Kamosu Shrine
The oldest surviving taisha-zukuri sanctuary, an ancient shrine of the Izumo priestly line.
History and Divine Virtue
Resting on a hill in Oba, Matsue, Kamosu Shrine enshrines Izanami no Okami, the goddess who bore the land, as its principal deity, together with Izanagi no Okami. Tradition holds it was founded by Ame no Hohi no Mikoto, ancestor of the Izumo Kokuso (hereditary high priests), who descended from heaven here, and that the Kokuso family served this shrine for generations before moving to Kizuki, the site of Izumo Oyashiro. The Shinka Sozoku rite, in which the sacred fire is passed to a new Kokuso, and the ancient Niiname harvest festival are still performed here, testifying to the shrine's deep bond with Izumo Oyashiro. The main sanctuary, rebuilt in 1583, is the oldest surviving example of taisha-zukuri architecture and a National Treasure; its structure is said to preserve older forms than the main sanctuary of Izumo Oyashiro, and its ceiling bears a painting of nine colored clouds. The name Kamosu is variously explained as deriving from a 'seat where the spirit dwells' or from kamu-musubi, the divine power of generation.
Visiting Notes
- The main sanctuary is a National Treasure, the oldest surviving taisha-zukuri building, said to preserve forms older than Izumo Oyashiro.
- The Shinka Sozoku fire-succession rite of the Izumo Kokuso is still held here. Worth visiting as a pair with Izumo Oyashiro.
- Within the grounds is the Kifune-Inari Ryojinja (Important Cultural Property), a rare two-bay nagare-zukuri building.
- Close to Yaegaki Shrine and Kumano Taisha, it anchors a pilgrimage of the Ou Six Shrines.
A shrine whose very name is linked to musuhi, the power of generation — and so one close to Musuhi Techo's heart. Enshrining the mother of the land, it is a place to return to one's origins at a great turning point.
Deities and Location
- Enshrined Deities
- Izanami no Ōkami, Izanagi no Ōkami
- Location
- 島根県松江市大庭町 (Shimane)
- Access
- From JR Matsue Station, take a bus to Fudoki-no-oka Iriguchi, then about 5 minutes on foot.
Visiting hours, goshuin (shrine stamps), and festival dates change; please confirm the latest information through each shrine's official announcements. If you find an error in this entry, we would be grateful if you let us know.
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