Hinomisaki Shine

Hinomisaki Shrine (日御碕神社), located about 8 kilometers northwest of Izumo Taisha, is a captivating Shinto sanctuary set along the dramatic coastline of the Sea of Japan. Painted in a vivid vermilion hue, the shrine stands out strikingly against its natural backdrop of emerald pines and rugged cliffs. Perched above the ocean, it offers sweeping views of the water and is especially enchanting at sunset, when the sky glows gold and crimson—casting a mystical light over the shrine’s historic rooftops. The setting itself evokes a sense of timeless reverence, making Hinomisaki not just a place of worship but a scenic highlight of the Izumo region.

The shrine is dedicated to two central deities of Japanese mythology: Amaterasu, the sun goddess and guardian of daylight, and her younger brother Susanoo, the storm god and ruler of the seas. Their divine presence reflects the site’s elemental balance between light and ocean. As you wander the spacious grounds, you’ll find smaller auxiliary shrines, sacred trees, and traditional architectural details that reveal the shrine’s long spiritual heritage. A charming custom among visitors is drawing a daruma omikuji—a miniature daruma doll that contains a fortune slip hidden inside. This symbolic gesture blends fun with tradition and serves as a memorable keepsake for those in search of guidance, luck, or simply a deeper connection to the cultural spirit of Japan’s western coast.