Hinomisaki Shrine & Lighthouse — Sacred Sunset Cape

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Hinomisakishrinelighthousesunset capeAmaterasu

Hinomisaki Shrine & Lighthouse — Sacred Sunset Cape

Hinomisaki (日御碕) is a dramatic cape at Shimane's western tip featuring Hinomisaki Shrine (vermillion shrine buildings) and Hinomisaki Lighthouse (white tower lighthouse). The shrine, dedicated to sun goddess Amaterasu, protects Japan's night realm (while Ise Shrine protects day). The orange-red shrine buildings contrast with blue sea and green pine forests creating vivid color compositions.

The adjacent lighthouse, built in 1903, stands 43.65 meters tall (Japan's tallest stone lighthouse). Visitors can climb the 163 spiral steps to the observation platform for 360° views over the Sea of Japan, rugged coastline, and shrine grounds. Sunset from the cape combines sacred shrine atmosphere with dramatic ocean scenery.

Opening Hours

Shrine: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Lighthouse: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (summer until 5:00 PM) | Outdoor shrine grounds accessible from dawn

Closed: No regular closures

Entrance Fee

Shrine: free | Lighthouse climb: ¥300 (163 steps) | Parking: ¥500

Best Season

Late afternoon year-round for sunset; summer (June–August) for long golden-hour sunsets; spring for fresh pine greenery against vermillion shrine

Visit Duration

60–90 minutes: shrine (30 min) + lighthouse climb (20 min) + sunset viewing (30 min); 30-min bus from Izumo Taisha

Getting There

Access Information

Hinomisaki-cho, Izumo. 30-min bus from Izumo-shi Station. Shrine: free entry. Lighthouse: ¥300, 9:00–16:30 (summer until 17:00). Visit duration: 60–90 minutes. Best time: late afternoon for shrine visit + sunset over ocean.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Day-night duality:** Hinomisaki Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu (sun goddess) but specifically protects Japan's nighttime hours — a theological counterbalance to Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture which