Written by Aarohi Narain
Inasa-no-Hama is no ordinary beach. Windswept and solemn, it’s the mythic shoreline where, according to Japan’s oldest chronicles, Shinto deities first descend to earth.
The most striking feature of Inasa-no-Hama is the rocky outcrop crowned with a tiny hokora (miniature shrine), known as Bentenjima. At high tide, it becomes an island. At low tide, you can approach it on foot. Many do so to offer a silent prayer. The shrine is dedicated to Toyotama-hime, a sea goddess associated with fertility and safe travels.
Festivals
Every 10th lunar month, the gods are believed to leave their posts around the country and travel to Izumo for an annual divine assembly. Their point of entry? Inasa-no-Hama.
Even outside of festival time, the beach holds a reverent, eerie stillness. Unlike Japan’s popular resort beaches, Inasa-no-Hama isn’t for sunbathing or swimming. Come at dusk or dawn for the full, otherworldly effect.
What facilities are there?
There are toilets and vending machines nearby.
How to get there
Inasa-no-Hama is located about 1 km away (about 15 minutes on foot) from Izumo Taisha.
