Miho Shrine is located in the small fishing village of Mihonoseki, and the main deity, Kotoshiro-nushi is worshipped as the God of good fortune, fishing and safety at sea. The deity is the child of Okuni-nushi and is also known as Ebisu. Miho Shrine is the head shrine of the thousands of shrines dedicated to [...]

The shrine is dedicated to Susano and Yaoyorozu – the myriad of deities. Every October, the gods of all the shrines around the country are said to descend on this area and meet to discuss the coming year. Getting There: It is a 20 minute walk from Izumo Taisha-mae Station and 10 minutes from Izumo [...]

 Chokoku-ji Temple is located in Izumo not far from Izumo Taisha. It was moved to its present location after 1651 when the area in which it originally stood was flooded. The main deity is the eleven-headed Kannon, but it is a ‘hidden’ statue, and so cannot be viewed by the public. Waterfall where the temple [...]

Toko-ji Temple in Yasugi was established in 1486 by Amago Tsunehisa a famous lord who unified the San-in area. It has since become the resting place of the Amago clan. Access: Take the yellow bus bound for Hirose from Yasugi Station. Get off at Yasugi City Hospital and it is around a five minute walk.

Joanji Temple was founded in 1312. The architecture, carvings on the entrance gate and and the garden are particularly beautiful. (If you would like to see the garden, ring the bell at the entrance. ) The main entrance is usually closed, so visitors should use the entrance to the left of the gate. Access: Take [...]

Yasaka Shrine is located in Tsuwano Town in Western Shimane. It is dedicated to Susano and is famous for its “Heron dance” ritual which is held annually on July 20th and 27th. The tradition started in 1542 as a ritual to repel illness and bad health, and has continued ever since. In the temple grounds [...]

Kigami Shrine is located in the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan area. The main deity of the shrine is Oomononushi (Ookuninushi). It was built in the hope that it would bring prosperity to the silver mine. Inside the prayer hall is a ceiling mural of a dragon. If you sit under the mural and clap your [...]

Shogen-ji Temple was built in 1601 and is the resting place of the local magistrates of Iwani Ginzan. The gate and temple are adorned with stunning carvings. Inside the temple there are pictures and gold statues of the deity Kannon. It is free to walk around the temple grounds, however the admission fee for entering [...]

Rakanji Temple is located in the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan area. There are around 500 statues in front of the temple, which are said to appease the souls of the workers killed in the silver mine. They were made in the 1700s with the cooperation of the local people. Each one has a unique expression, [...]

Toyosaka Shrine is located in the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan area. It is associated with Mori Motonari, the warrior who ruled most of the Chugoku area in the warring states era. Getting to the Iwami Silver Mine area: From Nima Station: Take the bus bound for Omori Daikansho ato. (15 mins). From Oda Station: Take the bus [...]

Sahimeyama Shrine ensrines the deity Kanayama-hiko-no-kami. The deity is worshipped in this area as the protector of the silver mine. Getting to the Iwami Silver Mine area: From Nima Station: Take the bus bound for Omori Daikansho ato. (15 mins). From Oda Station: Take the bus bound for Omori Daikansho ato. (30 mins).

Seisuiji Temple is located in the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan area. It is said the temple was built by Empress Suitenno after she received a divine message in a dream. After the temple was established, silver mining began and the temple became a popular place of worship. Getting to the Iwami Silver Mine area: From Nima Station: [...]