Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii – A Sacred Shrine with Blessings Stronger Than the Original in Japan

Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii was founded in 1906 as a branch of the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.

It was originally located in Downtown Honolulu but moved to its current location in 1969.

The shrine became a famous tourist spot after being featured on a popular Japanese variety show.

While the Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture is famous as a deity of matchmaking, the Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii is said to grant powerful blessings and is known for its wide variety of good luck charms (omamori).

It could be a fun experience to visit Japanese shrines in Hawaii and collect good luck charms or goshuin (commemorative stamps)!

How to Worship at Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii

Well-known among Hawaii locals, Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii attracts worshipers throughout the year.

In addition to regular visits and New Year’s prayers (Hatsumode), you can also request various blessing ceremonies, just like at the main shrine in Japan.

The worship procedure is the same as the main Izumo Taisha in Japan, which is slightly different from most other shrines!

1. Before praying, purify your hands and mind at the chozuya (water pavilion) located on the right after passing through the torii gate.
2. Ring the bell halfway up the stairs to greet the deity.
3. Toss a monetary offering (osaisen) in U.S. dollars into the offering box.
4. Bow deeply twice to greet the deity.
5. Clap your hands four times and then pray.
6. When you have finished praying, bow deeply one last time.

At most Shinto shrines, the standard worship practice is “two bows, two claps, one bow.” However, at Izumo Taishakyo, both in Hawaii and Japan, the correct method is “two bows, four claps, one bow.”

It is also recommended to chant the “Izumo Shingo” prayer during your visit.

“Saki-mitama, Kushi-mitama, mamori-tamae, sakihae-tamae.”

Chant this three times!

It’s quite delightful to see these Japanese traditions being preserved just as they are in Hawaii!

Differences Between the Hawaii and Japan Izumo Taisha Shrines

In addition to Okuninushi-no-Okami, the main deity of the shrine in Shimane Prefecture, the Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii also enshrines the guardian deities of Hawaii.

For this reason, it is believed to grant even more powerful blessings than other shrines in Hawaii.

In a uniquely Hawaiian touch, you might see the komainu (guardian lion-dogs) adorned with colorful leis or even sunglasses.

The chozuya is also equipped with paper towels and a trash can.

Also, offerings are recommended to be made in U.S. dollars rather than Japanese yen.

However, since the head priest is from the main Izumo Taisha in Japan, the shrine operates in much the same way as its Japanese counterpart.

Charms (Omamori) and Stamps (Goshuin) at Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii

Next to the shrine building, there is an office where you can purchase omamori (good luck charms) and receive goshuin (commemorative stamps).

Samples of the different types of charms available are displayed near the office entrance, so you can decide which one you’d like.

They even have special charms for runners, praying for the successful completion of the Honolulu Marathon.

For collectors, the shrine also offers goshuin!

The design, featuring a heart and the word “ALOHA!”, is cute and very Hawaiian. Why not start your goshuin collection with this one?

Please be aware that photography is not allowed inside the office.

Basic Information for Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii

Name	Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii
Address	215 N Kukui St, Honolulu, HI 96817
Map
Hours	8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission	Free
Closed	None
Time Required	Approx. 15 minutes or more
Restrooms	Available
Parking	Available (Free)

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