Izumo Taisha and Hinomisaki One Day Course

No trip to Izumo is complete without pairing the famous matchmaking shrine of Izumo Taisha with the coastal scenery of Hinomisaki, about twenty minutes away by car. You walk a path steeped in myth, pause on a white sand beach, and close the day with the sun sinking into the Sea of Japan. The walking distances are gentle, making this an ideal route for a first visit to Izumo.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Izumo Taisha Begin at the great torii gate at Seidamari. The approach here is unusual because it slopes downward through an avenue of pines. After the purification fountain, head toward the worship hall and the main hall, known for its huge sacred rope.

10:30 Kagura Hall and grounds Admire the thick rope hanging at Kagura Hall, then explore the treasure house and smaller shrines within the grounds. The Goen Yokocho lane beside the approach is a good place to try local soba or sweet red bean zenzai.

11:30 Inasa Beach Walk west from the shrine to reach Inasa Beach, said to be where the gods are welcomed each autumn. Look out at the small island of Benten and watch visitors gathering a little sand to carry home.

13:00 Travel to Hinomisaki and lunch Take a car or bus to Hinomisaki. Enjoy fresh squid and seafood at a seaside eatery.

14:00 Hinomisaki Shrine and lighthouse Visit the vivid vermilion Hinomisaki Shrine, then follow the coastal path to the Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, the tallest of its kind in Japan.

16:30 Watch the sunset End the day watching the sun set beyond the cliffs and the small island offshore.

Highlights

The main hall of Izumo Taisha and its enormous sacred rope are the clear centerpiece. At Hinomisaki, the contrast of the red shrine against the blue sea and the white lighthouse standing about forty three meters tall leaves a lasting impression. On a clear evening the sun turns the sea to gold.

Access and Tips

The Izumo Taisha Mae station on the Ichibata Railway is the handiest gateway to the shrine. Buses from the shrine to Hinomisaki take around twenty minutes but run infrequently, so check the timetable in advance. If sunset is your goal, plan to arrive at Hinomisaki in the late afternoon and wear comfortable walking shoes.

A Quick Tip

To linger at Hinomisaki, eat lunch early and save your time for the lighthouse and coastal path. Sunset times shift greatly with the season, so look up the day of your visit before locking in your bus schedule.