Hinomisaki Shrine & Lighthouse

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Updated

Hinomisaki Shrine

Hinomisaki is just 8 kilometers north of the famous Izumo Taisah Grand Shrine and is famous for the beautiful Shrine and towering Lighthouse. The vermilion red Hinomisaki Shrine is built to honor Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and her younger brother Susano, god of storms and the sea. The shrine is split for the two deities as the Upper Shrine (Kami-no-miya) and Sunset Shrine (Hishizumi-no-miya). Similar to the Toshugu in Nikko, the shrine was designed to have the worship hall and main sanctuary face another, connected under a single roof and passage. The halls are filled with beautiful sculptures, carved animals, and beautiful bamboo and pine trees. While the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie is considered the guardian from dawn-to-dusk, the Hinomisaki Shrine faces the sunset and earned the title as the protector of night after the sunset's in Japan. As the sunset guardian, the shrine holds an annual summer festival, the Sunset Festival in August.

Hinomisaki Lighthouse

Located next to the shrine is the famous Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, one of the world's top 100 most beautiful lighthouses. Standing at a towering 43.65 meters (143 ft), this lighthouse boasts a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan from the Shimane Peninsula. The stunning white tower has a 163-step spiral stairway to visit the top for a small fee, and there are also charming walking paths along the coast. Built in 1903, the lighthouse is a popular photo destination or place to watch the sunset. There are multiple rock formations, caves, and wonderful paths to enjoy Shimane's natural scenery. South of the lighthouse is Fumishima island, about 100 meters off the coast. The island is a sacred place of worship off-limits to travelers. Only a Shinto Monk is allowed to enter the island, designated as a natural monument. You may not be able to step foot on the island, but enjoy the beauty from the top of the lighthouse.

While Hinomisaki Shrine and Lighthouse are not available on our standard line of Cherry Blossom or Highlights Japan Tours, you can customize a Japan tour package to include Hinomisaki and the rest of Shimane's beautiful landmarks. Explore for a few days or a couple weeks, our custom Japan tour vacations are flexible and designed to depart on your schedule!