Izumo Taisha Kamiari-sai 2026
Every god in Japan is said to gather at Izumo Taisha for Kamiari-zuki (Nov 9-Dec 8, 2026) -- the one shrine where the 'godless month' becomes the 'month with gods'.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/11/18 19:00 – 2026/11/25
- Where
- Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine)
- City
- Across Japan
- Getting there
- Ichibata Dentetsu Railway from Izumoshi Station (by JR Izumo-shi) to Izumo-taisha-mae Station (~25 min, Y550), then 10 min on foot.
- Price
- Free
- Organizer
- Izumo Taisha
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Ichibata Dentetsu Railway from Izumoshi Station (by JR Izumo-shi) to Izumo-taisha-mae Station (~25 min, Y550), then 10 min on foot.
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, date night, families
Highlights
- Kamimukae-sai welcoming ritual at Inasa Beach, Nov 18, 19:00
- Kamiari-sai main rites at the shrine, Nov 19, 9:00
- En-musubi Tairai (matchmaking grand rites) on Nov 23 and 25
Background & story
In the 10th lunar month, when the rest of Japan calls it 'Kannazuki' (the month without gods), Izumo calls it 'Kamiari-zuki' (the month with gods) -- tradition holds that Japan's eight million kami travel here to discuss the coming year's en-musubi (bonds and matches) before heading home.
Good to know
Some rites are shrine-ceremony only (not open seating) -- arrive early at Inasa Beach for Kamimukae-sai and follow shrine-staff guidance on where the public may stand.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Kamiari-sai at Izumo Taisha?
- Kamiari-sai is the festival marking Kamiari-zuki, the one month a year (Nov 9-Dec 8, 2026) when Japan's gods are said to gather at Izumo Taisha instead of staying at their home shrines -- the opposite of "Kannazuki," the godless month, as the period is known everywhere else in Japan.
- When is the Kamimukae-sai welcoming ritual in 2026?
- Kamimukae-sai takes place at Inasa Beach on November 18, 2026, at 19:00, followed by the main Kamiari-sai rite at the shrine on November 19 at 9:00.
- Is Izumo Taisha free to visit during Kamiari-sai?
- Yes, shrine grounds admission is always free. Some rites are shrine-ceremony only, but Inasa Beach and the main approach are open to the public.