What is Soga Shrine?
Soga Shrine is a subsidiary shrine located directly behind the main hall of Izumo Taisha Shrine, and is known as the most powerful spiritual spot within the Izumo Taisha grounds. The enshrined deity is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the parent deity of Okuninushi-no-Okami.
History and Origins of Soga Shrine
Soga Shrine holds a special position among the subsidiary shrines of Izumo Taisha Shrine. Its location directly behind the main hall is believed to symbolize the protection of Okuninushi-no-Okami from behind, and it has attracted worshippers since ancient times.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a heroic deity in Japanese mythology, known for slaying the Yamata-no-Orochi (eight-headed serpent), and is revered as a god of protection against misfortune and disaster. He has deep ties to the Izumo region, where he married Kushinadahime, and his descendants continue to Okuninushi-no-Okami.
Architectural Style of Soga Shrine
Soga Shrine is built on a cave backed by Mount Yakumo, and is characterized by its mystical appearance, integrated with the natural bedrock. The shrine building is in the Taisha-zukuri style, and although small in scale, it possesses a dignified and formal structure.
Points and Proper Etiquette for Worship
Basic Worship Procedure
The proper order of worship is to visit Soga Shrine only after visiting the main shrine of Izumo Taisha.
Flow of Worship
- Worship at Izumo Taisha Main Shrine: First, worship at the main shrine and the worship hall to Okuninushi-no-Okami.
- Move to the back of the main shrine: Proceed to the back of the main shrine, either clockwise or counterclockwise.
- Arrive at Soga Shrine: Ascend the stone steps to the front of the shrine.
- Two bows, four claps, one bow: Worship according to the customs of Izumo Taisha Shrine.
Special Worship Method Using Sand from Inasa Beach
Soga Shrine has a unique worship method using sand from Inasa Beach. This is a custom that has been passed down among the local people for generations.
Sand Replacement Procedure
- Collect sand from Inasa Beach: Collect a small amount of pure sand from Inasa Beach, located about 1km west of Izumo Taisha Shrine (place it in a plastic bag, etc.).
- Offer it under the floor of Suga Shrine: Place the sand from Inasa Beach under the floor of the shrine (on the right side when facing it).
- Receive sand from Suga Shrine: Take a small amount of sand from under the floor in return.
- Take it home and use it: Scatter it on your property or keep it as a protective amulet.
Meaning and Effects of the Sand
Inasa Beach is the setting for the myth of the transfer of the land and is considered a sacred place. By offering the sand from this beach to Suga Shrine and receiving the sand imbued with the power of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, it is believed to have a powerful effect of warding off evil and purifying.
Points to Note When Visiting
- Silence: As this is a sacred place behind the main shrine, please refrain from talking.
- Photography: Please be considerate and avoid disrupting worshippers.
- Amount of Sand: Please use only the minimum necessary amount (about a handful).
- Weather: Please be careful as the ground can be slippery in rainy weather.
Benefits of Suga Shrine
Main Benefits
At Suga Shrine, the following benefits are believed to be available through the divine virtues of Susanoo-no-Mikoto:
Protection from Misfortune and Disaster
As the god of valor who defeated Yamata-no-Orochi, he is believed to protect against all kinds of calamities. It is especially recommended to visit when facing life-changing events or difficulties.
Matchmaking and Family Harmony
As a divine couple with Kushinadahime, he also offers benefits for successful relationships and marital harmony. Many people visit in conjunction with Izumo Taisha Shrine for matchmaking.
Healing from Illness and Longevity
It is believed that the powerful purifying energy cleanses the mind and body of impurities and protects health.
Business Prosperity and Good Fortune in Competitions
Many visitors pray here for business success and victory in competitions, due to its powerful ability to overcome difficulties.
Suga Shrine as a Power Spot
Suga Shrine is known as a place within the Izumo Taisha grounds where particularly strong energy can be felt.
- Energy of Yakumo Mountain: The energy of the earth flowing from Yakumo Mountain behind the shrine
- Power of the Bedrock: Powerful energy from the cave on which the shrine stands
- Positional Relationship with the Main Shrine: A place where the divine energies of Okuninushi-no-Okami and Susanoo-no-Mikoto, father and son, intersect
Many visitors report feeling that “the air is different” and “their bodies feel lighter.”
Access Information
Access from Izumo Taisha Shrine Grounds
Soga Shrine is located directly behind the main hall of Izumo Taisha Shrine.
Directions from the Shrine Grounds
- After visiting the Worship Hall and Main Shrine, proceed along the sacred fence surrounding the Main Shrine.
- Upon arriving at the back of the Main Shrine, you will see stone steps.
- Climb the stone steps (approximately 20 steps) to reach the Suga Shrine.
- Estimated time: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from the Main Shrine.
Location on the Shrine Grounds Map
- Located directly north of the Main Shrine.
- Behind the Main Shrine as seen from the Hassokumon Gate.
- Other subsidiary shrines are scattered throughout the area.
Access to Izumo Taisha Shrine
Access by Train
From JR Izumo-shi Station
- Approximately 25 minutes by Ichibata Bus “Izumo Taisha, Hinomisaki, Uryu-bound”
- Get off at the “Izumo Taisha” bus stop, approximately 5 minutes on foot to the Izumo Taisha entrance.
Ichibata Railway
- Approximately 25 minutes from Izumo-shi Station to “Izumo Taisha-mae Station”
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from the station to Izumo Taisha Shrine
Access by Car
- Approximately 15 minutes from the San’in Expressway “Izumo IC”
- Parking: Several free and paid parking lots are available around Izumo Taisha Shrine
- Public transportation is recommended during peak seasons (New Year’s, Golden Week, Kamiari-zuki) due to congestion
Access to Inasa-no-Hama Beach
If you wish to exchange the sand, please visit Inasa-no-Hama Beach first.
- Approximately 1 km west of Izumo Taisha Shrine (approximately 15 minutes on foot)
- Immediately after alighting at the Ichibata Bus “Inasa-no-Hama” bus stop
- If traveling by car, please use the Inasa-no-Hama Beach parking lot (free)
Recommended Route
Visiting in the order of Inasa-no-Hama Beach → Izumo Taisha Shrine → Suga Shrine is efficient.
Best Time and Season for Visiting
Recommended Time
- Early Morning (Immediately after opening): Fewer visitors, allowing for a quiet visit. In the refreshing air, it’s easier to feel the divine presence.
- Weekday mornings: Relatively uncrowded, allowing for a peaceful visit.
- Evenings: The time when the setting sun shines in creates a mystical atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit
Kamiari-zuki (October in the lunar calendar, around November in the Gregorian calendar)
A special period when gods from all over Japan gather in Izumo. It is said that a particularly powerful energy can be felt, but it is extremely crowded.
Reitaisai (May 14th-16th)
The most important festival of Izumo Taisha. Visiting during this time also holds special significance.
Times to Avoid
- The first three days of the New Year: Extremely crowded, making a peaceful visit impossible.
- Golden Week, Obon: Crowded with tourists.
Nearby Attractions
Sights within the Izumo Taisha grounds that you should visit in conjunction with your visit to Suga Shrine.
Main Spots within the Shrine Grounds
- Main Hall: Designated a National Treasure, the pinnacle of Taisha-zukuri architecture
- Kagura Hall: One of Japan’s largest Shimenawa (sacred ropes)
- Treasure Hall: Exhibits the history and treasures of Izumo Taisha
Nearby Spots
- Inasa Beach: Benten Island, the setting of the myth of the transfer of the land
- Hinomisaki Shrine: “Hishizumi-no-miya,” the counterpart to Izumo Taisha
- Former Taisha Station: A nationally important cultural property, a beautiful station building in traditional Japanese architecture
Summary
Soga Shrine is an important spot that should not be missed when visiting Izumo Taisha. After visiting the main hall, be sure to extend your visit and experience the powerful divine energy of Susanoo-no-Mikoto. If you have time, we also recommend trying the worship method using the sand of Inasa Beach.
Enjoy a peaceful and tranquil worship experience, and receive purification of mind and body and renewed strength.
