Izumo

Japan

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Izumo, city, northern Shimane ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan. It lies on the Izumo Plain, bordering the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

First formed as a market town, it has been a commercial centre for the surrounding agricultural and stock-raising area since the 18th century. The city has also served as a hub of railway and road transport since the arrival of a railway in 1910. Small-scale traditional industries include silk manufacture, woodworking, brewing, and food processing.

Izumo is well known as a Shintō religious centre. At Taisha, 5 miles (8 km) to the northwest, is the Grand Shrine of Izumo (Izumo-taisha), the oldest Shintō shrine in Japan, attracting pilgrims throughout the year. Its present buildings, constructed largely in the late 19th century, cover an area of 40 acres (16 hectares) and are approached through an avenue of pine trees. The temple complex, which contains a valuable art collection, is enclosed by hills on three sides.

There are numerous other shrines and tombs in the Izumo area. It is believed that every October all the Shintō gods meet at one of the smaller shrines. Because of that tradition, October is known as Kannazuki (“Month Without Gods”) everywhere else in Japan and Kamiarizuki (“Month with Gods”) in the Izumo area. Pop. (2010) 171,485; (2015) 171,938.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Michael Ray.