Inasa-no-Hama (Inasa Beach)

Overview

Located approximately 1 km west of Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine), this is a crescent-shaped beach of white sand. It is recorded as 'Inasa-no-Kobama' in the Kojiki and 'Isetasagi-no-Kotin' in the Nihon Shoki as the site of the Kuniyuzuri myth, where the deity Okuninushi-no-Mikoto and the deity Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto held negotiations for the transfer of the land. During the 'Kamimukae-shinji' (Deity Welcoming Ritual) on the 10th day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar, the myriad deities visiting Izumo during the Kamiarizuki are welcomed at this beach and escorted to Izumo Taisha. Benten-jima (Benten Island), which rises in the center, is a sacred island of worship dedicated to Toyotama-hiko-no-Mikoto; the silhouette of Benten-jima against the sunset is one of the most stunning views in Izumo.

Highlights

• ・The setting of the Kuniyuzuri myth
• ・The Kamimukae-shinji ritual on the 10th day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar
• ・Benten-jima rising in the center
• ・Stunning views of the sunset