Izumo Taisha's Spring Grand Festival (Reitaisai) is held each May at one of Japan's most venerated Shinto shrines, dedicated to Okuninushi no Mikoto, deity of marriage and relationships. Ancient court music (gagaku) and sacred Bugaku dance are performed within the shrine's imposing shimenawa-adorned precincts. Priests in formal Heian-period robes conduct elaborate purification ceremonies observed by pilgrims from across Japan. The festival offers a deeply authentic encounter with Japan's oldest spiritual traditions.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- May
- Region
- Chugoku
- Prefecture
- Shimane
- City
- Izumo
Highlights
- ◆Sacred Bugaku dance and gagaku court music performances
- ◆Elaborate Heian-period priestly robes and rituals
- ◆Set within Japan's oldest and most sacred Shinto shrine
- ◆Dedicated to the deity of marriage and good relationships
- ◆Rare opportunity to witness ancient imperial-style ceremonies