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39-421: A style of architecture, taisha-zukuri , takes its name from the main hall of Izumo-taisha. That hall, and the attached buildings, were designated National Treasures of Japan in 1952. According to tradition, the hall was previously much taller than at present. The discovery in the year 2000 of the remains of enormous pillars has lent credence to this. The shrine has been rebuilt every 60 to 70 years to maintain

78-458: A bark roof decorated with poles called chigi and katsuogi , plus archaic features like gable-end pillars and a single central pillar ( shin no mihashira ). The honden's floor is raised above the ground through the use of stilts (see photo). Like the shinmei-zukuri and sumiyoshi-zukuri styles, it predates the arrival of Buddhism in Japan. Ancient shrines were constructed according to

117-410: A bark roof decorated with poles called chigi and katsuogi , plus archaic features like gable-end pillars and a single central pillar ( shin no mihashira ). The honden's floor is raised above the ground through the use of stilts (see photo). Like the shinmei-zukuri and sumiyoshi-zukuri styles, it predates the arrival of Buddhism in Japan. Ancient shrines were constructed according to

156-509: A diameter of 10.9 cm, has no obvious structural role and is believed to have had a purely religious significance. The external stairway is covered by an independent bark-covered roof (see illustration in the gallery). The honden's interior is a square divided into four identical sections, each covered by fifteen tatami (straw mats). The floor plan has therefore the shape of the Chinese character for rice field ( 田 ) , an element which suggests

195-459: A diameter of 10.9 cm, has no obvious structural role and is believed to have had a purely religious significance. The external stairway is covered by an independent bark-covered roof (see illustration in the gallery). The honden's interior is a square divided into four identical sections, each covered by fifteen tatami (straw mats). The floor plan has therefore the shape of the Chinese character for rice field ( 田 ) , an element which suggests

234-564: A possible connection with harvest propitiation rites. Because its floor is raised above the ground, the honden is believed to have its origin in raised-floor granaries like those found in Toro , Shizuoka prefecture . The oldest extant example of taisha-zukuri is the honden at Kamosu Shrine in Matsue, Shimane prefecture , built in 1582 and now declared a National Treasure . Smaller than Izumo Taisha's, it nonetheless has thick supporting pillars. It

273-470: A possible connection with harvest propitiation rites. Because its floor is raised above the ground, the honden is believed to have its origin in raised-floor granaries like those found in Toro , Shizuoka prefecture . The oldest extant example of taisha-zukuri is the honden at Kamosu Shrine in Matsue, Shimane prefecture , built in 1582 and now declared a National Treasure . Smaller than Izumo Taisha's, it nonetheless has thick supporting pillars. It

312-623: A set of Japan's oldest wooden pestle and an igniting board and a small boat that was hollowed out of a piece of wood. The small boat was believed to have come from the upper stream of the Yoshino River , through the Seto Inland Sea, and to the Inasa Beach near Izumo-taisha. Festivals or matsuri in Izumo are times when people gather around the god to fulfill their wish to live a happy life. One of

351-569: Is Izumo Oyashiro-kyo Religion Festival. In the tenth month of the traditional lunar calendar, a festival is held to welcome all the gods to Izumo Grand Shrine. It is believed that the gods convene at Izumo Shrine in October to discuss the coming year's marriages, deaths, and births. For this reason, people around the Izumo area call October kamiarizuki ("the month with gods"), but the rest of Japan calls October Kannazuki ("the month without gods"). The descendants of Amenohohi-no-mikoto ( 天穂日命 ) ,

390-401: Is a gabled building 2x2 ken in size, with an entrance on the gabled end (a characteristic called tsumairi -zukuri ( 妻入造 ) . Like Ise Grand Shrine's, it has purely ornamental poles called chigi (vertical) and katsuogi (horizontal) on a cypress bark-covered roof, plus archaic features like gable-end pillars and a single central pillar ( shin no mihashira ( 心の御柱 ) ). This pillar has

429-401: Is a gabled building 2x2 ken in size, with an entrance on the gabled end (a characteristic called tsumairi -zukuri ( 妻入造 ) . Like Ise Grand Shrine's, it has purely ornamental poles called chigi (vertical) and katsuogi (horizontal) on a cypress bark-covered roof, plus archaic features like gable-end pillars and a single central pillar ( shin no mihashira ( 心の御柱 ) ). This pillar has

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468-429: Is deeper, has a higher floor, and differs significantly from Izumo Taisha's. It probably represents an older style of construction. Taisha-zukuri Taisha-zukuri or Ōyashiro-zukuri ( 大社造 ) is an ancient Japanese architectural style and the oldest Shinto shrine architectural style . Named after Izumo Taisha 's honden (sanctuary), like Ise Grand Shrine 's shinmei-zukuri style it features

507-492: Is on display at the shrine. Although there is not much early evidence one can see when visiting, there is a shop just before the main entrance that has a smaller scale model of the original main structure made by local college students. During the Kamakura period , around 1200, the main structure was reduced in size. Then in 1744, the shrine was reconstructed to the present size of 24 meters high and 11 meters square at its base. In

546-514: The Kanpei-taisha ( 官幣大社 ) , meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines. In April 2008, the spirit was moved to temporary housing in the front shrine of Izumo-taisha in preparation for the Heisei-period renovations. Izumo-taisha's inner shrine was opened to the public for the first time in 60 years in the summer of 2008. On completion of the renovations, Ōkuninushi

585-627: The Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki , when Ninigi-no-Mikoto , grandson of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu , descended from the heavens, the god Ōkuninushi granted his country to Ninigi-no-Mikoto . Amaterasu was much pleased by this action and she presented Izumo-taisha to Ōkuninushi. At one time, the Japanese islands were controlled from Izumo, according to Shinto myths. Izumo, known as the realm of gods or

624-521: The Allied occupation after World War II , Shinto was separated from the government control and Izumo-taisha was reformed into a private shrine, then Senge and its Izumo-taisha-kyo took back the position of the administrator of Izumo-taisha. Takatoshi Senge ( 千家尊祀 ) , the 83rd-generation Izumo no Kuni no Miyatsuko of Senge lineage, was chosen to be the chief priest of Izumo-taisha in 1947. He died in February 2002 at

663-468: The 18th and 19th centuries, as travel became more common in Japan, the shrine became a central place of pilgrimage . Since the shrine spirit was settled in the inner shrine in 1744, it has been relocated three times for renovation of the inner shrine, using a traditional ceremony. The relocations took place in 1809, 1881, and 1953. From 1871 through 1946, the Izumo-taisha was officially designated one of

702-439: The age of 89. Currently, the position of the administrator of Izumo-taisha is succeeded by Senge lineage. Its Izumo-taisha-kyo is better known nationwide and has more followers in total, " 出雲大社 千家 尊統 (1998/8)", but locally Kitajima lineage and its Izumo-kyo has more followers around Izumo region. Kitajima is the more orthodox Izumo no Kuni no Miyatsuko. " 出雲国造系統伝略 北島斉孝 (1898)". On October 5, 2014, Kunimaro Senge, eldest son of

741-595: The centennial of the foundation of the Izumo Oyashiro-kyo order. Traditional prayer by Izumo no Kuni no Miyatsuko, wedding ceremonies of believers, and the performances of sacred dance to ancient Japanese music involve the Oracle with 240 mats. Also worshipped with prayer is a frame with four dyed Kanji characters, meaning "the Oracle Filled with Aureole," by Prince Arisugawa above the altar . The Kagura-den features

780-487: The current administrator Takamasa Senge, married Princess Noriko at the shrine. Princess Noriko is a daughter of the late Prince Takamado, a cousin of the now- Emperor Emeritus of Japan . Taisha-zukuri Taisha-zukuri or Ōyashiro-zukuri ( 大社造 ) is an ancient Japanese architectural style and the oldest Shinto shrine architectural style . Named after Izumo Taisha 's honden (sanctuary), like Ise Grand Shrine 's shinmei-zukuri style it features

819-512: The front and back ends of the roof). A Japanese architecture book states, "In plan, the present Main Shrine resembles that of the Daijoe Shoden, built for the accession of each new Emperor. The main shrine at Izumo is thought, therefore, to preserve a floor plan characteristic of ancient domestic architecture" (Nishi & Hozumi, 1985, p. 41). From the view of architectures, the original height of

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858-490: The god who establishes good relationships. According to the Nihon Shoki , the sun goddess Amaterasu said, "From now on, my descendants shall administer the affairs of state. You shall cast a spell of establishing good relationship over people to lead them a happy life. I will build your residence with colossal columns and thick and broad planks in the same architectural style as mine and name it Amenohisu-no-miya." The other gods were gathered and ordered by Amaterasu to build

897-406: The gods (kami) were above the human world and belonged to the most extraordinary and majestic parts of nature. Therefore, Izumo-taisha could have been an attempt to create a place for the kami that would be above humans. According to Kojiki , the legendary stories of old Japan, and Nihon Shoki , the chronicles of old Japan, Izumo-taisha was considered the largest wooden structure in Japan when it

936-456: The grand palace at the foot of Mt. Uga. There is no knowledge of exactly when Izumo-taisha was built, but a record compiled around 950 ( Heian period ) describes the shrine as the highest building, reaching approximately 48 meters, which exceeds in height the 45 meter-tall temple that enshrined the Great Image of Buddha, Tōdai-ji . This was due to early Shinto cosmology, when the people believed

975-408: The land of myths, is Izumo-taisha's province. Its main structure was originally constructed to glorify the great achievement of Ōkuninushi, considered the creator of Japan. Ōkuninushi was devoted to the building of the nation, in which he shared many joys and sorrows with the ancestors of the land. In addition to being the savior, Ōkuninushi is considered the guardian god and god of happiness, as well as

1014-636: The largest shimenawa (sacred straw rope) in Japan; it is 13.5 meters long and weighs around 5 tons. The rope is one of the most easily recognized and distinctive features of Izumo-taisha. The Shōkokan ( 彰古館 ) consists of two floors. The first floor is the reception office for Kaguraden . The second floor consists of a museum for important items. Some items in the museum are items designated as national treasure and important cultural assets, like jewelry, household articles, paintings, swords, and musical instruments. Considered most important in Shōkokan are

1053-417: The main structure of Izumo Taisha makes it difficult to study the historical building styles and methods. However, what is known is that from the construction of a building as big as the main structure, major problems were presented. Because of this, structural and stylistic changes occurred each time the main structure was rebuilt, which caused the outer form to be less reflective of the original construction of

1092-475: The main structure. Although the outside of the structure changed with each reconstruction, the floor plan remained virtually unchanged. The layout consists of nine support pillars arranged so that the inside is divided into four sections and causes the entrance to be off-centered. A significant characteristic that is common among most shrines is the symmetrical design, making the main structure of Izumo-taisha peculiar for its asymmetrical floor plan. The main structure

1131-526: The most important in Izumo-taisha is the Imperial Festival held on May 14. Following the Imperial Festival is the Grand Festival on May 14 and 15. Some other major festivals are January 1, Omike Festival; January 3, Fukumukae Festival; January 5, Beginning Sermon Festival; February 17, Kikoku (prayer for abundant crops) Festival; April 1, Kyoso Festival; June 1, Suzumidono Festival; and August 6–9

1170-463: The power of the kami and maintain architectural techniques. This regular rebuilding process is called " Sengū " (遷宮) and has long been practiced at a handful of important Shinto shrines, the Ise Grand Shrine being rebuilt every 20 years. Several other buildings in the shrine compound are on the list of Important Cultural Properties of Japan . According to the two oldest chronicles of Japan,

1209-431: The second son of Amaterasu-ōmikami ( 天照大御神 ) , the sun goddess whose first son is the ancestor of the imperial family, have been, in the name of Izumo Kokuso ( 出雲国造 ) or governor of Izumo, taking over rituals because when Izumo-taisha was founded Amenohohi-no-mikoto rendered service to Okuninushi-no-kami. The family's conflict around 1340 made them separated into two lineages, Senge ( 千家 ) and Kitajima ( 北島 ) . After

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1248-569: The separation those two families took the position of Izumo no Kuni no Miyatsuko by turns until the late 19th century. Shinto was reconstructed as modernized Japan's national religion in the late 19th century. In 1871, Izumo-taisha was designated as an Imperial-associated shrine and the government sent a new administrator so Izumo no Kuni no Miyatsuko families were no more the administrators of Izumo-taisha. Senge and Kitajima established their religious corporations respectively, Izumo-taisha-kyo ( 出雲大社教 ) by Senge and Izumo-kyo ( 出雲教 ) by Kitajima. Under

1287-540: The style of dwellings ( Izumo Taisha ) or storehouses ( Ise Grand Shrine ). The buildings had gabled roofs , raised floors, plank walls, and were thatched with reed or covered with hinoki cypress bark. Such early shrines did not include a space for worship. Three important forms of ancient shrine architectural styles exist: taisha-zukuri , shinmei-zukuri and sumiyoshi-zukuri . They are exemplified by Izumo Taisha , Nishina Shinmei Shrine and Sumiyoshi Taisha respectively and date to before 552. According to

1326-540: The style of dwellings ( Izumo Taisha ) or storehouses ( Ise Grand Shrine ). The buildings had gabled roofs , raised floors, plank walls, and were thatched with reed or covered with hinoki cypress bark. Such early shrines did not include a space for worship. Three important forms of ancient shrine architectural styles exist: taisha-zukuri , shinmei-zukuri and sumiyoshi-zukuri . They are exemplified by Izumo Taisha , Nishina Shinmei Shrine and Sumiyoshi Taisha respectively and date to before 552. According to

1365-406: The tradition of Shikinen sengū-sai ( 式年遷宮祭 ) , the buildings or shrines were faithfully rebuilt at regular intervals adhering to the original design. In this manner, ancient styles have been replicated through the centuries to the present day. Izumo Taisha's honden over time has gone through profound changes that have greatly decreased its size and changed its structure. In its present form, it

1404-406: The tradition of Shikinen sengū-sai ( 式年遷宮祭 ) , the buildings or shrines were faithfully rebuilt at regular intervals adhering to the original design. In this manner, ancient styles have been replicated through the centuries to the present day. Izumo Taisha's honden over time has gone through profound changes that have greatly decreased its size and changed its structure. In its present form, it

1443-455: Was built more like a home rather than a shrine which suggests that between the people and kami there was a less formal relationship than at other shrines. Izumo-taisha's Kagura -den ( 神楽殿 , Kagura hall) was first built in 1776 by the Senge family , Izumo no Kuni no Miyatsuko , or governor of Izumo , as a grand hall for performance of traditional rituals. It was rebuilt in 1981 to commemorate

1482-401: Was originally constructed. Before being known as Izumo Ōyashiro or Izumo-taisha, the shrine was known as Okami-no-miya in Izumo, Itsukashinokami-no-miya, Kizuki-no-Oyashiro, Kizuki-no-miya, or Iwakumanoso-no-miya. Evidence of the original Grand Shrine has been found. For example, part of one of the pillars for the structure was found: three cedar trees with a three-meter diameter at its base. It

1521-481: Was returned to the inner shrine in a ceremony attended by over 8,000 people, held on May 11, 2013. The main structure of Izumo Oyashiro was built in the Taisha style , the oldest style of building shrines. An impressive sized gable-entrance structure is built for the main structure, which gave the name of The Great Shrine or The Grand Shrine. The main hall ( honden ) bears an enormous chigi (scissor-shaped finials at

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