time of … Read the rest
When you approach Izumo Shrine these days, it’s along a busy road and past humdrum buildings. Once, however, the approach must have been breathtaking. Nestled against tree-covered slopes, there stood an enormous shrine whose dimensions dwarfed its surrounds.
Today the … Read the rest
Foundation
Izumo Taisha is more than a shrine. It’s a legend, a symbol, a reminder of a once glorious past. It’s the country’s foremost shrine for enmusubi (love connections). It’s got the biggest honden (inner sanctuary) in Japan, and the … Read the rest