Getting the most from your visit to the Izumo Taisha Shrine is made easy with our English-speaking guides. Supported by Izumo Kanko Taxi, a highly experienced charter service, we’ll pick you up at Izumo Enmusubi Airport, JR Izumo-Shi Station, or your hotel in Izumo City, so you don’t have to worry about transport upon your arrival.

John Anthony Belluscio, an American citizen who has lived in Japan for many years, is in charge of international tourism. With in-depth knowledge of the Izumo region’s historic shrines, temples, and mythological spirits, John is an incredible resource bound to make your visit even more rewarding.

Your journey will also be remarkably comfortable, with Izumo Kanko Taxis supported by a fleet of modern Toyota Gran Ace and HiAce VIP vehicles. These vehicles feature spacious interiors for up to five passengers, reminiscent of flying business class. Perfect for long trips, they include features like, heated seats, drink holders, and more.

Please note: Drivers and vehicles may differ from those listed above depending on their availability.

If you’re a fan of Japanese mythology, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the Hare of Inaba fable. This famous myth was recorded in the Kojiki, describing how a white hare is skinned by sharks but recovers after being encountered by the god Okuninushi, who advises the hare to bathe in fresh water and roll in the pollen of cattail plants. 

With the hare quickly returning to good health, he reveals himself to be a god, telling Okuninushi that he will marry Princess Yakami as gratitude for his help. By responding to the hare's pleas for help, Okuninushi showed courage, compassion, and wisdom – all lessons evoked by this ancient tale.

Reflecting the significance of this story in Japanese mythology, visitors to the Izumo Taisha Shrine will notice stone rabbit statues guarding the shrine. With numerous pairs of cute rabbits spread throughout the gardens in different poses, they serve as a reminder of Okuninushi’s benevolent nature while protecting the enshrined deity.

Constructed in 1744, the current main hall of the Izumo Taisha Shrine rises to 24 meters tall, making it the tallest shrine in Japan. However, there’s significant evidence to suggest the building was much higher in the past. In 2000, researchers unearthed three gigantic pillars, leading some experts to estimate the height of the Grand Shrine during the Heian period (794-1185) to reach a staggering 48 meters.

With the ancient chronicles of Kojiki and Nihon Shoki both describing the Izumo Taisha Shrine as the largest wooden structure in Japan, perhaps this age-old evidence supports these historic texts. This grandeur is also reflected in the sheer scale of the shimenawa rope adorning the entrance to the Kagura Hall. Measuring 13 meters long and weighing four and a half tons, its size is said to represent the divine importance of Okuninushi.