Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse & Shrine
出雲日御碕灯台・日御碕神社
Japan's tallest stone lighthouse, at about 44 meters, where you can climb to the top for views over cliffs and the Sea of Japan. Nearby, the vermilion Hinomisaki Shrine watches over the land of the setting sun.
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse was lit in 1903. At about 43.65 meters tall, it is the tallest stone lighthouse in Japan and is listed among the World's 100 Lighthouses. Visitors can climb 163 spiral steps to the observation deck for views over columnar-jointed sea cliffs and the deep blue Sea of Japan (lighthouse climb about 300 yen, approximately 9:00 to 16:30). Nearby Hinomisaki Shrine consists of the Hinoshizumi-gū, enshrining Amaterasu, and the Kaminomiya, enshrining Susanoo. Its vermilion Gongen-zukuri shrine buildings are important cultural properties, and the shrine is said to watch over Japan's nights. Across the water, Kyō Island is a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls (umineko). Access: about 20 minutes by bus from Izumo Taisha.
Opening hours
Lighthouse approx. 09:00–16:30
Nearby sights
- Inasa Beach
- Izumo Taisha
- Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
- Shinmon-dori Street
- Matsue Vogel Park
- Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
- Tamatsukuri Onsen
- Gessho-ji Temple