Kabuki started greater than 400 years in the past and is now certainly one of Japan’s best-known classical performing arts. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, kabuki continues to intrigue audiences. In 2025, director Lee Sang-il’s movie Kokuho — a narrative set on the earth of kabuki actors — grew to become a serious field workplace hit in Japan.
Kabuki can also be well-known for its long-held traditions. Most notably, like historic Shakespearean theater, characters of each gender are nearly completely portrayed by males. Ironically, a girl often known as Izumo no Okuni (Okuni of Izumo) is credited as kabuki’s founder.
The metropolis of Izumo in Shimane Prefecture honors this founder’s legendary life with monuments that may be reached on foot. For new and longtime kabuki followers, here’s a fast information to this strolling course.
A short historical past of Izumo no Okuni and ladies in kabuki
Records documenting Izumo no Okuni’s life embody pictures of her acting on stage. Image: Public area
Historical information that describe Izumo no Okuni are restricted. It is alleged, nonetheless, that she was born in what’s now jap Shimane. This space is house to Izumo Taisha, certainly one of Japan’s oldest and most necessary Shinto shrines.
Supposedly, Okuni was a miko (shrine maiden) who traveled to Kyoto to gather donations for the shrine’s repairs. Here, within the early seventeenth century, she grew to become well-known for an unique model of dance that captivated spectators and impressed different performers to mimic her. This is taken into account the start of kabuki.
In 1629, nonetheless, the Tokugawa shogunate banned girls from performing kabuki to guard “public morals.” Some actresses engaged in prostitution, however the shogunate additionally disliked folks of assorted social courses mingling within the audiences. This ban on feminine performers helped set up the custom of male actors enjoying each position — a observe that largely continues right this moment.
Walking within the footsteps of Izumo no Okuni
Multiple shrine gates mark the strategy to Izumo Taisha. They signify the boundary between the abnormal world and sacred floor. Image: Laura Payne
After watching performances at kabuki theaters in Japan’s main cities, followers of Okuni ought to go to Izumo Taisha. Locals say that later in life, Okuni returned to Izumo and have become a Buddhist nun.
Izumoshi station, the principle transport hub in Izumo, is accessible immediately from Tokyo station by way of the Sunrise Izumo sleeper practice (about 12 hours in a single day). From Kyoto station, take a bullet practice to Okayama station and switch to the Yakumo Limited Express (about 4 and a half hours). From Izumoshi station, guests can entry a strolling tour of websites associated to Okuni’s legacy
Start: Izumotaisha-Mae station and Izumo no Okuni’s statue
Near Okuni’s statue, guests can purchase souvenirs or get pleasure from a scorching spring foot tub at Taisha Goenhiroba — a freeway relaxation cease. Image: Laura Payne
From Izumoshi station, use a bus or the Ichibata Electric Railway to achieve Izumotaisha-Mae station. A statue of Okuni is a couple of six-minute stroll from right here by the big white torii (shrine gate). Constructed in 2013, this statue is a sister to a different one situated in Kyoto.
Renga-an (Okuni Temple) and Anyo-ji Temple
The Renga-an that stands right this moment was reconstructed in 1936. Image: Laura Payne
Walk again by the white torii gate and head up Shinmondori, a avenue that results in Izumo Taisha. Shinmondori is lined with eating places, cafes and memento outlets. The Izumo Shinmondori Visitor Center gives maps and vacationer info.
At the highest of Shinmondori, cross the road. The entrance to Izumo Taisha is right here, however followers of Okuni ought to stroll west alongside National Route 431 first. After about ten minutes of strolling, guests will encounter Renga-an — additionally referred to as Okuni Temple. Signboards clarify that this small constructing is a reconstruction of a hermitage the place Okuni devoted herself to renga (linked-verse poetry). A picket reduction of Okuni can also be displayed right here.
Anyo-ji is situated in a residential space and primarily capabilities as a neighborhood temple, not a sightseeing vacation spot. Image: Laura Payne
Walk about 5 extra minutes down Route 431 to achieve a crosswalk. This can be utilized to entry a facet avenue that results in Anyo-ji Temple. Belongings of Okuni’s reminiscent of prayer beads and a mirror are saved right here, however these should not normally on public show.
The tower and tomb of Izumo no Okuni
There are two staircases beneath the Tower of Izumo no Okuni. To attain the tower, climb the one that doesn’t have a torii gate (this results in a shrine). Image: Laura Payne
The crosswalk close to Anyo-ji Temple is subsequent to a staircase that results in the Tower of Izumo no Okuni. Originally inbuilt 1936 and rebuilt in 1968, this memorial construction was created with donations from fashionable kabuki actor households. Views of Inasanohama Beach are seen from the tower, however guests looking for wider views can proceed as much as Honozan Park, which overlooks Izumo and the Sea of Japan.
Izumo no Okuni’s grave is a pilgrimage website for kabuki followers and individuals who work within the leisure trade. Image: Laura Payne
Returning to Route 431, stroll for about 5 minutes again in direction of Izumo Taisha (on the sidewalk reverse the tower’s entry staircase) to achieve Okuni’s grave. Located inside a functioning cemetery, her pure stone tomb stands out from newer gravestones. Visitors who wish to say hey to Okuni can supply a prayer right here.
Finish: Izumo Taisha
It is alleged that in the course of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, all of Japan’s Shinto deities collect at Izumo Taisha. Image: Laura Payne
Since Okuni supposedly started her kabuki profession whereas incomes cash for Izumo Taisha, the strolling tour ends right here. Visitors to Izumo Taisha normally pray on the essential corridor for good relationships — significantly romantic ones. The methodology of prayer at Izumo Taisha can also be distinctive in comparison with the standard worship routine. Visitors clap 4 instances as an alternative of two, which is believed to indicate a better degree of respect.
Essential journey ideas
Other statues of Izumo no Okuni are present in Kyoto and at Izumo Airport. Image: miack/Pixta
Keeping a number of issues in thoughts will assist this strolling tour go easily.
First, this course leads guests close to residential areas, so take care to not trespass on personal property. When visiting Izumo no Okuni’s grave and Anyo-ji Temple (which has a cemetery), be quiet in order to not disturb others and be respectful of the graves. Route 431 is often busy, so be sure that to solely cross it at crosswalks. Also, those that stroll this course in the summertime ought to be aware of heatstroke and bug security. Finally, carrying money is useful for making choices at Izumo Taisha or purchasing on Shinmondori.
Although some historic particulars of Okuni’s life are unsure, she is acknowledged because the founding father of kabuki. Visiting these websites presents a uncommon connection to the girl whose performances launched certainly one of Japan’s most enduring artwork varieties.
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