Notices

Activities

  • KAI Cultural Discovery

    • No reservation required
    • Free of charge
    • For all ages
    Availability:
    All year

    Staff perform a piece of traditional regional theater—depicting the origin myth of Izumo Taisha Shrine—on a dynamic outdoor stage with the ocean in the background. *Every KAI establishment offers a selection of free activities designed to introduce guests to Japan’s regional cultures.

  • Izumo Taisha Shrine guided tour

    • Reservation required
    • For all ages
    Availability:
    All year

    With the cooperation of the Shimane Prefecture Tourism Federation, this guided tour fully covers the best of Izumo Taisha Shrine. Breakfast is "Shinsen Breakfast," based on food offerings for the gods. ■Izumo Taisha Shrine Izumo Taisha Shrine was built for nation-building god Okuninushi for relinquishing his rule over the terrestrial world to allow the gods of heaven to take over. In ancient times, the shrine might have been a giant structure nearly 100 meters high. Besides the main shrine, Izumo Taisha's other major attraction is the Kaguraden Sacred Dance Hall. It is decorated with Japan's largest shimenawa sacred rope weighing about five tons. After ceding the land, Okuninushi ruled over the unseen, divine world. Because of his invisibility, he came to be revered as the god of matchmaking for marriage. The way to pray at this shrine is also different from other shrines. You are to bow twice, clap four times, then bow once. (The usual way is to bow twice, clap twice, then bow once.) This solemn, sacred place is where you make fresh vows. ■Shinsen Breakfast During ancient times, the three most important food offerings for the gods were rice, salt, and water. The Shinsen Breakfast also includes river fish, ocean fish, vegetables, seaweed, waterfowl, and wild bird faithfully replicated as sacred food offerings. By partaking the same food as the gods, develop a stronger connection with the gods. This breakfast is to help condition your mind and body and satisfy your appetite.