Omi Shrine — Sunrise Power Spot

Published: Jun 1, 2026

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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Omi Shrine (大御神社) is a coastal Shinto shrine perched on rocks directly facing the Pacific Ocean, famous as one of Japan's premier sunrise viewing spots. The shrine's main torii gate stands in the surf, with waves washing around its base at high tide. During spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun rises precisely through the torii gate as viewed from the shrine — a phenomenon that draws photographers from across Japan.

The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu (sun goddess), making sunrise worship here particularly significant.

Opening Hours

Shrine access 24/7. Prayer hall hours 8:00–17:00.

Closed: Open daily year-round

Entrance Fee

Free

Best Season

Spring equinox (March 20) and autumn equinox (September 23) for torii sunrise alignment; year-round for ocean sunrise photography

Visit Duration

30–60 minutes; allow extra time if arriving before dawn for sunrise

Getting There

Access Information

Hyuga City, 20-min drive from Hyuga Station. Free parking. Shrine access 24/7 (best at dawn). Entry free; prayer hall hours 8:00–17:00.

Insider Guide

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**Equinox sunrise:** March 20 (spring equinox) and September 23 (autumn equinox) are peak pilgrimage days when the sun rises directly through the offshore torii gate. The phenomenon occurs ±3 days aro