【Izumo Mythology】The Grand Finale of the Gods’ Gathering: Why You Must Visit Mankusen Shrine

Japanese version

Hello, fellow travelers and mythology lovers!

When thinking of the mythical land of Izumo, Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is usually the first place that comes to mind. It’s world-famous as a sacred spot for matchmaking and bringing people together.

But did you know there is another deeply spiritual, historical gem that is absolutely essential to completing the mythical journey of the gods?

Nestled in Hikawa-cho, Izumo City, lies Mankusen Shrine (万九千神社).

Serving as the sacred ground where Shinto deities gather for their final send-off before returning home, it has become a powerful spiritual hub for modern individuals looking for a “fresh start” or a meaningful reset in life. Let’s dive deep into the accurate history and myths of Izumo to explore why this shrine holds such a special place in the modern world.

１．The Myth: The Gods’ “Naorai” Banquet and the Portal Back to the Everyday World

In the old lunar calendar, the month of October is called “Kamiarizuki” (The Month with Gods) in the Izumo region.

Starting with the Kamimukae (God-welcoming) ritual at Inasa Beach, millions of Shinto deities (Yaoyorozu no Kami) from all over Japan gather in Izumo. They visit various prominent shrines throughout the region, including Izumo Taisha and Sada Shrine (Matsue City), to hold grand councils about human destiny and relationships.

After finishing these important meetings, the deities make their final move to Mankusen Shrine.

The “Naorai” Banquet: Here, the deities hold their final meeting combined with a celebratory banquet (Naorai). Think of it as the gods’ private after-party! They pour sake for one another, relax, and chat about the year ahead after a long period of hard work.

The “Karasade-matsuri” Ritual (The Send-Off): On the evening of the 17th day of the old lunar month (note: this occurs on the 26th at Izumo Taisha), the chief priest performs the Karasade-matsuri ritual (also known as Kamisari-matsuri). He knocks on the shrine doors and calls out, “Otachi—! Otachi—!” (Time to depart!). With this grand send-off, the gods finally journey back to their respective hometowns across Japan.

If Izumo Taisha and other shrines act as the “entrance” to the sacred realm, Mankusen Shrine serves as the “exit” back to the everyday world. It is the beautiful, indispensable grand finale of the entire Izumo myth.

２．Bridging Ancient and Modern: The Sacred “Iwakura” and the New Worship Hall

Historically, the most striking feature of Mankusen Shrine was that it traditionally did not have a grand Main Hall (Honden) like most typical Japanese shrines.

Instead, the object of worship was an “Iwakura“—a sacred, massive rock formation where the spirits of the gods are said to descend—with a tiny, simple wooden structure sitting quietly on top. This preserved the most primitive form of Japanese spirituality: Nature Worship (a form of Shinto animism), which existed long before people began building grand shrine architectures.

While this rustic tradition has been cherished for centuries, a major milestone occurred during the recent Heisei Grand Renewal. In 2018 (Heisei 30), a magnificent new Main Hall (Honden) and Worship Hall (Haiden) were constructed.

Today, visitors can witness a beautiful harmony: the ancient Iwakura and its small symbolic structure are meticulously preserved and housed inside the sacred, newly built wooden enclosure. This fusion of ancient nature worship and beautiful modern architecture gives the grounds a serene, crisp atmosphere, offering a perfect moment of mindfulness for modern travelers.

３．Its Role in the Modern World: The Guardian of “New Beginnings” and “Travel”

Mankusen Shrine is far from being just an ancient relic; it functions as a spiritual companion for people navigating the complexities of modern life.

① A Sanctuary for a “Life Reset” (New Beginnings)

Because the gods leave this shrine with a clear, refreshed mind to start their next chapters back home, it has become highly revered by modern Japanese as a shrine for “fresh starts.” People standing at major crossroads—such as changing careers, starting a business, getting married, or moving to a new city—come here to pledge their determination and receive the empowering energy needed to take that first bold step forward.

② Safe Travels and Global Journeys

Since the deities successfully made their journeys back home from this very spot, Mankusen Shrine is deeply trusted for “Travel Safety,” including study abroad programs, business trips, and vacations. In our highly mobile, globalized era, the blessing of “returning home safely” resonates more than ever.

③ The Cultural Hub of Sake and Connection

As the legendary site of the gods’ joyful banquet, Mankusen Shrine is also celebrated as a shrine for Sake (Japanese Rice Wine). Brewers, restaurant owners, and sake enthusiasts from all over the country visit to give thanks and to pray for blessings that foster good relationships over shared drinks.

４．Watched Over by the All-Stars of Izumo

The main deities enshrined here include Oanamuchi no Mikoto (the youthful name of the great deity Okuninushi), his wise partner Sukunahikona no Mikoto (the god of medicine and wisdom), and Kushimikenu no Mikoto (who is traditionally told to be identical to the legendary deity Susanoo no Mikoto).

In Shinto mythology, Okuninushi and Sukunahikona traveled the entire Japanese archipelago together to develop the land, cultivate fields, and spread medicine. They know the geography and character of every region in Japan better than anyone else.

Having these “pioneers of nation-building” watching over the grounds is incredibly reassuring. It is why the ancient gods felt safe departing from here, and why it is the perfect place for modern visitors to say, “Please watch over my life as I head toward my own new frontier.”

Conclusion: Carry Your Blessings Back to Your Own “Everyday Field”

If Izumo Taisha and other regional shrines are places to “tie new knots of fate” and receive blessings, Mankusen Shrine is the place that empowers you to carry those connections back into your daily routine.

We cannot stay in sacred, otherworldly spaces forever. Eventually, we all must return to our offices, our homes, and our daily responsibilities. Mankusen Shrine gently sends us off, whispering: “Your spiritual batteries are fully charged. Now, go back to your world with a smile and start anew!“

When planning your trip to Izumo, make sure to follow the accurate footsteps of the gods. After visiting the majestic Izumo Taisha, follow the divine path to Mankusen Shrine. Standing before the beautiful new hall and the ancient rock formation will give you the clarity and strength to step into your tomorrow with absolute confidence.

・Mankusen Shrine (万九千神社)

・Address: Kandachi, Hikawa-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture

・Access: Approx. 5 minutes by taxi from JR Naoe Station / Approx. 25 minutes by car from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.