Hinomisaki Shrine: Guardian of Japan's Night

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Ancient vermillion shrine on the Shimane Peninsula, dedicated to sunset deities and guarding Japan's night with stunning ocean views.

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Hinomisaki Shrine

Hinomisaki Shrine, a vermillion-lacquered Shinto shrine on Cape Hino, Izumo, is dedicated to Amaterasu and Susanoo. Facing west, it's known as the protector of Japan's night, complementing Ise Grand Shrine, which guards the day.

A brief summary to Hinomisaki Shrine

455 Taishacho Hinomisaki, Izumo, Taishacho Hinomisaki, Shimane, 699-0763, JP
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hinomisaki Shrine.

Visit during sunset for a breathtaking view and to witness the shrine's role as guardian of the night.
Explore both the Upper Shrine (Kami-no-miya) and the Sunset Shrine (Hishizumi-no-miya) to appreciate the distinct deities honored.
Look for the intricate carvings on the main hall, showcasing traditional Japanese artistic motifs.
Purchase a sand amulet for good luck and protection.
Take the walking path to the nearby Hinomisaki Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Sea of Japan.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse: Guardian of the Sea of Japan

Cape Hino

Cape Hino: Where History and Coastal Beauty Converge

Screen rock

Screen Rock: A Silent Witness to History

Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Izumoshi Station, take the Ichibata Bus bound for Hinomisaki. The journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes, and the bus stops at the Hinomisaki-jinja bus stop. From there, it's a short 1-minute walk to the shrine. The bus fare is around ¥840 [Accurate as of July 26, 2025].
Car

From the Sanin Expressway Izumo IC, it takes approximately 30 minutes by car to reach Hinomisaki Shrine. The shrine has a free parking lot available. Note that parking may be limited during peak seasons or special events.
Walking

If you are visiting the nearby Hinomisaki Lighthouse, a dedicated walking path connects the lighthouse to Hinomisaki Shrine. The walk takes about 15 minutes, offering scenic coastal views. There are no costs associated with walking.

Discover more about Hinomisaki Shrine

Nestled on the westernmost tip of the Shimane Peninsula, Hinomisaki Shrine is a captivating Shinto shrine with ancient roots. The shrine is painted in vibrant vermillion, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue of the Sea of Japan and the surrounding green pine trees. Dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Susanoo, the god of storms and sea, the shrine is divided into two main sections: the Upper Shrine (Kami-no-miya) dedicated to Susanoo, and the Sunset Shrine (Hishizumi-no-miya) dedicated to Amaterasu.Hinomisaki Shrine faces west, intentionally built to capture the setting sun. This orientation has led to its revered status as the protector of Japan's night, in contrast to the Ise Grand Shrine, which is the guardian of the daytime. The shrine's history dates back to at least the 9th century, with some legends suggesting origins as early as 600 BC. The current structures were completed in the Momoyama Period (1568-1603), showcasing architectural similarities to Nikko's Toshogu Shrine.Visitors can explore the intricate carvings adorning the main hall, depicting traditional motifs like dragons, tigers, cranes, and tortoises. The shrine also offers unique amulets containing sand from the grounds, believed to have protective properties. A smaller Inari shrine, dedicated to the fox spirit, can be found tucked away in the surrounding woods. Every year on August 7th, the shrine holds a special Sunset Festival.