Kura

Tag: Shinto

  • 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?

  • Akatsukako Shrine Festival 2025 – 330th Anniversary Annual Festival in Shimane

    Akatsukako Shrine Festival 2025 – 330th Anniversary Annual Festival in Shimane

    Introducing the festival at Akatsuka Kojin Shrine on October 25, 2025

    The festival was a celebration of the 330th anniversary of the shrine being built.

    And many people came to see it this year as well.

    Yamata no Orochi

    A god named Susanoo is defeating a monster called Orochi!

    Oebisu

    Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, is catching fish.

    Ebisu, which looks like a child, catches fish.

  • 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?