Shishizaki Inari Shrine
A serene Inari shrine offering a unique side view of Amanohashidate, famous for its azaleas and artistic inspiration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Azaleas in full bloom
Shishizaki Inari Shrine
Best Time
Azaleas in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Inari shrine offering a unique side view of Amanohashidate, famous for its azaleas and artistic inspiration.
"The climb is steep, but the panoramic views of Amanohashidate and the azaleas are absolutely worth it!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs! Good walking shoes are essential for the climb to the shrine.
🌸 Azalea Season Magic
Visit in mid-April for the stunning Mitsuba Azaleas, a major draw for photographers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Amanohashidate View
Top of the stairs
Gaze upon the iconic sandbar of Amanohashidate, a view that inspired ancient artists.
Mitsuba Azalea Blooms
Shrine grounds
Vibrant azaleas in mid-April create a stunning floral spectacle around the shrine.
Serene Inari Shrine
Summit
A peaceful Inari shrine offering a quiet spiritual experience amidst natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Steep Climb Ahead!
Best Views & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs! Good walking shoes are essential for the climb to the shrine.
🌸 Azalea Season Magic
Visit in mid-April for the stunning Mitsuba Azaleas, a major draw for photographers.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is scarce (2-3 cars). Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
📸 Capture the View
The side view of Amanohashidate is unique; try to capture its distinct shape.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs! Good walking shoes are essential for the climb to the shrine.
🌸 Azalea Season Magic
Visit in mid-April for the stunning Mitsuba Azaleas, a major draw for photographers.
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is scarce (2-3 cars). Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
📸 Capture the View
The side view of Amanohashidate is unique; try to capture its distinct shape.
🧘 Find Your Peace
It's a quiet spot, perfect for reflection and enjoying the sea breeze.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Shishizaki Inari Shrine for its breathtaking panoramic views of Amanohashidate and the beautiful Mitsuba Azaleas, especially in mid-April. The serene atmosphere and historical artistic connections are also highly valued. However, the steep climb and extremely limited parking are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"Beautiful site! According to the sign here, this is one of the top ten scenic views in Amanohashidate."
Dr. Anthony J. “Quantum Minister” Toledo
"There are quite a few stairs to climb.
Once you pass through the torii gate and reach the top of the stairs, you'll find the shrine. There is a stone bench in front of the shrine, from which you can see Amanohashidate from the side. However, it blends in with the background, so it's hard to tell where Amanohashidate begins and ends. It's nice to be away from other people. I was able to park my car in front of the torii gate at the bottom of the stairs."
N A
"Visited on April 20, 2024.
Roadside Station Ajimu no Sato (Kyoto Tanba PA) Dog Run → Rengyo-ji Temple → Shishizaki Inari Shrine → Tondaya (leaving the car behind).
Visited with my dog.
This is a famous spot for viewing Amanohashidate and Mitsuba Azalea.
There's space for 2-3 cars to park under the stairs at the torii gate.
Please park carefully so as not to block the sidewalk.
The best time to see the flowers is usually around mid-April.
It was a little past its peak, and with the cloudy skies, it wasn't in the best condition, but it was still beautiful.
Climb a fairly steep staircase.
From the top, in the distance, you can see a row of pine trees, similar to the National Treasure Amanohashidate Painting, which is said to have been painted based on the view from this area.
Seen from the side, it looks like a wall, like a wall.
The actual map of Amanohashidate is not realistic, but rather a distorted bird's-eye view,
so it differs from the actual view from here.
Afterwards, we had dinner at Tomitaya in front of Miyazu Station, about a five-minute drive away."
Yasuhiro T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The shrine is accessible by car, with limited parking available near the torii gate at the base of the stairs. Public transport options might require a bus and a walk.
Yes, there's very limited parking for about 2-3 cars directly under the stairs. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative parking and walking.
Yes, visitors have mentioned visiting with their dogs, but ensure your pet is leashed and well-behaved, especially on the stairs.
Most visitors approach by car and then climb the stairs. The journey involves a scenic drive to the location.
It's generally well-marked, especially if you're looking for the torii gate leading to the stairs. GPS navigation is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Shishizaki Inari Shrine is free. You can visit and enjoy the views and the shrine without any admission fee.
The shrine is generally accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor location. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best views.
There is no entrance fee for the viewpoint or the shrine itself. It's a public access area.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the steep stairs and lack of lighting, which can be hazardous.
The main consideration is the physical effort required to climb the stairs. Otherwise, general respect for a religious site is expected.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Allow about 1-2 hours, including the climb up and down the stairs, time to enjoy the view, and explore the shrine area.
It involves a fairly steep staircase. The climb is manageable for most but requires a moderate level of fitness.
You'll find the Inari shrine, a stone bench with a unique side view of Amanohashidate, and a gazebo further up for more expansive vistas.
Absolutely! The combination of the torii gates, the shrine, and the Amanohashidate view makes it a very photogenic spot, especially during azalea season.
Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned at the shrine itself. It's best to use facilities at nearby roadside stations or before your visit.
🎫 🌸 Nature & Scenery
The Mitsuba Azaleas usually bloom around mid-April, making this the peak season for floral beauty.
It offers a unique side view of the Amanohashidate sandbar, which is different from the more common frontal perspectives.
Many visitors find the panoramic views and the serene atmosphere at the top well worth the effort of climbing the stairs.
On a clear day, the view of Amanohashidate is quite distinct, though it blends with the background, requiring a keen eye to appreciate its full form.
Expect a mix of coastal scenery with the iconic Amanohashidate sandbar, complemented by seasonal flowers like azaleas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the azalea season in mid-April for added visual appeal. While there are no specific play areas, the open space at the top allows for some freedom of movement. Parking is very limited, so planning your arrival time is crucial to avoid stress. Pack snacks and water, as amenities at the shrine itself are minimal.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
The shrine's connection to Sesshū Tōyō adds a historical and artistic dimension that solo travelers often appreciate. It's a place to connect with nature, art, and a sense of tranquility. The limited parking means you might encounter fewer crowds, making it ideal for a more personal exploration.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
Art enthusiasts will be drawn to the shrine's historical link to Sesshū Tōyō's famous painting. Standing at the viewpoint, you can try to recreate or interpret the scene that inspired such a masterpiece. The climb itself, with its series of torii gates, also presents excellent photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Inspiration of Amanohashidate
While the painting is a bird's-eye, somewhat distorted view, the actual vista from Shishizaki offers a more grounded perspective. Visitors often note how the shrine's side view of Amanohashidate, with its long stretch of pine-covered sandbar, is a unique and calming sight. It's a place where you can contemplate the enduring beauty of this natural wonder and its artistic legacy.
Beyond the historical artistic connection, the shrine itself is an Inari shrine, often marked by numerous torii gates. The climb up the stairs, passing through these gates, is a spiritual journey in itself, culminating in a serene space to pay respects and soak in the panoramic scenery.
Navigating the Climb and Parking
Parking is a significant consideration. The available parking space at the base of the torii gate is extremely limited, typically accommodating only 2-3 cars. This means that arriving early, especially during peak seasons like azalea bloom, is highly recommended. If you can't secure a spot, you may need to find alternative parking and walk a short distance to the shrine entrance.
For those visiting with pets, the shrine has been noted as dog-friendly, with visitors bringing their leashed dogs. However, always ensure your pet is comfortable with stairs and the environment. The overall experience is rewarding, but the physical aspect of the climb and the parking situation are key logistical points to consider before your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit