About Izumoi Shrine (Izumoji Shrine)
Izumoi Shrine (Izumoi-sha) is one of the subsidiary shrines of Izumo Taisha, also known as Izumoji Shrine (Izumoji-sha). Located on the east side of the Izumo Taisha grounds, it is a historic shrine that has been cherished by the local people since ancient times.
Deities and History
Deities Enshrined
Izumoi Shrine enshrines Funado-no-kami. Funado-no-kami is the deity who protects road crossroads and boundaries, and is believed to preside over safe travels, decision-making regarding direction, and guidance at crossroads in life.
Historical Background
The exact founding date of Izumoi Shrine is unclear, but it is a historic subsidiary shrine that appears in old records of Izumo Taisha. The name “Izumoji” is said to originate from the fact that this area was once a major route to Izumo, and it has played a role in watching over travelers and pilgrims.
Benefits and Divine Virtues
The main benefits believed to be bestowed at Izumoi Shrine are as follows:
Main Benefits
- Safe Travel and Traffic Safety: As the god of roads, it protects your safe journeys.
- Guidance at Life’s Crossroads: Support during important decisions such as career choices and job changes.
- Protection from Misfortune: Protection from misfortunes from unfavorable directions.
- Matchmaking: As a subsidiary shrine of Izumo Taisha, it helps in finding a good partner.
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: The power to forge a new path.
Recommended for these occasions
- Praying for safety before travel or business trips.
- Life-changing moments such as entering higher education, starting a new job, or changing jobs.
- When starting a new business or plan.
- Organizing your thoughts when you are feeling lost or troubled.
Points to Note When Visiting
Etiquette for Visiting
As a subsidiary shrine of Izumo Taisha, the basic etiquette for visiting follows that of Izumo Taisha.
- Bow before the Torii gate: Prepare your mind before entering the shrine grounds.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: Use the water basin at Izumo Taisha Shrine.
- Two bows, four claps, one bow: Worship using the unique rituals of Izumo Taisha Shrine.
- Two deep bows
- Four claps (usually two claps at other shrines)
- One deep bow
- Quietly make your wish: Silently state your specific wish.
Points to note when visiting
- Be quiet: As it is a small shrine, be considerate of those around you.
- Photography: Be considerate of other worshippers.
- Combine with Izumo Taisha Main Shrine visit: Visiting as part of a tour of the subsidiary shrines is recommended.
- Time of day: The refreshing morning hours create a particularly sacred atmosphere.
Recommended Worship Route
When visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine, the following route to visit the subsidiary shrines is efficient.
- Visiting the Main Hall of Izumo Taisha Shrine
- Suga Shrine (Behind the Main Hall)
- Izumoi Shrine (East Side)
- Other Subsidiary Shrines
- Kagura Hall
Access and Basic Information
Location
Address: 195 Kitzuki-Higashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture (East side of Izumo Taisha Shrine grounds)
Access Methods
Access by Train
- Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Ichibata Railway “Izumo Taisha-mae Station”
- Approximately 25 minutes by Ichibata Bus bound for “Izumo Taisha” from JR Izumo-shi Station, then a 5-minute walk from the last stop
Access by Car
- Approximately 15 minutes from San’in Expressway “Izumo IC”
- Parking: Use the Izumo Taisha Shrine visitor parking lot (Free, approximately 400 cars)
- Large Parking Lot: 5 minutes on foot from Shinmon-dori Street
- Second Parking Lot: Closer to the shrine grounds
Visiting Hours
- Visiting Hours: Open all day (as it is within the Izumo Taisha shrine grounds)
- Recommended Time: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM (Visit in the refreshing morning air)
- Shrine Office: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Izumo Taisha Shrine Office)
Nearby Attractions
- Izumo Taisha Main Hall: 1 minute walk
- Kagura Hall: Japan’s largest Shimenawa (sacred rope)
- Ancient Izumo History Museum: 5 minute walk
- Inasa Beach: 15 minute walk, a setting for mythology
- Shimane Prefectural Ancient Izumo History Museum: Learn about the history of Izumo
Summary
Izumoi Shrine is one of the subsidiary shrines you should definitely visit when visiting Izumo Taisha. Although small in scale, it has long been revered as a god of roads, guiding people at crossroads in their lives. Why not take some time to quietly offer a prayer at this shrine, perhaps alongside your visit to the main hall of Izumo Taisha? This shrine is especially recommended for those seeking safe travels or guidance in life.
