20 Shrines in Shimane worth your time

A historic coastal shrine complex in Izumo featuring twelve National Important Cultural Properties and unique Gongen-zukuri architecture.

What it is

• A coastal shrine complex dedicated to the deities Amaterasu Omikami and Susanoo-no-Mikoto
• Known as the protector of the night in Japan
• The current buildings were constructed by order of the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu
• Consists of two main shrines named Kami-no-miya and Hishizumi-no-miya

What to see

• Twelve shrine buildings designated as National Important Cultural Properties
• Traditional shrine architecture following the distinct Gongen-zukuri style
• A National Treasure white-threaded armor dating back to the Kamakura period
• Nearby Fumishima island which serves as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls

When to go

• The annual Rei-taisai festival held every year on August 7th

Getting there

• Accessible by taking a bus from the JR Izumo City Station

Read more about Hinomisaki Shrine

One of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to the deity Okuninushi-no-Okami and famous for its massive architecture.

What it is

• One of the most significant Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to the deity Okuninushi-no-Okami.
• The primary shrine of the former Izumo Province, historically known as Kizuki Taisha until 1871.
• The Izumo Kokuso family has performed rituals at this site since ancient times.
• The current main hall was built in 1744 and underwent major renovations completed in 2013.

What to see

• The 24-meter-tall main hall, which is a masterpiece of traditional Japanese architecture.
• A massive sacred straw rope weighing 5.2 tons located at the Kagura-den hall.
• A national flag pole standing 47 meters tall within the shrine grounds.
• A large wooden pillar made of three bundled logs excavated on the site in 2000.
• The shrine crest featuring a double hexagon design with a sword-flower diamond.

Official site

izumooyashiro.or.jp

Read more about Izumo Taisha

An ancient shrine in Nishinoshima featuring unique Oki-zukuri architecture and a mysterious burial mound located directly behind the main hall.

What it is

• An ancient shrine listed in the 10th-century Engishiki records.
• The current enshrined deities are officially recorded as unknown.
• The Uno family has traditionally served as the hereditary priests.
• Located east of Beppu Port and north of the Kuroki Imperial Palace ruins.

What to see

• Main building reconstructed in 1867 using the regional Oki-zukuri architectural style.
• A burial mound situated directly behind the main shrine building.
• Branch shrines on the grounds dedicated to Ise and Inari.
• Site where obsidian arrowheads were previously excavated from the adjacent grounds.

When to go

• The annual shrine festival is held every year on July 21.
• A traditional boat procession festival takes place every other year.

Read more about Kai Shrine

This shrine is where the god Susanoo chose to spend eternity, making it his true shrine.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to the god Susanoo no Mikoto.
• Considered Susanoo's true shrine, despite its modesty.
• Located in a valley where Susanoo chose to spend eternity.
• Current main building dates from the nineteenth century.

What to see

• Zuijin-mon, a small roofed wooden gate with guardian figures.
• Haiden, an enclosed prayer hall for offerings.
• Honden, the main hall, 12-meters tall, in Grand Shrine style.
• Shrine to goddess Amaterasu Omikami, Susanoo’s older sister.
• Ohsugi-san, a giant cedar tree over 1,300 years old.
• Seven legendary wonders, including a saltwater well and a shadowless cherry tree.

When to go

• Any time to see the ancient cedar tree and shrine buildings.

Address

島根県出雲市佐田町須佐730 Map

Read more about Susa Shrine

A historic shrine in Okinoshima featuring unique architecture and the largest ancient stone burial chamber on the Oki Islands.

What it is

• The primary Shinto shrine of the former Oki Province.
• Dedicated to the deity Mizuwakasu-no-mikoto.
• Listed as a Myojin Taisha in the historical Engishiki records.

What to see

• The main hall built in 1795 in the distinct Oki-zukuri style.
• A Zuishinmon gate dating back to 1811.
• The largest stone burial chamber found in the Oki region.
• A main hall designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

When to go

• The Sairei Furyu festival is held during even-numbered years.

Getting there

• Take a 40-minute bus ride from Saigo Port.

Read more about Mizuwakasu Shrine

Ancient shrine dedicated to deities, known for its cultural properties and unique festivals.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto.
• Aohata Sakusahiko-no-Mikoto is also enshrined here.
• Formerly known as Sakusa Shrine, a prefectural shrine.
• One of the Ouu Rokusha shrines.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in the mid-Edo period.
• Worship hall rebuilt in 1964.
• Three Important Cultural Properties: painted wooden statues.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on October 20th.
• Migakushi Shinji festival is held on May 3rd.

Getting there

• Accessible by municipal bus from Matsue Station.

Address

島根県松江市佐草町227 Map

Official site

yaegakijinja.or.jp

Read more about Yaegaki Shrine

Isemikoto Shrine: a historic shrine on Dogo island, known for its unique architecture and traditional festival.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha (Myojin Taisha) listed in Engishiki Jinmyocho.
• Dedicated to the deity Isemikoto.
• Restored to Isemikoto Shrine in the Meiji period.
• Located at the northern tip of Dogo island.

What to see

• The current main shrine, rebuilt in 1841.
• Main shrine roof, changed to copper plating in Showa period.
• Main shrine and worship hall are cultural properties.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on July 26.
• Kumi Kagura performed on July 26 or 25.
• Kumi Kagura is a national intangible folk cultural property.

Address

島根県隠岐郡隠岐の島町久見字宮川原375 Map

Read more about Isemikoto Shrine

This ancient shrine, dedicated to jade crafting, offers a glimpse into Japan's historical artistry.

What it is

• Ancient Shikinai-sha and Kensha shrine.
• Dedicated to Kushiakaratama-no-mikoto and other deities.
• Associated with the production of magatama and other jewels.
• Grounds are part of a National Historic Site.

What to see

• Shrine crest: double tortoise shell with jewels and magatama.
• Main hall, rebuilt in 1857.
• Artifacts from Izumo Tamatsukuri ruins, Important Cultural Properties.
• Approximately 700 ancient jade-making materials.
• Tamatsukuri Tsukiyama Kofun, a Prefectural Historic Site.
• Several subsidiary shrines on the grounds.

Address

島根県松江市玉湯町玉造508 Map

Read more about Tamatsukuriyu Shrine

An ancient shrine listed in the Engishiki records featuring a main hall dedicated to the deity of agriculture and feudal lords.

What it is

• A historic shrine dedicated to the primary deity Ame-no-Toyotarashikara-hime-no-mikoto.
• The grounds include Kameyama Shrine which enshrines successive feudal lords of Hamada.
• This site is officially listed in the ancient Engishiki records.
• The location was moved into Hamada Castle by Furuta Shigeharu in 1620.

What to see

• The current main hall and worship hall constructed in 1874.
• Kameyama Shrine located within the larger shrine grounds.
• Architecture resulting from a major renovation that took place in 1486.

Read more about Ame-no-Toyotarashikara-hime-no-mikoto Shrine

Visit this shrine to Japan's greatest ancient poet, a designated cultural property with unique festivals.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to poet Kakinomoto Hitomaro.
• Claims to be head shrine of all Kakinomoto shrines.
• Founded in the Kampei era by Emperor Shomu's order.
• Hitomaro is worshipped as a god of learning and agriculture.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1712.
• Main hall is a designated cultural property.
• Shrine grounds are part of Manyo Park.
• Displays artistic works of waka poems by emperors.

When to go

• Main festival is held on April 15th.
• Hasso Festival on September 1st includes Yabusame.

Address

島根県益田市高津町上市イ2616-1 Map

Read more about Takatsu-kakinomoto Shrine

Kamosu Shrine, a National Treasure, preserves Japan's oldest Taisha-zukuri main hall.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.
• Local names include Kamosu-san and Oba no Omiya-san.
• Believed to be founded around the mid-Heian period.
• First mentioned in literature in 1208.

What to see

• The main hall, a National Treasure.
• Oldest existing Taisha-zukuri style building.
• Main hall rebuilt in 1583.
• Main hall roof has three katsuogi and chigi.
• Interior paintings by Kano Sanraku and Tosa Mitsuoki.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus or taxi from JR Matsue Station.

Address

島根県松江市大庭町563 Map

Read more about Kamosu Shrine

Mononobe Shrine, founded in 514 AD, is a historic site dedicated to Umashimaji-no-mikoto.

What it is

• An Ichinomiya of Iwami Province.
• Dedicated to the deity Umashimaji-no-mikoto.
• Founded in 514 AD.
• A Beppyo Jinja of the Association of Shinto Shrines.

What to see

• The main hall is a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• A Tachi sword inscribed Ryokai, a National Important Cultural Property.
• The shrine's crest is a crane carrying a red sun.

When to go

• Chinkon-sai festival is held on November 24th.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Oda City Station.

Address

島根県大田市川合町川合1545 Map

Official site

www.mononobe-jinja.jp

Read more about Mononobe Shrine

Takuhi Shrine, a mountain-top guardian of safe voyages, offers unique cultural properties and views.

What it is

• Shrine on Mt. Takuhi, highest peak on Nishinoshima.
• Revered as a guardian deity for safe voyages.
• Enshrines Ohirume-no-Mikoto, another name for Amaterasu Omikami.
• Main hall built in 1732 by Torii Jinbei.

What to see

• Main hall, connecting hall, and worship hall are Important Cultural Properties.
• Tomodo Japanese boat is an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property.
• Bronze bell from 1618 is a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• Sacred area contains a designated natural monument plant community.

Address

島根県隠岐郡西ノ島町美田1294 Map

Read more about Takuhi Shrine

Japan's first palace, this shrine offers a glimpse into ancient Shinto origins and unique rock formations.

What it is

• Known as "Japan's First Palace" (Nihon Hatsu no Miya).
• Dedicated to deities Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inadahime-no-Mikoto.
• The 16th site of the Izumo-no-Kuni Shinbutsu Reijo pilgrimage.

What to see

• The shrine's crest is the Tomoe.
• Sacred Meotoiwa rock formation behind the shrine.
• Several subsidiary shrines on the grounds.

When to go

• Annual Hyakude-no-Mato Shinji festival.
• Annual Chino-wa Shinji festival.
• Shokujika Shinji held the night before the annual festival.

Official site

suga-jinja.or.jp

Read more about Suga Shrine

Yaeyama Shrine, a guardian of livestock, offers ancient statues and artifacts worth an hour's visit.

What it is

• Revered as a guardian deity of cattle and horses.
• Enshrines Izanami-no-Mikoto and Amaterasu Omikami.
• Current building rebuilt in 1734.

What to see

• Steep stone staircase to the Zuishinmon gate.
• Zuishinmon gate with A-un komainu statues.
• Zuishin statues and komainu by Tsubouchi Heishichiro Toshitada.
• Armor and helmets from 1351.
• Oldest existing Fukumitsu stone komainu.

When to go

• Annual festival on April 13th.
• Monthly festival on the 13th of each month.

Address

島根県雲南市掛合町入間57番地[1] Map

Read more about Yaeyama Shrine

Visit this historic shrine to see medieval architecture and Japan's oldest yabusame grounds.

What it is

• A shrine in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture.
• First established between 947 and 956.
• Rebuilt in 1568 by Yoshimi Masayori.
• Designated a Japan Heritage cultural property in 2015.

What to see

• Current main hall built in 1387.
• Main hall and tower gate show late Muromachi period features.
• Main hall, worship hall, and tower gate are important cultural properties.
• Yabusame grounds are a Shimane Prefecture historic site.
• A large cedar tree is a town-designated natural monument.

Read more about Washibara Hachimangū

Kumano Taisha is an ancient shrine in Matsue with unique historical artifacts.

What it is

• An ancient Shikinai-sha shrine in Matsue City.
• It is the Ichinomiya of Izumo Province.
• Known as "Hinomoto Hidezome no Yashiro."
• Dedicated to Izanagi Hinamago Kafurogi Kumano Okami Kushimikenu no Mikoto.

What to see

• The current main hall, built in 1948.
• The Sanjika-den, built in 1915.
• Four volumes of historical paper documents.
• A Sazae-gata Kabuto helmet from 1643.
• Seven ancient mirrors from Kamakura to Muromachi periods.
• A Yayoi period bronze bell.

Address

島根県松江市八雲町熊野2451 Map

Official site

www.kumanotaisha.or.jp

Read more about Kumano Taisha

Ancient shrine with important cultural properties, including a unique main hall and historic treasures.

What it is

• Shrine dedicated to Tamawakasu-no-Mikoto.
• Also enshrines six other deities.
• Designated a prefectural shrine in 1872.

What to see

• Main hall, Zuishinmon, and Okike residence are Important Cultural Properties.
• Two station bells and one Oki Kura seal are Important Cultural Properties.
• Tamawakasu-no-Mikoto Shrine Kofun Group is a Prefectural Historic Site.

When to go

• Goryo-e festival is a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Address

島根県隠岐郡隠岐の島町下西701 Map

Read more about Tamawakasu-no-Mikoto Shrine

Inada Shrine honors a goddess of good relationships, offering a glimpse into ancient myths.

What it is

• Dedicated to Kushinadahime-no-mikoto, a goddess of good relationships.
• Also enshrines Okuninushi-no-mikoto and Susanoo-no-mikoto.
• Current buildings were donated in 1938.

What to see

• Shrine buildings are a town cultural property.
• Ubuyu-no-ike pond, associated with Inada-hime.
• Sasa-no-miya, where an umbilical cord was cut.

When to go

• Spring Grand Festival is held on April 26th.
• Autumn Grand Festival is held on October 26th.

Address

島根県仁多郡奥出雲町稲原2128番地1 Map

Read more about Inada Shrine

Kanbara Shrine is an ancient Shikinaisha shrine with important artifacts and a vibrant lion dance.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha shrine in Unnan City.
• Dedicated to Okuninushi-no-kami and two other deities.
• Mentioned in the ancient Izumo-no-kuni Fudoki.
• Formerly ranked as a village shrine.

What to see

• The current shrine building, relocated in 1972.
• Excavated artifacts designated as Important Cultural Properties.
• A triangular-rimmed divine beast mirror with an inscription.

When to go

• Annual festival for the lion dance performance.

Address

島根県雲南市加茂町神原1436 Map

Read more about Kanbara Shrine