Hinomisaki Lighthouse

The Hinomisaki headland sits about 7 km northwest of Izumo Taisha on a dramatic stretch of coast where the San'in Kinki National Park meets the Sea of Japan. The lighthouse here, one of the tallest stone lighthouses in Japan, stands on a cliff above sea stacks and tide pools, and on clear days the view across the water is exceptional. The headland is a popular sunset spot.

Just below the lighthouse, Hinomisaki Jinja (Hinomisaki Shrine) is a striking complex of two vermilion-lacquered halls — one at the shoreline, one on the hillside above — dated to the 17th century. The lower shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, making it a fitting companion to the sun-watching viewpoint above. The whole headland can be explored in a couple of hours; combine it with Izumo Taisha for a full day.

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The lighthouse was built in 1903 at a point where the Sea of Japan can be particularly treacherous in winter. At 43.65 metres, it remains the tallest stone lighthouse in Japan. The structure is built of granite blocks quarried locally, with walls over 1.5 metres thick at the base — designed to withstand the violent winter storms that pound this coast. It was automated in 1993 but the interior is still open to visitors who can climb to the lantern room for a view that, on a clear day, stretches to the Oki Islands.