The famous ”Oosugi-san”
Izumo is the place where Susanono Mikoto defeated the serpent Yamatano Orochi. Susa Shrine enshrines the spirit of Susanono Mikoto. Many shrines enshrine Susanono Mikoto, but this is the one and only notable shrine which enshrines his spirit.
The most powerful spot at the shrine is the great Japanese cedar tree aged over 1300 years. Once, the Kaga clan offered 800 ”ryou” for the tree to make the mast of a ship, but they were turned down since it was such an important tree for the shrine. It is called “Oosugi-san” and loved by many to this day.
Susa Shrine’s annual intangible cultural asset designation “Kiake Shinji”
Also famous at Susa Shrine is the “Kiake Shinji” which take place during the ”obon” period in August. Gods are welcomed to “shinjibana” which is a large umbrella framework decorated with imitation cherry blossoms to pray for a good autumn harvest. Around the “shinjibana”, people dressed in casual kimono and cone shaped hats adorned with flowers dance the “nenbutsu odori” (prayer dance). Gongs and whistles fill the shrine with festive sounds. The festival is designated as Intangible Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture.
Susa Shrine also has the Seven Wonders
Being a spiritual shrine, there are seven wonders passed down from ancient times. Some examples of the legends associated with Susanono Mikoto are the “Shionoi” (sea water well) where sea water foam appears in the well only at high tide, and “Aino Matsu” a large pine tree which has both male and female gender. (Unfortunately, the original tree died some years ago, and a replacement has been planted.) Susa Shrine is full of spiritual power. It is a shrine worth visiting.
