The grand headquarters shrine of Ebisu across Japan, known for its morning kagura dance and the twin-shrine pilgrimage tradition.
Miho Shrine is an ancient shrine nestled in the port town of Mihonoseki at the eastern tip of the Shimane Peninsula. It is regarded as the grand headquarters of Ebisu, the deity enshrined at more than 3,000 shrines throughout Japan. The principal deities are Kotoshironushi-no-kami, revered as the god of thriving business and abundant catches, and Mihatsuhime-no-mikoto.
Every morning without exception, the 'Asa-mike-sai' ritual is performed, and visitors are welcome to observe the sacred kagura dance performed by shrine maidens from around 8:30 a.m. Because of its connection to Izumo Taisha's deity Okuninushi-no-mikoto, visiting both shrines together has long been observed as the 'Ebisu-Daikoku twin-shrine pilgrimage.'
The aoshidatami-dori (blue-stone-paved lane) in front of the shrine is a charming alley whose stones glow with a faint blue hue when wet with rain, making it a pleasant place to stroll. The shrine is relatively easy to reach from Sakaiminato or central Matsue, making it a convenient addition to a day trip.
The main hall, formed by two Taisha-zukuri structures set side by side in a distinctive style known as 'Miho-zukuri,' is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its signature rituals - the Aoshibagaki Shinji held at the grand festival on April 7, and the Morotabune Shinji in December, both rooted in the myth of the Transfer of the Land - are known as spirited ceremonies carried out by local seafarers.
Nearby stands the Mihonoseki Lighthouse, completed in 1898 and known as the oldest stone lighthouse in the San'in region, so many visitors tour the two together. By public transport, the shrine is reached via the Mihonoseki community bus from Sakaiminato Station or the Ichibata bus from Matsue Station (services are infrequent, so check timetables in advance).