Overview
Yurahime Shrine stands in the Uragō district of Nishinoshima, one of the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture. Revered as the ichinomiya (first shrine) of the former Oki Province, it is also a Shikinaisha listed in the Heian-era Engishiki register and ranked as a Myojin Taisha. Facing a quiet island cove in the Sea of Japan, it offers travelers a rare blend of remoteness and ancient prestige.
Highlights
- ●Ichinomiya of the former Oki Province
- ●Main hall designated a cultural property in 1982
- ●Ancient shrine grove dedicated to Suseri-hime
- ●A secluded setting on a Sea-of-Japan island cove
History
From ancient times the shrine held the elevated rank of Myojin Taisha and served as the ichinomiya of Oki Province. Its enshrined deity is traditionally Suseri-hime-no-mikoto. Historical records differ on the number of parishioner households, citing 264, 400, or 450, a sign of how deeply the shrine has been woven into island life. Its main hall (honden) was designated a Nishinoshima cultural property on March 7, 1982.
Access
The shrine sits by the shore of the Uragō district on Nishinoshima at roughly 36.09°N, 132.98°E. Travelers usually cross to the Oki Islands by ferry or high-speed boat from mainland ports such as Shichirui or Sakaiminato, then continue by car on the island. As boat frequency and travel times vary by season, please confirm current sailing schedules and local transport with official sources.
Best season
Spring through early autumn, when the sea is calmer and sailings more reliable, is the easiest time to visit. The island's coastal folklore adds seasonal character, but winter seas can be rough and cause cancellations, so check weather and ferry operations before you go.
Map
36.0920, 132.9879 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Cross to Nishinoshima in the Oki Islands by ferry
- 2Visit Yurahime Shrine on the Uragō shoreline
- 3Take in the designated main hall and quiet grove
- 4Stroll the cove and island port town to finish
Did you know?
💡 Beyond its rank as the ichinomiya of Oki Province, the Uragō cove before the shrine has long been a stage for both faith and daily island life. The parish is centered on the Hongō area of Uragō, where seasonal festivals are still handed down.
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