Hawaii Izumo Taisha, a Shinto Shrine in Honolulu

Shinto is the indigenous religion of Japan and is intimately tied to the culture there. As such, it’s not often you encounter a Shinto shrine outside of that country. A handful of shrines can be found in Hawaii due to the state’s strong Japanese heritage. One is Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii, which I took the opportunity to visit during my stay in Oahu.

Gate (Torii) with Shrine behind

Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii is also known as Hawaii Izumo Taisha or sometimes just Izumo Taisha. It’s a branch of Izumo Taisha Grand Shinto Shrine in Izumo City, Japan. The Hawaii shrine traces its establishment to 1906, when the founding bishop first celebrated service there. The shrine building was constructed in 1922, but it was located elsewhere. The government seized it during World War II, but it was finally returned in 1962 and placed in its current location.

Path under gate with steps leading up to shrine entrance

The steps up to the main shrine building

Interestingly, given the ancient and organic origins of Shinto, there is no founder or singular holy text. The major focus is on kami, which can be described as sacred spirits or gods. Kami can be found throughout nature and are usually associated with: a particular place (like a mountain), a natural phenomenon (such as rain), or a concept (like wisdom). Worthy people can also become kami after they die. Each Shinto shrine is dedicated to one or more of these spirits. It is believed that the kami reside within the shrine and can thus be worshipped there.

Hand washing basin for purification upon entering the grounds

The primary kami enshrined at Hawaii Izumo Taisha is Okuninushi-no-Kami, a major deity in the Shinto pantheon. In his legend, he escapes his murderous brothers, endures the challenges of the storm god, and marries goddesses. After finally defeating his brothers, Okuninushi works to become the ruler of the terrestrial world. Eventually, he is forced to hand control over to the descendants of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. Okuninushi is then given dominion over the unseen/spiritual world, which includes human relationships. He is specifically associated with happy marriages, healing, agriculture, and groundbreakings.

The interior of the shrine building

As Shinto shrines are places of worship, it’s especially important to be respectful when visiting and to try to follow the proper etiquette. Please review the official site of Hawaii Izumo Taisha to learn about the customs and practices there. On the shrine grounds, there’s a shop where you can purchase omamori and ofuda (amulets and talismans), which are believed to confer certain protections and blessings.

Lion-dog statue guarding the shrine

I very much enjoyed my visit to Hawaii Izumo Taisha. Although it’s in Honolulu, it felt like it was off the beaten path for tourists. For me, it was a rare opportunity to experience a Shinto shrine first hand and appreciate this sacred space.