Izumo Taisha

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.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.