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3hr20min Rail Tokyo St. Yakumo Shinkansen Limited Express 44min Sengu and Renewal St. Okayama St. Shin-Osaka St. Currently, Izumo Taisha is undergoing its sengu, a period of repair work the finished work will be a lasting example of their skill. Also, just as 2hr20min 1hr41min Hakata St. on the shrine that is, as a general rule, conducted every sixty years. This work has continued on this same shrine building since it was first built Super Oki Shinkansen Matsukaze Nozomi sengu began in the spring of 2008, and is scheduled to finish in 2013. almost 270 years ago, the current workers view this sengu as their Limited Express 34min 3hr51min During this time, the enshrined in Izumo Taisha are moved to a chance to pass on important part of traditional Japanese culture to the 1hr23min Tokyo St. Shinkansen temporary shrine while repairs are conducted. As the main hall is a next generation. Bus Nozomi 1hr19min Hamada St. Hiroshima St. Shin-Osaka St. national treasure, as much of the original building is preserved as However, the need for repairs and renovation is not the only reason this 1hr53min 1hr4min possible while damaged parts are replaced. In this case, it means that the sengu is held. It is also seen as a symbol of rebirth. By making the Hakata St. roof of the main hall of the shrine, which is covered with hundreds of shrine building new again, the energy of the enshrined within is Super Oki Shinkansen , Limited Express Nozomi thousands of thin pieces of Japanese cypress bark, has being completely renewed. Following 2011 s devastating earthquake and tsunami, the Shin-Yamaguchi St. Hakata St. , 2hr6min 35min replaced, as exposure to the elements over the past 60 years has done current sengu can even be seen as symbolic of s recovery efforts. heavy damage. Other necessary repairs are underway as well, but they Interestingly enough, the pine wood used to replace the , are almost complete, and once they are, the deities will be moved back (crossbeams) on the front part of the main hall s roof comes from pine into the main hall in a special ceremony held in the spring of 2013. trees in Iwate Prefecture, one of the areas hardest hit. While shrine or temple roofs covered with cypress bark are no rarity, 大国主 , Who is Okuninushi-no- ? certain characteristics of Izumo Taisha s roof make it particularly unique. Another example of this idea of renewal and rejuvenation can be found , Of all the deities featured in , Okuninushi-no-kami is the one with the strongest First, with a thickness of 90 cm (almost 3 feet) and a total area of 590 at Sada Shrine, in the Kashima area of Matsue City. Sada Shrine s connection to Shimane and the Izumo region. After facing many trials, he became the ruler of the land square meters (6350 square feet), the sheer number of pieces of bark Gozagae Sai is a yearly festival held in late September. During it, the needed to reroof the shrine is huge: 640,000 pieces. Then there is the goza (rush mats) used in all the shrine buildings on the grounds are known as Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni, a name in mythology that refers to Japan. While settling here in , length of the pieces. Izumo Taisha s roof has a curve to it that can only replaced, bringing a yearly sense of renewal to the shrine. As part of this Izumo, he worked to make all of the land livable and to make life easier for the people that lived there. be made using long pieces of bark (90 to 120 cm, or 3 to 4 feet). No festival, and the Reisai fall festival which is held the day after the Due to his efforts, he is known as the god of nation-building, land development, agriculture and medicine. , other shrine or temple s roof uses Gozagae Sai, a traditional art with nearly 400 years of history is After making Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni a better place to live, he turned over control of it to bark that long, so the carpenters performed: Sada Shin Noh. Sada Shin Noh is a collection of ritual and her descendents (as explained in the Kuni Yuzuri myth). In return for this act, a grand shrine that who worked on the roof had no dances, including some based on Japanese myths with a close familiarity with how to lay down connection to the Izumo region, like the Kuni Yuzuri myth or the reached to the heavens was built for him, and this shrine became Izumo Taisha. He also became the the strips of bark correctly. They Yamata-no-Orochi myth. The dances are performed at night, lit by the in control of the unseen world, and as part of this, became the deity of en-musubi, making the connections had to test out methods in a flames of bonfires set on the shrine grounds, creating a uniquely that bind people together. It is from this that we here at the En-musubi Tourism Association take our name, special practice area before mysterious atmosphere. While the entirety of Sada Shin Noh is only and it is our hope that you will come to Izumo and see the land that Okuninushi-no-kami loved so greatly. moving to work on the actual performed at Sada Shrine at these festivals, certain parts are performed roof. These factors drove the for the public every year, usually once a month between May and workers to do their November. , best, because Sada Shin Noh s uniqueness has led to a growing popularity, and it was The En-musubi Tourism Association would like to thank Dustin Kidd (Teacher, Kaisei Junior High School and High School), Daisetsu selected as a World Heritage Intangible Cultural Property by UNESCO Fujioka (Chairman, Research Center for Izumo Studies), and Tsuyoshi Nishikida (Director, Association of Shrines, Shimane in 2011. Prefecture Office) for their cooperation in the production of this pamphlet. Japan, with its history spanning over 2000 years, has a rich and well- closely with different facets of Japanese culture well known defined culture that can be enjoyed wherever you happen to travel. throughout the world. Much of that culture finds its roots in Japanese mythology, from the That is part of what makes Izumo such an interesting place; you can En-musubi Tourism Association stories transcribed in the (Chronicles of Japan) and the see that connection in places and stories throughout the region, and http://www.en-musubi.net e-mail: [email protected] (Records of Ancient Matters) to local myths and legends. often, those facets of Japanese culture find their origin here. Also, Shimane Prefectural Government Tourism Promotion Division , located to the north of Hiroshima Prefecture, is the world of legends and the world of modern life co-exist here so http://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/ e-mail: [email protected] home to many places that feature prominently in those legends, closely that it is unsurprising to find places that are the stage for especially in the eastern part of the prefecture, in the region known as legends just off to the side of the beaten path.

Matsue International Tourist Information Office Izumo. Not only that, but many of these legends connect very "Visit Japan" Information Desk (English Assistance Available) TEL. +81 852 21 4034 Izumo Taisha Kami Ari Zuki (The Month of the ) One of the most intriguing events held at Izumo Taisha is the series of Kuni Yuzuri myth. In return for turning control of Ashihara-no- On the western edge of the Shimane Peninsula, in the city of ceremonies held during Kami Ari Zuki. According to the lunar calendar, nakatsukuni (the earth) over to the gods in the heavens, Okuninushi-no- Izumo, you can find Izumo Taisha, which is also known by its the tenth month of every year was referred to as Kannazuki, or The kami was given control of all things unseen. In essence, he was given official name of Izumo Oyashiro. The main deity enshrined Month of No Gods. This name comes from the idea that during that time, control over the realm of the spiritual, and this includes en. So during there is Okuninushi-no-kami, the deity of nation-building and the yaoyorozu-no-kami (the myriad gods throughout the country) leave Kami Ari Zuki, Okuninushi-no-kami holds conference with the other en-musubi, creating the ties that bind us all together. As one of their respective shrines and gather at Izumo Taisha. Because of this, in gods to make decisions about what ties to make for the upcoming year. the most famous and most important shrines in the country, the Izumo area of Shimane, that month is known by the name Kami Ari People from around Japan, as well as international visitors, travel to Izumo Taisha is visited by many people, both Japanese and Zuki, The Month of the Gods. Even though the lunar calendar has passed Izumo Taisha every year during Kami Ari Zuki, as it is a unique international, every year. out of usage, the names remain, and are still used to this day. However, opportunity to offer up to all of the myriad gods throughout Japan The grounds of Izumo Taisha are quite spacious, and pine trees because there is some difference between the lunar calendar and the at one place. However, the Kami Ari Sai and related festivals are not line the path to the shrine itself. The main hall of Izumo Taisha is current one, Kami Ari Zuki usually falls somewhere in November. unique to Izumo Taisha. Several other shrines in the Izumo region have 24 meters (about 79 feet) tall, making it the tallest shrine building During Kami Ari Zuki, a series of ceremonies known as the Kami Ari Sai rituals connected to Kami Ari Zuki, including Mankusen Shrine in the in Japan. It is representative of the Taisha style of shrine architecture, connection with the Imperial Family. Whenever a change in head (Festivals of the Gods) are held during an eight-day period that begins with the Hikawa area of Izumo City and Sada Shrine in the Kashima area of which is seen in many of the shrines found throughout the Izumo region. happens at Izumo Taisha, the new head will visit the Imperial Palace, Kami Mukae Sai (The Welcoming of the Gods) and ends with the Karasade Matsue City. For example, the yaoyorozu-no-kami are seen off at the Built in 1744, the main hall of Izumo Taisha is a national treasure. present an offering to the Emperor, and recite a special prayer. The Sai (The Departure of the Gods). While at Izumo Taisha, all of the gods stay in Karasade Sai at Mankusen Shrine every year before they head back to No one knows exactly when Izumo Taisha was first built, but it has been offering includes a necklace made of agate stones, including , Morotabune Shinji two long shrine buildings (the Jukusha) located on either side of the fence their various areas of Japan. During the Kami Ari Sai ceremonies, here for a very long time. In 2000, wooden pillars were uncovered on the comma-shaped agate stones that have been produced in this area since surrounding the main hall that serve as their lodging. They hold meetings to residents of the areas around these shrines are careful to avoid making shrine grounds. Each one was made from three trees bound together to make ancient times. The stones used are green, white, and red; they indicate a discuss the upcoming year, and they enjoy sake and feasting as well. unnecessary noise, so as not to disturb the deities during their meetings. a single giant pillar with a diameter of three meters (almost 10 feet). Estimated wish for the Emperor to live a long and healthy life. Also, during Izumo The Kuni Yuzuri Myth , So what do the gods discuss during these meetings? They decide what to be from the mid-13th century, they were used to hold up a main hall that Taisha s annual Reisai Festival held on May 14, official messengers from The origins of Izumo Taisha can be traced back to the Kojiki, and the world. However, in return for this act of Kuni Yuzuri (kuni means "nation" kind of en people will have for the upcoming year. In this case, en was 48 meters (about 157 feet) tall, twice the height it is now. Other stories the Emperor bring offerings to the shrine. Izumo Taisha is one of the few Kuni Yuzuri myth detailed within. Okuninushi-no-kami, after having or "land", and yuzuri is an act of compromise or turning something over to basically means what sort of connections people will make, keep, or lose even place the height of older versions of the main hall of Izumo Taisha at 96 shrines around the country to be honored with this yearly visit. overcome several trials and challenges, became the ruler of Ashihara-no- someone else), he asked that a large shrine, so large that it would reach all with other people, as well as what sort of experiences people will have. , meters (about 315 feet)! This would match up well with the origin of Izumo Izumo Taisha is quite possibly the most well-known spot in the Izumo Nakatsukuni (the earth). For a long while, he worked hard to develop the way to the heavens, be built for him. As the leader of the gods in the Izumo Taisha s connection to Kami Ari Zuki can be traced back to the Taisha mentioned in the Kuni Yuzuri myth, as the shrine built for region, and as an important historical and cultural and improve the land, and he was well-loved and respected. Finally, the heavens, Amaterasu agreed not only to this, but also to have her son Okuninushi-no-kami was said to have stretched all the way to the heavens. location, it is a must-see for anyone visiting the sun Amaterasu and the other gods in the heavens sent messengers Amenohohi and all of his descendants serve Okuninushi-no-kami for all One particularly interesting facet of Izumo Taisha is that it has a very close Izumo region. to Okuninushi-no-kami, requesting that he turn over control of the land to time. The shrine that was built for him is none other than Izumo Taisha. them. The first two messengers were so impressed by Okuninushi-no- kami that they decided to serve him instead. A third messenger, , in the Mihonoseki area of Matsue, is another shrine in the , descended from the heavens to the beach at Inasa-no- Izumo area with a deep connection to the Kuni Yuzuri myth. Okuninushi-no- , Hama and, after driving his sword hilt first into the sand, sat on the blade kami s son , who is known throughout Japan by his more with his legs crossed and demanded an audience with Okuninushi-no- familiar name of "-sama", is the main deity enshrined there. Miho kami. He told Okuninushi-no-kami to turn over control of Ashihara-no- Shrine is the head shrine of all 3385 shrines nationwide that enshrine Ebisu- Nakatsukuni, but Okuninushi-no-kami responded that he should take up sama. It is said that he enjoyed fishing at the cape near where the shrine the matter with his two sons first. His son Kotoshironushi agreed that they stands, and because of this close connection to the sea, he is worshipped as the , should do what Takemikazuchi wanted. However, Okuninushi-no-kami s deity of bountiful fishing and safe travel on the seas. Two dynamic festivals other son wanted to know just who this challenger to their held at Miho Shrine every year reenact parts of the Kuni Yuzuri myth: the authority thought he was, and proposed a test of strength to determine who Aofushigaki Shinji (April 7th) and the Morotabune Shinji (December 3rd). should have control of the land. Takemikazuchi soundly defeated him, People visit Miho Shrine year-round, not only to see these festivals but also to and chased down the fleeing Takeminakata to kill him. Takeminakata pay their respects to Kotoshironushi, the well-loved Ebisu-sama. , begged for his life, and in return agreed to obey Takemikazuchi s wishes. Takemikazuchi then returned to Okuninushi-no-kami, demanding to know Shrines where the Festival of the Gods is held how he would respond. 1 Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine 6 Mezuki Shrine Okuninushi-no-kami agreed to turn over control of Ashihara-no- 2 Sada Shrine 7 Kamosu Shrine Nakatsukuni to the gods in the heavens and retreat completely from the 3 Miho Shrine 8 Kanbara Shrine 4 Mankusen Shrine 98 Asayama Shrine 5 Hinomisaki Shrine 10 Taga Shrine Shrines where the Festival of the Gods used to be held 1 Manai Shrine 3 2 Rokusho Shrine Matsue 3 Kumano Grand Shrine 2 Izumo Taisha’s Kami Mukae Sai The event that starts Kami Ari Zuki off is known as the Kami Muake Sai, The Welcoming of the Gods. The 6 10 festival itself begins in the evening. Preparations happen 1 on the beach at Inasa-no-Hama, which figures as an 5 important location in the Kuni Yuzuri myth. After sunset, 7 2 1 4 priests from Izumo Taisha set up a small ceremonial area and start bonfires on the beach as welcoming flames for the 3 gods. After some and rites, a procession escorts the 8 9 gods through town to Izumo Taisha. It is said that ryuja-sama Izumo Yasugi (a dragon god) is at the head of this procession, which is blocked from direct view on either side by white fabric carried by Taisha priests. After arriving at Izumo Taisha, Unnan some ceremonies are held, after which the gods move to their lodging. Many people who attend this festival follow the procession all the way to Izumo Taisha. Oda Okuizumo The conference of the Gods during Kami Ari Zuki Aofushigaki Shinji