Fun things to do in Shimane-ken

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Izumo Taisha is regarded as the second holiest Shinto shrine after Ise Shrine, with the looooooong pathway to the front shrine a rite of passage in itself as one has to pass through four gates before he worships. The fortune-teller stalls located on the pathway also added to the aura and romanticism of this place, upping my anticipation about the shrine.

Since this was built for Okuninushi no Okami, the God of Happy Marriages, expect things to be done a little differently here. Workshippers ought to clap four times instead of the usual two times because they are praying for themselves and their partner (or future partner). Although I'm single, I did a 'do as the Romans do', for hey, why reject a little divine intervention? Grins.

The architecture used for this shrine is the taisha-style, which is the oldest of all architectural styles for shrines. Take a moment to admire its unique beauty, for a front shrine (worship hall) was built next to the Oyashiro Honden (inner shrine), offering you twice the pleasure. And don't be quick to leave the shrine when you are done admiring it--explore the grounds a bit and soon, you'll find the Kaguraden (a stage for Noh or Kagura ritual dance) which proudly shows off the LARGEST Oshimenawa (sacred straw rope) in Japan. Legend has it that if you are able to toss a copper 5-yen coin and get it to stick on the rope, you will have good luck. I tried to work for my dose of good luck but no sooner than I began my quest that I was stopped by a disapproving Shinto priest. I hope you'll have better luck!