Izumo Taisha

**Four claps, not two:** Standard Shinto shrines use two claps. Izumo uses four: two bows, four claps, one bow. The four claps honor the four seasons, or—more romantically—represent you and your future partner. Locals follow this precisely. Do it right; it's not optional. **Shimenawa, don't throw coins:** The 13.6-meter rope in Kagura-den weighs 5,200 kg and takes volunteers months to weave from rice straw. It's rewoven every 6-8 years. People used to throw coins to stick in the rope for luck, but that damages it—signs now ask you not to. Use the offering box like you're supposed to. **October, when the gods show up:** During Kamiarizuki (late October to early November, lunar calendar), all 8 million kami in Japan allegedly gather here. The Kamiari Festival and Jinzai-sai involve nighttime rituals welcoming the deities. If you're there, you'll see ceremonies that don't happen anywhere else. Hotels book out months ahead for this period—plan accordingly. **Marriage amulets, very popular:** Okuninushi handles relationships, so people come here to pray for partners (if single) or relationship harmony (if coupled). The shrine sells enmusubi-mamori (縁結び守, marriage amulets) for ¥1,000 in red and white. They're the most popular souvenir. Whether they work is between you and the kami.