Shirahama Shrine
A 2,400-year-old shrine on Shirahama Beach, famous for its iconic seaside torii gate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Shirahama Shrine
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 2,400-year-old shrine on Shirahama Beach, famous for its iconic seaside torii gate.
"It seems smaller in person, but it was still gorgeous and worth seeing."
🎯 Seaside Torii Path
Find the path to the seaside torii on the right as you approach the main shrine.
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available, or try the free combini car park nearby.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seaside Torii Gate
Shirahama Beach
Iconic red torii gate perched on a rock, kissed by ocean waves. A must-see photo spot!
Ancient Main Shrine
Bluff overlooking the beach
Explore the historic main shrine buildings with a 2,400-year history. Offers serene views.
Aogiwa Rock
Adjacent to the seaside torii
A unique rock formation where the torii gate stands, offering a dramatic backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Embrace the Beachside Setting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Seaside Torii Path
Find the path to the seaside torii on the right as you approach the main shrine.
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available, or try the free combini car park nearby.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Best shots are at sunrise/sunset. Weekdays offer fewer crowds.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the shrine and beach areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Seaside Torii Path
Find the path to the seaside torii on the right as you approach the main shrine.
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available, or try the free combini car park nearby.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Best shots are at sunrise/sunset. Weekdays offer fewer crowds.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Essential for exploring the shrine and beach areas.
📜 Goshuin Available
Collect a pre-prepared Goshuin (shrine stamp) after praying.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Shirahama Shrine beautiful and historically significant, particularly appreciating the unique seaside torii gate. While some found it slightly smaller than expected, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning coastal views make it a worthwhile stop, especially when visited on a weekday or during favorable weather.
"The weather wasn’t great, it was a rainy day, but I visited the oldest shrine in Izu. It was very quiet and peaceful."
Ye Tian
"Neat shrine with a seaside Torii gate and a shrine a short climb up some steps to a bluff. You can pray and collect a pre-prepared Goshuin. Parking next door is expensive but you can sneak into the local combini car park for free."
Douglas Aberdeen
"I went during the weekday so not much people were there. (And during the hot days lol)
So we got some amazing pictures and were able to take our time to check out the shrine (make sure to visit the seaside torii towards the beach)
To get to the torii there’s a path on the right as you’re heading towards the main shrine. (Hopefully that makes sense)"
Joy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shirahama Shrine is about a 4-hour train ride from Tokyo. Take the Odoriko train to Shimoda Station, then a short bus or taxi ride to the shrine.
Yes, it's accessible via bus or taxi from Shimoda Station, which is the final stop of the Izu Odoriko Train.
There's a path on the right side as you head towards the main shrine buildings that leads to the seaside torii.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is paid parking available nearby. Some visitors suggest using the local combini car park for free parking.
Yes, Shirahama Shrine is uniquely situated right on Shirahama Beach, with its iconic torii gate on a rock in the sea. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Shirahama Shrine itself is generally free. However, parking facilities nearby may have a fee.
The shrine is typically open year-round, but specific hours for prayer or collecting Goshuin might vary. It's best to check locally or visit during daylight hours.
Shirahama Beach is a public beach and usually free to access.
Yes, visitors can collect a pre-prepared Goshuin (shrine stamp) after praying at the shrine.
While peaceful, visiting during major holidays like New Year's might mean more crowds. Weekdays are generally less busy.
📸 📸 Photography
The seaside torii gate on the rock, especially during sunrise or sunset, is the most iconic and photogenic spot.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographs.
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas, but always be respectful of the sacred nature of the shrine.
Many visitors use smartphones for convenience, while others opt for DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with diffusion filters for unique effects.
Yes, you can photograph the main shrine buildings, which are nestled on a bluff overlooking the beach.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic shrine buildings, visit the seaside torii gate, enjoy the beach, and collect a Goshuin.
Yes, families can enjoy the beach for water play while adults take photos of the torii gate. The shrine itself is a peaceful visit.
Shirahama Shrine is believed to be over 2,400 years old, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.
The main deity is Ikonahime-no-Mikoto, associated with matchmaking and beauty. It also enshrines deities of commerce and fishing.
The torii gate stands on a rock reef called 'Dai Myojin Iwa' and is a scenic highlight and popular photo spot against the Pacific backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents can take turns capturing photos of the iconic seaside torii gate while keeping an eye on their little ones enjoying the beach. The relatively short travel time from Shimoda Station also makes it a manageable outing for families with young children.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
+1Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and get unobstructed shots. The main shrine buildings on the bluff also offer beautiful perspectives. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and compositions to capture the magic of this coastal gem.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Take your time to explore the main shrine, soak in the ocean views, and perhaps collect a Goshuin. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the natural beauty of the beach, makes it an ideal spot for reflection and rejuvenation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Sacchan, the Stray Dog
It was discovered that Sacchan was being fed by almost everyone in town, from locals to shopkeepers, highlighting the community's kindness and affection for the stray. This heartwarming tale adds another layer of charm to the Shirahama area, making it more than just a scenic destination.
While the shrine itself is the primary draw, the anecdote of Sacchan adds a touch of local folklore and a reminder of the community spirit that permeates this coastal town.
Exploring Shirahama Beach and Surfing
For the more adventurous, Shirahama Beach is also a fantastic location for surfing. The waves here can be quite lively, especially in autumn, attracting windsurfers and surfers looking for a thrill. The combination of the shrine's tranquility and the beach's energetic vibe offers a diverse experience for visitors.
Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, catch some waves, or simply enjoy the coastal scenery, Shirahama Beach provides a perfect complement to your visit to the shrine.
The Ancient History of Shirahama Shrine
The main shrine building is situated on a bluff, offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. Inside, you'll find deities associated with matchmaking, beauty, commerce, and fishing, reflecting the community's historical reliance on these aspects of life. The shrine is also adorned with ancient trees, including a 2,000-year-old Gojyu-no-Biakushin tree.
Its location along the coast, coupled with its deep historical roots, makes Shirahama Shrine a place of both spiritual importance and natural beauty, drawing visitors seeking a connection to Japan's ancient past and its stunning landscapes.
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