Kura

Category: Entries

  • Let’s see Inasa Beach

    Let’s see Inasa Beach

    What is it?

    It’s a beach near Izumo Oyashiro.

    During Kamiarizuki (late November to early December), many gods come here.

    Kamiarizuki means “the month when the gods are present.”

    Does this appear in mythology?

    Long ago, before the Great Deity Ōkuninushi (The deity who created the nation, and the deity of matchmaking) resided at Izumo Taisha, the Great Deity Amaterasu (A Sun deity) commanded the Great Deity Ōkuninushi to cede the land.

    The final envoy at that time, the deity Takemikazuchi (A very powerful deity), came from this beach.

    What is that big rock?

    It’s an island called Benten Island.

    Long ago, Inasa Beach and Benten Island were not connected, but in recent years sand has drifted over from other beaches, so now you can walk almost to Benten Island.

    ⚠️Beware of falling rocks. Do not go too close to Benten Island.

    Can I swim?

    DON’T SWIM.

    There are many large stones called tetrapods, intended to suppress waves.

    As a result, waves prone to causing accidents are generated.

    People unaware of this are swimming in the ocean and getting into accidents.

  • Izumo Oyashiro (Izumo Taisha Shrine)

    Izumo Oyashiro (Izumo Taisha Shrine)

    What is it?

    It is a very famous shrine for matchmaking in Japan, where the Great Deity Ōkuninushi resides.

    Why was it built?

    The Great Deity Ōkuninushi requested that a great shrine be built as a condition for ceding the country to the Great Deity Amaterasu.

    What is Kamiarizuki?

    This refers to the month when many deities gather at Izumo Oyashiro for a meeting about matchmaking.

    It is the tenth month of the lunar calendar, typically occurring from late November to late December.

    Do many people come for Hatumode (the first shrine visit of the year)?

    Yes.

    If you dislike crowds, we recommend visiting shrines for your first shrine visit of the year after January 3rd, when the crowds begin to thin out.

    How should we pray?

    Bow twice and applaud 4 times. After that, say your wish in your mind and bow once.

    Where is it?

  • Okuninushi the Great Deity

    Okuninushi the Great Deity

    Who is him?

    He is the king of the earthly gods who created a great country.
    He died twice and was revived. But he commanded the army and defeated the traitors.

    And he created a great country with Sukunabikona the Deity. Sukunabikona the Deity is a small, smart god.

    He also has multiple wives and many children.

    After all he lost to Amaterasu the Great Deity’s army, he gave his country to her, and he lives in Izumo Oyashiro.

    What does the name mean?

    Okuni means a great country.
    nushi means the rule.

    What does he do to you?

    He is now famous as the god of relationships. If you pray, he will give you good relationships. You can get a partner, break up with a bad person, etc.

    How should we pray?

    Bow twice and applaud 4 times. After that, say your wish in your mind and bow once.

    Where can we meet?

  • Ame-no-Minakanushi the Supreme Deity

    Ame-no-Minakanushi the Supreme Deity

    Who is him?

    He is the first great God that appeared in Japanese mythology. He is one of the three creations, and he is the root of the universe. He doesn’t actually have a gender.

    Meaning of a name

    Ame means the universe.
    Minaka means the center.
    nushi means the rule.

    What does he do to you?

    He is always watching over you while protecting the world. If you pray, he will support you.

    Where can we meet?