Miho Shrine, Mizuki Shigeru Road, Izumo Taisha... Sightseeing Around Mihonoseki | Mihokan Official

Miho Shrine

Miho Shrine is an ancient shrine whose main hall is built in the hiyoku-taisha-zukuri style, an Important Cultural Property. It is the head shrine of all Ebisu (Kotoshironushi) shrines nationwide—Ebisu being the eldest son of Okuninushi of Izumo Taisha. It has long been worshipped for prosperous business, safety at sea, matchmaking, and more. The deity is also known for loving music, and many precious instruments have been dedicated here, about 800 of which are designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties. The shrine also enshrines Mihotsuhime, consort of Okuninushi and a deity of bountiful harvests, so many people involved in agriculture come to worship as well (Dorootoshi and Shiromite gatherings). Weddings are also held at Miho Shrine, and these traditional, purely Japanese ceremonies leave a lasting impression on the couple and guests alike.

1-minute walk from Mihokan to the first torii gate (about 15 minutes to stroll around)

More information about Miho Shrine here

Aoishi-datami Street

A stone-paved street laid between the Edo and Taisho periods, named for the way its stones glow blue when wet with rain. When the Kitamaebune merchant ships called at the port, shipping merchant houses, inns, and souvenir shops lined the street, and the stones were laid as paving for transporting goods. Today, old family homes line the street, with plaques explaining the origins of their shop names, inviting you to imagine days gone by. Mihokan's Main Building is also located here. This nostalgic street, chosen for Shimane Prefecture's Landscape Award, forms the approach from Miho Shrine to Butsukokuji Temple. 0-minute walk from Mihokan (about 15 minutes to stroll)

Kitaura Beach

The Shimane Peninsula has beaches large and small, and this is the largest. With an east and a west beach, it bustles with swimmers in summer. In recent years, it has also become known as the venue of the annual "Ebisu Cup Sea Tug-of-War Tournament." Several other beaches, such as Chikumi and Sasago, dot the northern shore of Mihonoseki Town, and their clear waters and the ria coastline between the sandy stretches are spectacular. About 20 minutes by car from Mihokan

Mihonoseki Lighthouse

A white lighthouse built in the Meiji era that still guides passing ships today. It has been selected as one of the World's 100 Most Important Historic Lighthouses. On clear days, the sweeping view across the Sea of Japan reaches all the way to the Oki Islands. It is also a popular spot for cherry blossoms. At night you can see the lights of fishing boats, and the sunrise is beautiful too. The area sits high above sea level, and walking takes about 30 minutes one way. 3 minutes by car from Mihokan (about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot)

Other Spots

Gohonmatsu Park is a hilltop park that inspired the folk song "Seki-no-Gohonmatsu." The observation deck offers a panoramic view of Miho Bay. In spring, some 20,000 azaleas are said to bloom here, making it a well-known azalea spot.

5 minutes on foot from Mihokan to the foot of the hill; 30 minutes on foot to the summit

Butsukokuji (仏谷寺) is a temple said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku. It is also known as the temple where the retired Emperor Go-Toba and Emperor Go-Daigo stayed on their way to the Oki Islands. It houses five Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties (formerly National Treasures), considered the oldest in the San'in region. 3 minutes on foot from Mihokan (about 10 minutes to stroll around)

Izumo Taisha, Home of the Gods

Izumo Taisha's Great Relocation, held once every 60 years, saw the completion of five years of restoration work on the main hall, and the "Honden Senza-sai" ceremony was held on May 10, 2013, drawing huge crowds to Izumo. Izumo Taisha, an eternal power spot, is a place you won't want to miss. Mihokan also offers stay plans that include a visit to Izumo Taisha. About 90 minutes by car from Mihokan

Sakaiminato Sightseeing Spots

Sakaiminato City is the hometown of manga artist Mizuki Shigeru. Mizuki Shigeru Road, now one of Tottori Prefecture's top attractions, is lined with bronze statues of the yokai from Mizuki's manga, stretching from Sakaiminato Station to the shopping arcade where the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum stands. It is a recommended spot that both adults and children can enjoy. Sakaiminato is also home to Sakai Port, one of Japan's leading fishing ports by catch volume. Near the port, the Sakaiminato Seafood Direct Sales Center offers a wide array of fresh seafood landed in Sakaiminato, making it popular with locals as well as visitors. About 15 minutes by car from Mihokan to Sakaiminato City

Sightseeing | Mihokan, a Long-Established Kappo Ryokan in Mihonoseki, Near Matsue and Sakaiminato