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Izumo Seaside Area

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Izumo Seaside Area

Experience the charm of the sea in the land of Japanese myths and legends

Izumo City

Located in Shimane Prefecture along the Sea of Japan, Izumo is known as the “Land of Gods” and is deeply connected to Japan’s mythology. The region has an incredibly beautiful coastline, which offers lots of attractive sightseeing spots and stunning natural sceneries. From ancient shrines to scenic beaches and magnificent sunset views, there is plenty to see and do around Izumo’s seaside area!

At Cape Hinomisaki, nestled into the western edge of the Shimane Peninsula, the vast blue of the sea stretches for miles around you. Literally meaning “Cape of the Sun,” Hinomisaki faces directly west and is a great place to watch the sun setting into the Sea of Japan. Along the coast, where cliffs tumble into unique rock formations, stands Hinomisaki Lighthouse in gorgeous ivory, Japan’s tallest stone lighthouse, and the vermilion-painted Hinomisaki Shrine, which makes a striking contrast against the blue sky and sea.

To the south is island of Fumishima, a designated national Natural Monument and a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls. Every November, 5,000 black-tailed gulls arrive from the northern sea to this island to lay their eggs. Fumishima was once the site of Hishizumi no Miya (“Sunset Shrine”), dedicated to the goddess Amaterasu. While Hi Shizumi no Miya is now at Hinomisaki Shrine, the island is still a sacred place and access is forbidden to the public.

Near the famous Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, you will find the sandy Inasa Beach. Every year at the end of May, a Kagura performance called Kagaribi-mai takes place here. Dancers donning ancient costumes perform an elegant dance while the sun sinks into the Sea of Japan behind them, allowing audience to experience Japan’s traditional culture coupled with fantastic views.

How to get there

Hinomisaki Lighthouse
From Izumo Airport, take a bus to JR Izumoshi Station (30 minutes). From there, take a bus for "Hinomisaki Todai" (about 60 minutes).

Hinomisaki Shrine
From Izumo Airport, take a bus to JR Izumoshi Station (30 minutes). From there, take a bus bound for "Hinomisaki Todai" and get off at "Hinomisaki-jinja" bus stop (about 60 minutes).
Hinomisaki Shrine is 8 minutes on foot from Hinomisaki Lighthouse.

Inasa Beach
From Izumo Airport, take a bus to JR Izumoshi Station (30 minutes). From there, take a bus bound for "Hinomisaki Todai" and get off at "Inasa-no-Hama" bus stop (about 40 minutes).
Inasa Beach is 3 minutes by car and 12 minutes on foot from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.

Hinomisaki Lighthouse: 1478 Taishachohinomisaki, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken

Hinomisaki Shrine: 455 Taishachohinomisaki, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken

Inasa Beach: 2711 Taishachokizukikita, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken