Taisha, Izumo City ー Although Japan is commonly known as the Land of the Rising Sun on the world map, Izumo, a region in Shimane, is associated with the setting sun. It was this setting sun that brought the sacred Hinomisaki Shrine to Izumo. It was established in 948 by imperial order to worship the darker side of Japan, symbolizing the yin, the active principle of the universe in ancient Chinese philosophy, characterized by activity and dynamism and associated with warmth and brightness. Yin is said to encourage introspection, nurturing, and healing. In this sense, Hinomisaki Shrine is a counterpart to the prestigious Ise Shrine and venerates the rising sun or the yang. According to Japanese mythology, both Ise and Hinomisaki Shrines protect the Japanese Archiperagp as a sacred barrier from evil spirits.
In 1644, the current structure of Hinomisaki Shrine was completed and has been revered ever since. Despite its remote location in the west corner of the Shimane peninsula, the shrine’s graceful appearance has attracted numerous visitors. For a long time, this sacred place has been affectionately referred to as Misaki-san, meaning Honorable Cape. Hinomisaki Shrine offers prayers for the peace and prosperity of Japan as well as the rest of the world.
The shrine is also renowned for its unique good-luck charm, known as the sand charm. It is believed that this charm helps heal sickness and is popular among the Japanese. Many individuals from all over Japan visit Hinomisaki Shrine to hope for the recovery of their loved ones from illness.
How to get to Hinomisaki Shrine
By Aeroplane
| Transportation | Details | Duration | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airplane | Tokyo (Haneda Airport) → Izumo Airport | About 1 hour 30 minutes | Airlines: JAL (several flights a day) |
| Bus (Airport Shuttle) | Izumo Airport → JR Izumo City Station | About 30 minutes | About ¥1,000 |
| Bus (Ichibata Bus) | JR Izumo City Station → Hinomisaki Shrine | About 1 hour 20 minutes | About ¥1,000 (Note: Limited number of buses, check the timetable in advance) |
| Taxi | Izumo Airport → Hinomisaki Shrine | About 40 minutes | About ¥6,000 – ¥8,000 |
By Shinkansen and Limited Express
| Transportation | Details | Duration | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | Tokyo Station → Okayama Station (Nozomi or Hikari) | About 3 hours 20 minutes | About ¥17,000 (reserved seat) |
| Limited Express (Yakumo) | Okayama Station → Izumo City Station | About 2 hours 50 minutes | About ¥7,000 (reserved seat) |
| Bus (Ichibata Bus) | JR Izumo City Station → Hinomisaki Shrine | About 1 hour 20 minutes | About ¥1,000 (Note: Limited number of buses, check the timetable in advance) |
| Taxi | JR Izumo City Station → Hinomisaki Shrine | About 40 minutes | About ¥6,000 – ¥8,000 |
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