Inasa Beach

Overview

Inasa Beach is a sandy shore in the Taisha district of Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. Stretching roughly 10 kilometres from north to south, it curves like a drawn bow, opening toward the west. At its centre stands a small island called Bentenjima, said to have once enshrined the goddess Benzaiten and now the deity Toyotama-hiko-no-mikoto. Close to Izumo Taisha and steeped in myth, the beach offers a sweeping expanse of sand facing the Sea of Japan.

Highlights

• ●A roughly 10 km sandy shore curving like a bow
• ●The small island of Bentenjima at its centre
• ●A sacred spot said to enshrine Toyotama-hiko-no-mikoto
• ●Views of the sun setting into the Sea of Japan

History

Inasa Beach has long been remembered as a coast bound up with myth. Bentenjima, the small island rising from the sand, is said to have once enshrined Benzaiten and now honours Toyotama-hiko-no-mikoto. Where faith and nature meet, the beach carries forward the stories that live on in the land of Izumo.

Map

35.4008, 132.6721 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1After visiting Izumo Taisha, walk west toward the beach
2. 2Stroll the sand while taking in Bentenjima
3. 3Enjoy the bow-shaped coastline and the Sea of Japan
4. 4At dusk, watch the sun set from the west-facing shore

Did you know?

💡 Bentenjima, standing at the centre of the beach, is a beloved symbol of Inasa, and the deity enshrined on it is said to have changed over the ages.

Nearby spots