Izumo in the Month of the Gods – Experiencing the Sacred ‘Oroshizuna’ Sand Ritual
In October, gods from all over Japan gather in Izumo. Let’s begin our journey to Izumo Taisha during the month of the gods, Kamiarizuki. We’re here in Shimane Prefecture. I came to visit Izumo Taisha and explore the surrounding area. First, I’ve arrived at Inasa Beach. If you want to skip ahead to Izumo Taisha, jump to 6:13. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Izumo Taisha. I came here to collect a little bit of sand from the beach. This is a sacred shore that appears in Japanese mythology. On October 10, a ritual called Kami-mukae-shinji will be held, and they’re preparing for it now. There was a beautiful torii gate in that direction. That large rock is called Benten-jima (Benten Island). On top of the rock stands Oki-Gozen Shrine. Let’s collect some sand. It’s said that if you scoop sand as the waves recede, your good fortune will also flow in. This sand will later be exchanged at Soga-no-Yashiro, a sub-shrine of Izumo Taisha. This ritual is called Omusuna; I’ve included a link in the description for more details. There were quite a lot of tourists here. Before heading to Izumo Taisha, I stopped by Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse. It’s about a 270-meter walk along the seaside to the entrance. You can get a great view of the sea and the townscape — highly recommended. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Inasa Beach. A beautiful white lighthouse. So this is the rough sea of the Japan Sea… The wind is so strong I can barely move forward. Izumo Matsushima. We’re almost there. This lighthouse is said to be the tallest stone lighthouse in Japan. It’s also listed among the world’s top 100 lighthouses. Inside, there’s a small museum about lighthouses. It’s the perfect size to display at the entrance of your home. The pure white exterior is stunning. A modern industrial heritage site. Since we’re here, let’s climb up. I’ve climbed 150 steps so far. Almost there! I’ve reached the top — but still indoors. Is that the light section of the lighthouse? The view is absolutely breathtaking. What a magnificent view of the Japan Sea. It’s truly a must-see with your own eyes. There was even a Pokémon manhole cover! I can’t believe there’s a public phone here. Finally, we’ve arrived at Izumo Taisha. What an impressive structure! There are many visitors here today. You can’t approach the main sanctuary, so you offer coins and pray at the offertory box outside. Now, let’s head to the back of the main hall to use the sand we collected from the beach. We’ve arrived at Soga-no-Yashiro. It’s located right behind the main hall of Izumo Taisha. Here we exchange the sand. After receiving the sacred sand, we touch the rock of Mt. Yakumo to receive divine energy. There are three places in total where you can exchange sand. We’ve reached the rock base of Mt. Yakumo. This act is said to dramatically boost your fortune. There weren’t many people exchanging sand. Maybe it’s not well known? Let’s explore the area a bit more. In October, the gods return to this land. Right now, Izumo Taisha is truly the ultimate power spot. Statue of Musubi-no-Mikami (Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami). There’s a cute rabbit statue here. That concludes our visit. It was an incredibly fulfilling time. Next, to Goen-Yokocho near Izumo Taisha. This street is lined with many shops. Let’s have some zenzai (sweet red bean soup). This bag contains a five-yen coin. It’s said to bring good luck if you keep it with you. It wasn’t too sweet — just perfect. Exploring the variety of shops makes sightseeing even more fun. Let’s buy some souvenirs at a shop called Fukunowa. I bought fugu no uzuni (simmered pufferfish). Now heading to Izumo Taisha-mae Station. It’s a charming retro-style station. The train’s colors are beautiful. This scenery feels nostalgic. For dinner, we came to a restaurant called King. It’s about one kilometer away from Izumo Taisha. The walls are full of celebrity autographs. Their ramen and yakisoba are famous. I ordered just the ramen. It was a light, refreshing ramen. Thank you for the meal. After a full day of sightseeing, I’ll be staying overnight in Izumo. See the description for hotel and restaurant details. Now for the usual room tour. 12,100 yen per night per person. Because it’s the month of the gods, accommodation prices were quite high. The restroom is clean and well-maintained. The water pressure looks strong — excellent. Snacks and drinks are available in the lounge. There’s even a well-stocked comic book corner. The large public bath only had a sauna and a big tub. If you enjoyed this trip, please like and subscribe! Visiting Izumo Taisha definitely feels like my luck has skyrocketed. Please check out my other videos too! I had free ramen, so I ate it. Though… I think I already had ramen for dinner. Good morning! What’s the best part of a hotel morning? That’s right — the breakfast buffet! And with that, I wish you all a wonderful day. And with that, I wish you all a wonderful day.
In Izumo, there is a sacred time called “Kamiarizuki” (The Month When Gods Gather) —
when it’s believed that deities from all over Japan come together at this holy land.
During this divine season, I visited Inasa Beach in Izumo and experienced the sacred ritual known as “Oroshizuna”,
where sand is collected from the beach and later offered to the Sogano Yashiro Shrine within Izumo Taisha.
While feeling the sea breeze, I gathered the sand and presented it as an offering —
a gesture that has long connected people with the divine.
Through this video, I hope to share the atmosphere and spiritual serenity that fill Izumo during this special time.
📍Places Visited
・Inasa Beach
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JuTXyMLnMeoVFtV5A?g_st=ipc
・Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4hXjctu
・Sogano Yashiro (within Izumo Taisha)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cKv53MkpyLcxFV15A?g_st=ipc
・Goen Yokocho Street
https://maps.app.goo.gl/g1MAsuJjg8Uq3X7CA?g_st=ipc
・Restaurant “King”
https://maps.app.goo.gl/73McZeAJBHECQ9ix5?g_st=ipc
・Hotel Izumo Green Morris
https://www.hotel-morris.co.jp/izumo/
🪶 Reference for the Oroshizuna Ritual:
⏰ Timecodes
00:00 Opening
00:29 Inasa Beach
03:28 Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
06:12 Izumo Taisha Shrine
07:53 Oroshizuna Ritual
12:12 Goen Yokocho Street
15:27 Dinner at “King”
17:06 Stay at “Izumo Green Morris”
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1 Comment
The god, Okuninushi-no-Okami, is believed to grant good relationships, including romantic ones.