Yaeyama Shrine is located on the side of Mt. Yaeyama in Unnan City.

It is dedicated to Susano, who is famous for slaying the eight-headed creature Yamata-no-orochi. The steep approach takes you through deep forest to the shrine gate where two guardian lions lie in wait.

Next to the shrine building is a sacred statue of a cow, which is said to be the god of livestock and it is also said to represent Susano himself, as one of his other names includes the character for ‘cow’.

It is said that Susano came here after slaying Yamata-no-orochi. He came across many villagers who were being troubled by a demon who kept ruining their crops and wreaking havoc in the village. Susano killed the demon and it changed into a golden bird, and started to help the villagers.

There is a small opening in the rocks above the shrine, and it is said that beyond the opening is a space １６５０m² wide, in which the golden bird used to live.

It is around an hour from Matsue by car. From Route 9, take Route 54 (Hiroshima direction), and turn left and cross the river in Kakeya-cho, when you see the sign for Yaega-taki Waterfalls. Drive up the mountain road, past the waterfalls and you’ll see a very small sign on the right. From there it is around a 10 minute walk up to the shrine.