Takuhi Shrine

Takuhi Shrine (焼火神社) sits two-thirds of the way up Mt. Takuhi on Nishinoshima Island, the largest island in the Dōzen group of the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture. Dating from the Heian period (794–1185), it is the oldest and most important shrine on the island. The current wooden shrine buildings were prefabricated in Osaka and assembled on the mountain in 1732, and have since been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The shrine has long been revered as a holy place to pray for safe sea voyages, and its fame extended to mainland Japan — it was depicted in works by Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. According to legend, Emperor Go-Toba, on his way to exile in the Oki Islands, was nearly shipwrecked but guided to safety by a sacred fire emanating from the shrine. The innermost building of the shrine sits within a natural cave in the cliff face, and the honden features intricately carved reliefs. The area surrounding the shrine lies within a protected environmental zone with notable flora and fauna.

From the car park, the shrine is reached via a walking trail of approximately 25 minutes. Bamboo hiking sticks are available at the trail entrance and should be returned after use. Along the route, visitors pass subsidiary shrines, high earthen walls enclosing the priests' house, and a large ancient tree before reaching the main structure.

A further climb leads to the summit of Mt. Takuhi at 452 metres, with the turn-off signposted in front of the bronze torii gate. From the top, views extend across the Dōzen caldera sea and the surrounding islands. Visitors should be aware that venomous mamushi pit vipers inhabit the mountain, making use of a hiking stick advisable.

Admission is free. The town bus does not serve Takuhi Shrine. From Beppu Port, the car park is 20 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bicycle, followed by the walking trail. The shrine is 8 kilometres from Beppu Port and 4 kilometres from the town of Mita. As Nishinoshima has limited bus services, most visitors rent a car, bicycle, or take a taxi. Ferry services connect the Oki Islands to the mainland at Shichirui Port and Sakaiminato Port in Shimane Prefecture.