日御碕神社
455 Hinomisaki, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture
Located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, Hinomisaki Shrine.
It consists of the lower main shrine (Hinomisaki Shrine) dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami and the upper main shrine (Kami no Miya) dedicated to Susanoo no Mikoto.
The lower main shrine, also called Hishizumi no Miya, was enshrined about 1000 years ago by imperial decree from Emperor Murakami to "protect the night of Japan" in contrast to Ise Jingu which "protects the day of Japan".
The upper main shrine, called Kami no Miya, was enshrined about 2500 years ago by imperial decree from Emperor Annei.
Nowadays, they are collectively referred to as Hinomisaki Shrine or Hinomisaki Daijingu.
Most of the shrines on the shrine grounds are designated Important Cultural Properties, with striking red-painted wooden parts and white walls.
At the entrance stands a stone Myojin torii gate, and walking along the approach path, you will see a tower gate and the attached corridor.
The lattice windows are painted green, the pillars and beams are painted red, and the walls are white, with no carvings except for the frog legs. Behind the tower gate, there are two Monjininsha shrines with the same color scheme.
Built on the slope facing the cape, Hinomisaki Shrine is divided into two levels: the lower level with Hinomisaki Shrine and the upper level with Kami no Miya.
Hinomisaki Shrine on the lower level is a large Gongen-zukuri style shrine.
The main hall has three katsuogi and chigi on the roof, and the colorful decorations are very impressive.
Kami no Miya on the upper level is a smaller Gongen-zukuri style shrine compared to Hinomisaki Shrine.
It also has katsuogi and chigi with different ends on the roof and is adorned with colorful decorations.
Both shrines were built during the era of Tokugawa Iemitsu and are rare examples of Gongen-zukuri architecture in western Japan.
The treasure house adjacent to Hinomisaki Shrine is a simple unpainted wooden structure in contrast to the ornate main shrine.
The roof is a hip-and-gable type, with no noticeable decorations.
It is attached to the corridor and used for purification rituals.
| Location | 455 Hinomisaki, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Website | None |
| Deity | (Hinomisaki Shrine) Amaterasu Omikami, (Kami no Miya) Susanoo no Mikoto |
| Hinomisaki Shrine (Lower Shrine) | Important Cultural Property Kanei 21 (1644) Main Hall (Gongen-zukuri) Heiden and Haiden (combined into one building) Corridor Tower Gate Monjininsha |
|---|---|
| Kami no Miya (Upper Shrine) | Important Cultural Property Main Hall (Gongen-zukuri) Heiden and Haiden (combined into one building) Treasure House Two Torii Gates |
