The Home of Gods, Izumo

Kojiki and Shinto

Kojiki (古事記), which is translated to "the records of ancient matters," is the oldest Japanese chronicle written 1,300 years ago. The first part of Kojiki is a collection of Japanese myths and this part has a strong connection with Izumo, the city of Shimane.

There are multiple gods in the Kojiki myth, and each god has different powers, abilities, and characteristics. These gods are called yaorozu-no-kami (八百万の神), meaning "the myriad gods throughout the country." They dwell in Shinto shrines. There are thousands of these shrines throughout Japan. Shinto (神道), the Japanese traditional religion, worships these gods.

Kami-Ari-Zuki (神在月“the month of the gods”)

⬆ One of the most interesting events held at Izumo Taisha is the series of ceremonies held during Kami-Ari-Zuki

<The En-musubi Tourism Association, "IZUMO Where Mythology Comes Alive">

According to the Japanese lunar calendar, the tenth month of every year is called Kannazuki (神無月), which means "the month of no gods." This is because all the gods living across the country leave their shrines and gather to Izumo during this month. Therefore, while other regions call this month Kannazuki, "the month of no gods", only Izumo region calls this month Kami Ari Zuki, "the month of gods."

During Kami Ari Zuki, a series of ceremonies known as the Kami-Ari-Sai (神在祭 "the festivals of the gods") is held in Izumo Taisha to welcome these gods. The long rectangular shaped building in Izumo Taisha is used as a hotel for gods where they can stay over the ceremony periods.

During the ceremony, the gods hold meetings to discuss the upcoming year.

What do the gods discuss during the meetings?

Izumo Taisha's connection to Kami-Ari-Zuki can be traced back to the Kuni-yuzuri myth.

In return for turning control of the land over to Amaterasu-omikami, Okuninushi-no-mikoto (the main god of Izumo Taisha) was given control of people's fate and destiny.

So, as a chairman of the meeting, Okuninushi-no-mikoto leads the discussion to decide people's fate and destiny for the upcoming year. Therefore, people visit Izumo Taisha during this ceremony period to pray for a good fate.