White Rabbit of Inaba and Hakuto Shrine: Visiting the Stage of Japanese Mythology and Sacred Marriage Spot

Hakuto Coast and Hakuto Shrine in northwestern Tottori City are the setting of the White Rabbit of Inaba myth recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki chronicles. The myth tells of Okuninushi no Mikoto helping an injured white rabbit whose fur had been stripped by a wani, a shark, and receiving the prophecy that he would be united with Princess Yakami, which is said to bring blessings for matchmaking. It draws many with the romance of myth and the beauty of the coast, and in 2010 it was also certified as a Sanctuary for Lovers.

The White Rabbit of Inaba Myth

The White Rabbit of Inaba is one of the most famous stories in Japanese mythology. A white rabbit that tried to trick sharks to cross the sea had its fur stripped by the angry sharks and sat weeping, then was fooled by heartless gods and made its wounds worse. The kind hearted Okuninushi no Mikoto passed by and taught it the proper cure, saving the rabbit. In return the rabbit is said to have foretold that Okuninushi would be united with Princess Yakami. From this myth the rabbit deity came to be worshipped as a god of matchmaking and of healing.

Blessings of Hakuto Shrine

Hakuto Shrine, set on a rise overlooking Hakuto Coast, is an old shrine whose chief deity is the white rabbit god, enshrined together with the food deity Ukemochi. Drawing on the rabbit that joined Okuninushi and Princess Yakami, it is known for matchmaking blessings, and many worshippers come to pray for a good match. Charming rabbit statues from the myth dot the precinct and put visitors at ease. The Mitarashi pond, where the injured rabbit is said to have washed its body, is said to keep the same water level even in drought or heavy rain, and so is also called the pond that neither rises nor falls. You can enjoy your visit while imagining the world of the story.

The Beautiful Scenery of Hakuto Coast

At the foot of Hakuto Shrine, across National Route 9, spreads Hakuto Coast, a beautiful shore worthy of the myth. The white sand, the blue sea, and Okinoshima island floating offshore weave a scene that recalls the story. Gazing at Okinoshima, where the rabbit is said to have been, you can immerse yourself in the romance of myth. In summer you can swim, and at dusk a beautiful sunset dyes the sea. Together with a visit to the shrine, its charm is the leisurely enjoyment of a beautiful seaside where the world of myth still lives.

Practical Travel Notes

• The best times are early summer into summer, when the sea is at its finest, and the season of beautiful sunsets
• Allow about one to two hours to combine a shrine visit and a walk along the coast
• Right beside the shrine gate is the roadside station Shinwa no Sato Shirousagi, selling rabbit goods and local seafood, handy for a rest or a meal
• Summer is busy with swimmers, so if you want a quiet visit, early morning is best
• The Tottori Sand Dunes are roughly 20 to 30 minutes away by car, easy to fold into a tour of Tottori sights
• As a budget guide, prayer is free; if you receive an amulet or a matchmaking votive tablet, allow from a few hundred to around a thousand yen

Best Season and Access

Hakuto Shrine and Hakuto Coast can be enjoyed year round, but early summer into summer, when the sea is beautiful, and the season of glowing sunsets are especially recommended. For access, it is about 30 minutes by bus from JR Tottori Station on the Sanin main line to the Hakuto Shrine mae stop, or about 30 minutes by car from central Tottori City. Visiting together with the Tottori Sand Dunes and other sights is also recommended. Along with a prayer for a good match, you can fully enjoy the beautiful coast that became the stage of Japanese mythology. Spend a memorable time at this sacred place filled with the romance of myth and the blessings of matchmaking.

📚 Sources

This article draws on the shrine tradition of Hakuto Shrine, on-site guidance around Hakuto Beach, and sightseeing information published by Tottori City and its tourism association. Published materials on the White Rabbit of Inaba myth recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki were also consulted. Reception hours for prayers and amulets may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about an hour for the shrine visit together with a stroll along Hakuto Beach.
• Preparation: Comfortable shoes make walking along the shore more pleasant.
• Getting around: Enjoy the scattered rabbit stone statues along the approach as you head to the main hall.
• Matchmaking visit: Tied to the tale of Okuninushi and Yagamihime, it is cherished as a place to pray for good relationships.
• Combine with: An adjacent roadside station lets you rest while overlooking Hakuto Beach.