Taisha (shrine)
Taisha is a term used to refer to a rank of Shinto shrines.
A taisha is literally a "great shrine" that was classified as such under the old system of shrine ranking, the Modern system of ranked Shinto Shrines, abolished in 1946.
History
Originally Taisha referred to the 203 Myojin Taisha or the 492 Shikinai Taisha listed in the Engishiki JinmyochoThe term became more strict in the Empire of Japan. In that time it almost always referred to Izumo-taisha. After the war, many shrines with the rank of taisha, such as the former Kanpei Taisha and the former Kokuhei Taisha Shrine, started calling themselves taisha.
Izumo Taisha wants to be the only shrine to use the name.
Former Taisha
There are some shrines which used to call themselves Taisha but later changed their names| Shrine name | Imperial rank | Engishiki | Notes |
| Kanpei Taisha | Myojin Taisha | The word "Hikawa Taisha" appears on the bag of votive offerings | |
| Kanpei Taisha | Myojin Taisha | There used to be a sign that said "Hirano Taisha" on the gate | |
| Kanpei Taisha | Myojin Taisha | A sign that reads "Hiraoka Taisha" is still present in front of the old station of Hiraoka | |
| Fuken-sha | Shikinai Taisha |