How to Visit the Susanoo Shrine in Izumo and Nearby Tourist Attractions

The Susanoo Shrine is located on the banks of the Susano River in the central part of Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and peaceful landscapes, it feels like stepping back in time. This shrine, with a long history, is mentioned in the Izumo-no-kuni Fudoki, Fudoki, and the Engishiki. The main hall, constructed in 1861, is even designated as a cultural property of the prefecture. Recently, its mystical atmosphere has garnered attention as a power spot. In this article, we will introduce the charm of Susanoo Shrine and nearby tourist attractions.

History of Susanoo Shrine

The Susanoo Shrine is located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. This area is connected to the Japanese myth of the hero Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who defeated the eight-headed serpent, Yamata-no-Orochi. Due to his violent nature, Susanoo-no-Mikoto was exiled by his sister, Amaterasu-Omikami, and descended to the earth, with Susanoo Shrine becoming his final resting place.

In the Izumo-no-kuni Fudoki, it is said that Susanoo-no-Mikoto, upon arriving on the land, declared, "This is a good land, so I will name it after myself," and named it "Susano." He then settled his soul here.

The main deities enshrined here are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, his wife Inata-Hime-no-Mikoto, and his parents, Ashina-Tsuchi-no-Mikoto and Te-Na-Tsuchi-no-Mikoto, along with the four deities who appeared in the myth of the defeat of Yamata-no-Orochi.

A particularly powerful spot within the shrine is the sacred tree behind the main hall, around which the divine tree stands. This large tree, estimated to be 1,300 years old, has a trunk circumference of 6 meters, a root circumference of 9 meters, and a height of 24 meters. Known as "O-sugi-san," it is a beloved tree. Although the tree is now enclosed to protect it and cannot be directly touched, one can still feel its great vitality by touching its roots.

Another power spot is the Amaterasu Shrine, located behind the torii gate of Susanoo Shrine. It enshrines Susanoo's sister, Amaterasu-Omikami, and is always positioned as if observing her brother, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. It is a small shrine, but a visit to Susanoo Shrine allows one to experience the power of a place with a long history.

Proper Way to Worship at the Shrine

When visiting Susanoo Shrine, approach the worship with sincere respect.

First, before passing through the torii gate, bow lightly and avoid walking in the center. If entering from the right side of the torii, step with your right foot first; if entering from the left, step with your left foot. Then, cleanse your body and mind with water at the chozuya (purification basin). The method for purifying yourself is as follows:

1. Hold the ladle with your right hand and scoop water, then pour it over your left hand to cleanse it.
2. Switch the ladle to your left hand and pour water over your right hand to cleanse it.
3. Hold the ladle with your right hand again, pour water into your left palm, and rinse your mouth.
4. After rinsing your mouth, pour water once more over your left hand.
5. Finally, hold the ladle upright, let the water run down the handle, and place it back in its original position.

Avoid walking in the center of the path as you make your way to the front of the worship hall. When you approach the offering box, bow lightly just before it, then take a step forward and perform a shallow bow. For the ritual, follow the procedure of two bows, two claps, and one final bow. After completing this, bow again and step back slightly, then bow lightly as you exit the shrine grounds.

Although Susanoo Shrine is a famous power spot in Shimane, it’s best to visit during the daytime and avoid the evening hours, as it is believed that negative energy may be present at dusk. The ideal times to visit are in the morning or early afternoon.

Amulets and Blessings

The amulets and sacred items at Susanoo Shrine are blessed by the shrine's priests, who perform purification and prayers before the great deity, and they are bestowed with the divine blessings. You can obtain the goshuin (shrine stamp) at the office beside the main hall. The office is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but it's recommended to arrive with enough time, as you might not be able to receive it if you arrive too late.

The blessings of Susanoo Shrine include protection for military success, love fulfillment, marital harmony, recovery from illness, family safety, protection from evil, removal of disasters, and abundant harvests.

The Seven Wonders of Susanoo Shrine

The land of Susanoo Shrine is home to seven mysteries that have been passed down through generations.

■ Shiono-i (Salt Spring)
In the small pond in front of the main hall, salty water springs up, and there is a legend that Susanoo-no-Mikoto used this water to purify the land. This salty water flows into the Sea of Japan, and it is said that during high tide, the ground emits a flower of salt.

■ Sacred Horse
The sacred horse offered to Susanoo Shrine is said to change into a white horse with prophetic abilities, foretelling good and bad omens and the country's fate. There are still the graves of the horses behind the shrine.

■ Aioi-no-Matsu (The Twin Pine Tree)
There was once a pine tree behind the main hall that was said to have both a male and female tree growing from one trunk. This tree has since withered, and a replacement has been planted in its place.

■ Kagenashi Sakura (Shadowless Cherry Tree)
Once, during a period of poor harvests in Oki Province, a cherry tree was felled because it was believed to be casting a shadow over Oki, causing the bad harvests. The stump that remained grew no new branches, and the tree never grew large again.

■ Ochiba-no-Maki (Fallen Leaf Maki Tree)
It is said that when Susanoo's wife, Inata-Hime, gave birth, she wrapped the birthing tools in the leaves of a Maki tree and pinned them with pine needles before casting them into a river. Since then, it is said that the leaves of the Maki tree here have holes in them, as though pierced by pine needles.

■ Hoshinamera (Star Smooth)
On the mountaintop to the west of the shrine, there is a white mark (nameru), and it is said that if it is a year of abundance, there will be many spots, and if it is a year of misfortune, there will be fewer spots.

■ Amatsubo (Rain Pot)
Along the Sogawa River, west of the shrine, there is a large rock in the field. If the hole in the rock is disturbed, it is said that the wrath of the gods will cause a violent storm. It is also said that a villager who once disturbed this rock was exiled from their village.

Where to Buy Souvenirs Nearby

"Michinoeki Kirara Taki" is located 11.4 km towards the sea from Susanoo Shrine. It offers local specialty products, a food court, and a bakery. Recommended items include the famous seafood takoyaki and the locally grown figs.

Also, the spectacular sunset, certified as one of Japan's top 100 sunsets, is a must-see.

After Visiting Susanoo Shrine, Head to Ryuto Falls

If you visit Susanoo Shrine, be sure to explore the nearby attractions as well.

About 16 minutes by car from the shrine is Ryuto Falls, which is selected as one of Japan's "100 Famous Waterfalls." The waterfall consists of a male waterfall with a 40-meter drop and a female waterfall with a 30-meter drop. The falls flow violently, creating a swirling motion resembling a dragon.

Every year on August 15, the "Ryuto Falls Festival" is held, featuring a traditional waterfall dance.

Access Information

To get to Susanoo Shrine, you can take a bus from JR Izumo City Station via the Ichibata Bus (about 40 minutes) and get off at Izumo Susano, then take a 5-minute taxi ride. Alternatively, by taxi, it takes about 30 minutes from JR Izumo City Station, and there is parking for about 20 cars. Susanoo Shrine is known as one of the most powerful power spots in Japan. As it is a very sacred place, be sure to approach the shrine with respect and seriousness to receive its blessings and power.