To Miho Shrine, the Grand Head Shrine of Ebisu | The Appeal of the Double Pilgrimage | Shimane Prefecture

At the eastern tip of the Shimane Peninsula, where the scent of the sea drifts, | Mihonoseki, Miho Shrine is enshrined.
As a counterpart to Izumo Taisha, it has long gathered deep faith as a place for a double pilgrimage. This article records my experience touching upon a portion of its history and charm.

1. History of Foundation

The exact date of Miho Shrine's foundation is uncertain, but the shrine's name is recorded in the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki of the 5th year of Tenpyo (733) and the Engishiki of the 5th year of Encho (927).
The enshrined deities also appear in the myths of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki.

▼ Click here for the official Miho Shrine website

2. Principal Deities of Miho Shrine

・ | Mihotsuhime-no-Mikoto
Izumo Taisha is the | Okuninushi-no-Kami's consort deity enshrined at
. She is the deity of abundant harvests who descended from Takamagahara carrying rice ears.
She is also a deity of prosperity for descendants, marital harmony, safe childbirth, and music and dance.

・ | Kotoshironushi-no-Kami
He is the first son of Okuninushi-no-Kami and is generally cherished as Ebisu-sama. Based on the myth that he was consulted about the transfer of the land while fishing in the sea of Mihonoseki, this place is revered nationwide as the Grand Head Shrine of Ebisu-sama (the head shrine for shrines dedicated to Kotoshironushi-no-Kami).
He is the deity of maritime safety, prosperous business, academics, and music and dance.

3. Deep 'Bonds' with Izumo Taisha: A Recommendation for Double Pilgrimage

When it comes to Shimane, Izumo Taisha is famous.
Locally, it has long been said that 'visiting only Izumo Taisha is a half-pilgrimage'. Okuninushi-no-Kami and Mihotsuhime-no-Mikoto are a married couple, and Daikoku-sama (Okuninushi-no-Kami) and Ebisu-sama (Kotoshironushi-no-Kami) have a father-son relationship.

It is believed that by performing the 'Ebisu-Daikoku double pilgrimage' to both shrines, one receives stronger blessings (such as matchmaking, domestic safety, and business prosperity).

▼ Click here for the Izumo Taisha article

In contrast to the solemn atmosphere of Izumo Taisha, Miho Shrine has a somewhat gentle quality, filled with the serene energy of the sea, offering a contrasting appeal.

4. The Pinnacle of Architecture: The Unique 'Miho-zukuri' Style

The shrine buildings of Miho Shrine have a unique structure.
The current main hall was rebuilt in 1813 (a National Important Cultural Property), and is known as Miho-zukuri or Hiyoku Taisha-zukuri.
This is a special style where two main halls of the Taisha-zukuri style, the same as Izumo Taisha, are placed side-by-side and connected by a "Shozoku-no-ma" (vestment room), and it is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
The "left hall" on the right side as you face it enshrines the male deity (Kotoshironushi-no-kami) in the Taisha-zukuri style, while the "right hall" on the left side enshrines the female deity (Mihotsuhime-no-mikoto); its appearance, which combines solemnity and elegance, captivates lovers of shrine and temple architecture.
And the worship hall in front of the main hall was built under the design and supervision of Chuta Ito in 1928.

5. Culture Supporting Faith: Musical Instruments and Aofushigaki

Miho Shrine is also known as the deity of song, dance, and musical instruments.
According to a legend that Kotoshironushi-no-kami returned to the sea in a hurry after hearing a rooster crow and had his foot bitten by a fish, it is said that there was once a custom among the parishioners not to eat chicken or eggs.
It is said that there are over 800 musical instruments that have been dedicated due to the faith of dedicating such instruments.
There are also special Shinto rituals such as the Aofushigaki Shinji (Green Hedge Ritual) and the Morotabune Shinji (Many-Handed Boat Ritual), which continue to support people's deep faith as heroic festivals that convey the world of mythology to the present day.

The approach to Miho Shrine, the "Blue Stone Paved Street", retains a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era. When traveling in Izumo, why not extend your trip and go meet the god of the sea?

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