Question 1

Is there a lighthouse exhibition room, and is it free?

Accepted Answer

There is a lighthouse exhibition room (building 1) next to the lighthouse where you can learn about its history and workings. Entry is free.

Question 2

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1478 Hinomisaki, Taisha Town, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture

Question 3

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 26 minutes on the Ichibata bus (towards Hinomisaki) from Izumo-Taisha-mae Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway, alighting at the Hinomisaki Lighthouse stop, then about 5 minutes' walk. About 15-20 minutes by car from Izumo Taisha.

Question 4

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

9:00-16:10 (closing 16:30). At weekends and on public holidays, 9:00-16:40 (closing 17:00).

Question 5

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

30 and 31 December, and in bad weather.

Question 6

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Junior high school age and above 300 yen; elementary school age and under free (a viewing donation).

Question 7

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 8

What sort of lighthouse is Hinomisaki?

Accepted Answer

At 43.65 m from the ground to the top of the tower and 63.3 m above sea level, it is the tallest stone-built lighthouse in Japan. First lit in 1903, it is a national Important Cultural Property and one of the 100 historic lighthouses of the world chosen by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. The contrast between the white tower, the blue sky and the Sea of Japan is beautiful, and it is a popular spot for photographs.

Question 9

Can I go inside the lighthouse, and how much is it?

Accepted Answer

You can climb inside to the observation gallery. A viewing donation of 300 yen is required for junior high school age and above; elementary school age and under is free. After 163 spiral steps you reach the gallery with a 360-degree panorama, and on clear days the Oki Islands can sometimes be seen to the north.

Question 10

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

Open 9:00-16:30 (last entry 16:10), and 9:00-17:00 at weekends and on public holidays (last entry 16:40). Closed on 30 and 31 December, and viewing may be suspended in bad weather.

Question 11

How do I get there from Izumo Taisha?

Accepted Answer

About 15-20 minutes by car from Izumo Taisha. By bus, take the Ichibata bus towards Hinomisaki from Izumo-Taisha-mae Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway, about 26 minutes, alight at the Hinomisaki Lighthouse stop and walk about 5 minutes (buses are infrequent, so please check the timetable in advance).

Question 12

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Hinomisaki has two free car parks, the first with 65 spaces and the second with 175. There is usually room even in busy periods, but we recommend arriving early when it is crowded.

Question 13

What is the view from the gallery?

Accepted Answer

From the top gallery the Sea of Japan spreads out before you, and on clear days the Oki Islands can be seen to the north. Mountains run along to the south, giving a full 360-degree panorama. The view at sunset is especially beautiful.

Question 14

Can I visit in a wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

The spiral staircase inside the lighthouse is difficult to manage in a wheelchair. You can still see the lighthouse from outside and enjoy the paths around it.

Question 15

Are there other sights nearby?

Accepted Answer

Hinomisaki Shrine is within walking distance of the lighthouse. Fumishima island is known as a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls, and many arrive during the breeding season in April and May. The strange rock formations and cliffs cut by the Sea of Japan are another sight.

Question 16

Are there any problems with the roads?

Accepted Answer

Part of Prefectural Route 29 (the Taisha-Hinomisaki road) was affected by a landslide in the past, but it has been open to all vehicles since December 2024. Please check with Shimane Prefecture and the relevant authorities for the latest road conditions.

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