Hakuto Shrine
白兎神社
The setting of the 'White Hare of Inaba' myth from the Kojiki and a shrine for matchmaking; the White Hare Coast in front of it looks out toward Oki Island from the myth.
Hakuto Shrine enshrines the white hare god from the myth of the 'White Hare of Inaba.' According to legend, the white hare tricked crocodiles into forming a bridge so it could cross over from Oki Island, but was flayed for its deception. Ōkuninushi-no-mikoto told it to bathe in fresh water, and it was healed. Later the hare matched Ōkuninushi with Princess Yakami. The shrine is therefore regarded as the setting of Japan's earliest love story, and it is a shrine for matchmaking and for curing skin ailments. Along the approach are many white hare statues. Visitors can buy matchmaking stones, place them on the torii gate and make a wish. Across the way, White Hare Coast is known as a lovers' sacred place. Admission is free, and the bus from Tottori Station takes about 40 minutes.
Opening hours
Open all day (amulet counter about 08:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Tottori Port Seafood Market Karoichi
- Tottori Folkcraft Museum
- Tottori Sand Dunes
- Jinpukaku
- The Sand Museum
- Tottori Castle Ruins (Kyusho Park)
- Kannon-in Garden
- Uradome Coast