Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse stands at the tip of Cape Hinomisaki in Izumo City. At 63 m above sea level, it is the tallest stone lighthouse in Japan. It is within Daisen-Oki National Park, a scenic area, and is regarded as one of Japan’s representative lighthouses with high historical/cultural value, classified as an A-rank preserved lighthouse. It is open to the public; you can climb to the top to enjoy a 360-degree panorama over the Sea of Japan. Many visitors also come to view the sunset from here. The pure white lighthouse stands out from afar and looks beautiful in harmony with the sky. Nearby is Fumishima (an islet) known as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls (umineko), whose calls echo around the area. The nearby Hinomisaki Visitor Center offers guided lighthouse tours. A seafood restaurant nearby called “Hanafusa” is known for its uni (sea urchin), said to be a must-try. Access: from Izumo Taisha-mae Station, take a bus, get off at Hinomisaki, then walk about 10 minutes.