Fumishima Sacred Island for the Birds

 

Down below Hinomisaki, the westernmost cape of the Shimane Peninsula, is a cluster of small islands, the largest being Fumishima.

Located less than 200 meters from the harbour in front of Hinomisaki Shrine, the island is topped by a small torii and shrine.

The small shrine is a kind of memorial to the shrine that stood here until 948, which enshrined Amaterasu. It was moved to Hinomisaki. Later, in early Meiji, Amaterasu became the main kami of Hinomisaki after swapping with Susano. More on that in the next post....

The island is a National Natural Monument because it is a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls.

In early winter, about 5,000 of the birds migrate here to overwinter and breed. They leave by July. I was here in late June, so most were still there.

Other than naturalists studying the gulls, the only humans allowed on the island are Shinto priests who come once a year.

The previous post in this series of my walk along the Japan Sea Coast was on the Hinomisaki Cape itself and the lighthouse.

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