If you visit Shimane Prefecture, spend a day in Izumo and visit the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. The shrine is surrounded by hills and forest, enhancing the shrine's natural and traditional beauty. The shrine has many different buildings, giving the eyes plenty to look at and admire. The architecture of the buildings are impressive. Next to the shrine is a... More

If you happen to be passing Izumo, then is Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine definitely worth to visit. A really beautiful shrine complex, which is surrounded by nature. The shrine it self is devided in several buildings and you can really enjoy walking around the complex and the garden, because there are not many tourists and the place it self conveys... More

The main attraction of Izumo; it is said that the Shinto god of relationships and matchmaking resides in this shrine! Walking towards the shrine from the train station you are greeted by a by a large torii gate. Although part of the shrine is undergoing its regular 60-year maintenance, you still have access to a large part of the grounds.... More

The Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is a beautiful place to enjoy and experience the more traditional side of Japan. It is a must see if you are anywhere near Izumo. The Shrine grounds are very expansive and one can spend hours walking around and enjoying the park like atmosphere. The backdrop of the tree covered mountains and the towering trees... More

An essential spot to visit if you're interested in Shintoism or in Izumo anyway, though it's funner if you're single and can take part in the matchmaking gimicks. Fans of Japanese architecture will also appreciate Japan's largest shimenawa rope and the Taisha-tsukuri building style. The main shrine, a national treasure, will be reopening this May after its renovations are finished... More

We visited during a busy weekend but you still felt you had space. Arriving by train turn right, not left as we did, and walk up the slight incline to the entrance to the shrine. Before you leave the station you will probably see a notice offering free english guidied tours - we missed it and only saw it on... More

The Izumo shrine is very famous in Japan. According to japanese tradition, all gods come to Izumo in every October, .

Izumo Taisha is likely Shimane's most famous attraction. The shrine, built in sometime in the Heian period and reconstructed in the 18th century, is famous for young couples and single women, who pray for God to fulfill their wishes (of marriage). But I went there for the giant knot! The scale of this shrine is magnificent. It's one of the... More