Taikodani Inari Shrine

Taikodani Inari Shrine is known as 1 of 5 Japan’s greatest Inari Shrines, alongside the famous one in Kyoto. It is very popular for its 1,000 vermilion Torii gates that create a 300m long tunnel along that snakes its way upside the mountain leading to the shrine. You can get a whole view of the town of Tsuwano from the Shrine, on top of the hill.
What is unique about this shrine is its kanji (Chinese character) for “Inari”. Usually, they use the kanji “稲荷” which means “rich harvest”, but on the other hand, Taikodani Inari Shrine uses the kanji “稲成” which means “granting one’s wish”. There is a story about a man who lost a very important key and visited this shrine to pray to find it. And after 7 days of praying, he found his key. This is why Taikodani Inari Shrine is believed to fulfill our wishes and uses kanji differently from other Inari Shrines.

Miho Shrine is located in a port, with Miho Bay unfolding before it and the scent of the ocean drifting through it. The stone paving that lies in front of the shrine’s torii gate turns pale blue when dampened by rain, and is known as Aoishidatami-dori (lit. “the blue-stone-paved street”). The streetscape is reminiscent of ancient times. A god with a deep connection to music is deified at the shrine, and concerts dedicated to the god are also held on the shrine grounds. It is said that worshippers will be blessed with better fortune if they visit Miho Shrine in conjunction with visiting another shrine, Izumo Taisha, so by all means, make your way to both. Miho Shrine enshrines the god of maritime safety, large fishing catches and business prosperity. The shrine’s cute wooden votive plaques are also popular, so why not write your wishes on one and offer it at the shrine? (Incidentally, Miho Shrine is the head shrine of more than 3,000 Ebisu shrines nationwide.)

Kamosu Shrine boasts a magnificent rock staircase built out of a stack of massive natural stones. The shrine has an austere and calm atmosphere, fitting for the home of the gods of ancient Izumo. It is said to answer prayers for marriage, conception, safe childbirth, and commercial prosperity. The main shrine is said to be the oldest existing example of a main shrine building in the Taisha architectural style, and is designated a national treasure. At first glance the main shrine appears to be constructed from plain wood, but originally it is believed to have been colored, and the main shrine’s inner chamber features richly-colored wall paintings. Also enshrined here are old iron pots that the shrine’s deities are said to have ridden when descending to the shrine from the heavens.

Tamatsukuriyu Shrine enshrines the guardian deity of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, which has a 1,300-year history and is said to be both the “hot spring of the gods” and the “hot spring of beautiful skin.” The shrine’s location within the hot spring district means it is possible to drop by as you take a stroll. Within the shrine itself, you will find a “wishing stone.” It is said that your wishes will be granted if you touch the stone and pray, and the shrine attracts a large number of visitors from around the world. Additionally, the shrine bridge with red balustrades that spans the clear stream of the Tamayu River in front of the shrine is also a popular spot for taking photos.

Yaegaki Shrine hugely popular as a spiritual spot for romance. In a small grove at the rear of the shine lies Mirror Pond. The practice of forecasting the outcome of various relationships based on how far and how long coins placed on Japanese paper can stay afloat on the pond before sinking is very popular among women. The shrine also offers various types of charms, and visitors love that they are able to select charms in their favorite colors. Even among the large number of matchmaking shrines in Shimane, Yaegaki Shine is one that is particularly popular thanks to its reputation for answering prayers for a suitable marriage partner and a happy marriage.

Dedicated to the Shinto god of “en” (the ties that binds us together) Okuninushi-no-Okami, Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is one of the oldest and most venerated shrines in Japan. The main hall is constructed in the “taisha-zukuri” style, one of the oldest form of shrine architecture in Japan, and has been designated as a National Treasure. Each year during the 10th month of the Lunar calendar the gods from throughout Japan congregate at Izumo Taisha for their annual meeting. Only in Izumo is this month known as “The Month With Gods.” The “shimenawa” (sacred straw rope) that hang at Kagura-den Hall in one of the largest in Japan, weighing an impressive 5 tons.