Jizozaki Cape is located in Mihonoseki, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, and marks the easternmost point of the Shimane Peninsula. Extending dramatically into the Sea of Japan, the cape has long been associated with safe maritime travel and is known as a place where spectacular coastal scenery, ancient mythology, and historic architecture come together.
Today, the area around Jizozaki Cape is part of Daisen-Oki National Park, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the powerful scenery and rich natural environment of the Sea of Japan. On clear days, the view can extend as far as the Oki Islands and Mount Daisen in Tottori Prefecture, making the cape a popular destination for sightseeing and photography.
Jizozaki Cape has been associated with Japanese mythology since ancient times. It appears in the Izumo Fudoki, an eighth-century record of the Izumo region, under the name “Miho no Saki.” According to local tradition, Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, a deity closely associated with the famous myth of the transfer of the land, enjoyed fishing in this area.
Two small islands, known as Oki-no-Mae-jima and Ji-no-Mae-jima, lie offshore. They are still regarded as sacred territory belonging to Miho Shrine. Every year on May 5, a religious ceremony is held at the shrine to welcome the deities from these islands, preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The name “Jizozaki” is also connected to the area’s maritime history. The waters around the cape were once considered dangerous, and sailors who prayed for safe voyages are said to have dedicated statues of Jizo Bodhisattva along the coast and cliffs. The cape eventually became known as the place with Jizo statues, giving rise to its present name.
One of the most distinctive landmarks at Jizozaki Cape is Mihonoseki Lighthouse. Completed in 1898, it is known as the oldest stone lighthouse in the San’in region. The lighthouse was constructed under the guidance of a French engineer and represents an important chapter in the development of modern lighthouse architecture in Japan.
The lighthouse stands on high ground approximately 73 meters above sea level and is about 14 meters high. Its elegant white stone structure contrasts beautifully with the blue sea and sky, creating a scene that can feel surprisingly European despite its location on the Japanese coast.
Mihonoseki Lighthouse has been recognized for its historical value as one of the “100 Historical Lighthouses of the World” and one of the “50 Lighthouses of Japan.” It was also the first lighthouse in Japan to be designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property and was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2022.
The lighthouse remains in active service as a navigation aid, continuing to help guide ships traveling across the Sea of Japan. On occasions such as Marine Day and Lighthouse Day, the interior is sometimes opened to the public, attracting visitors interested in both maritime history and architecture.
Next to the lighthouse is Lighthouse Buffet, a restaurant created by renovating a former residence used by lighthouse staff. Its beautiful stone exterior and Western-style architecture give the building an unusual atmosphere that blends Japanese coastal scenery with a touch of old-world charm.
Inside, visitors can enjoy expansive views of the Sea of Japan while having a meal or relaxing over coffee. At sunset, the view becomes particularly memorable as the sun sinks toward the horizon over the sea.
Because Jizozaki Cape lies at the eastern tip of the Shimane Peninsula, it offers an exceptionally open and expansive landscape. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Sea of Japan as well as views across Miho Bay, Yumigahama, and Lake Nakaumi.
On clear days, the Oki Islands can be seen in the distance, while to the south rises the impressive silhouette of Mount Daisen, one of Tottori Prefecture’s most famous mountains. The opportunity to view both dramatic ocean scenery and a majestic mountain from the same location is one of the special attractions of Jizozaki Cape.
Jizozaki Cape is also known as a scenic location for watching the sunrise. From around mid-June to early July, the rising sun can be seen through the torii gate near the lighthouse, creating a particularly atmospheric scene.
In winter, visitors can see the sun rising from behind Mount Daisen, creating a completely different landscape. In the early morning, the sky and sea can be illuminated in changing shades of color, giving the cape a peaceful and almost mystical atmosphere.
The area around Jizozaki Cape is also an important route and resting area for migratory birds. Located at the eastern end of the Shimane Peninsula, Mihonoseki provides a natural stopping point for birds crossing the Sea of Japan.
In spring, summer visitors such as Blue-and-white Flycatchers and Narcissus Flycatchers arrive from Southeast Asia. In autumn, many birds begin their journey south again. Japanese Bush Warblers, Japanese White-eyes, Brown-eared Bulbuls, and other species can also be seen, making the area appealing to birdwatchers throughout the year.
The hills around Jizozaki Cape were once covered mainly with Japanese black pine forests. From the 1980s onward, however, extensive damage from pine wilt disease caused many of the trees to disappear. Today, the landscape is dominated by evergreen broad-leaved forests featuring Machilus trees, Japanese camellias, and Japanese privet.
Walking along the nature trails, visitors can encounter a variety of plants, including Castanopsis trees, Kuroki trees, and Japanese cinnamon. Because the area is influenced by the warm Tsushima Current, many warm-climate plant species thrive here, creating a distinctive coastal ecosystem.
Among the notable plants is the Japanese bay tree, for which the Shimane Peninsula is considered the eastern limit of its natural distribution. The area’s unusual vegetation makes it an interesting destination for anyone who enjoys nature observation.
Jizozaki Cape is also part of the Shimane Peninsula-Shinjiko-Nakaumi Geopark. The Shimane Peninsula was shaped by complex geological movements, resulting in distinctive landforms. The eastern part features ria coastlines, while uplifted coastal terrain is more prominent in the west.
Along the coast, dramatic landscapes of alternating capes and bays have been formed over long periods of geological time. Cliffs, sea caves, and unusual rock formations can be found throughout the region. Famous examples include Kaga no Kukedo and Tako no Nanaana, spectacular formations carved by natural forces.
Around Jizozaki Cape itself, visitors can appreciate the powerful coastal scenery created by the waves of the Sea of Japan over countless years.
The hills around Jizozaki Cape were once home to a group of enormous Japanese black pine trees known as Seki no Gohonmatsu, or “The Five Pines of Seki.” The five trees stood along the ridge overlooking Mihonoseki Port and served as important landmarks for sailors navigating the coast.
Over the years, the trees gradually disappeared due to changing circumstances and typhoon damage. The final remaining tree was cut down in 2000. Today, a stump and commemorative monuments can be seen at Gohonmatsu Park, preserving the memory of these historic trees.
The loss of the final pine inspired the folk song “Seki no Gohonmatsu”, which remains closely associated with Mihonoseki. The song expresses affection for the famous trees and has become one of the area’s best-known traditional songs.
The celebrated writer Lafcadio Hearn, also known as Koizumi Yakumo, visited Mihonoseki and wrote about the pine trees and the folk song in his book “Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan.” His writings offer a fascinating glimpse into the scenery and local atmosphere of Mihonoseki during his time.
From JR Matsue Station, take an Ichibata Bus to Mihonoseki Terminal. From there, transfer to a Mihonoseki Town Community Bus and travel to the final stop. Jizozaki Cape is approximately 3 kilometers on foot from the bus stop.
By car, the area can be reached via National Route 431 and Tottori/Shimane Prefectural Route 2, the Sakai-Mihonoseki Line. The coastal road around Mihonoseki is itself a scenic drive, with beautiful views of the sea along the way.
Jizozaki Cape is a remarkable destination where the vast Sea of Japan, ancient Izumo mythology, historic lighthouse architecture, and rich natural environment come together. Its long connection with religious traditions and maritime travel gives the landscape a depth that goes beyond its spectacular scenery.
The panoramic views from Mihonoseki Lighthouse, the sacred islands associated with ancient mythology, seasonal wildlife, and the history preserved in the folk song “Seki no Gohonmatsu” all reveal different aspects of this special corner of the Shimane Peninsula.
With something new to discover in every season, Jizozaki Cape is a memorable destination for travelers exploring the coastal landscapes and cultural heritage of Shimane.