If you are familiar with Japanese mythology, you may have heard an old tale called "The White Rabbit of Inaba". At Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine (officially 'Izumo Oyashiro') in Shimane Prefecture, it is said that it is that the enshrined deity "Okuninushi-no-kami" (大国主神) and "Yakami-hime" (八上姫 - Princess Yakami), who are famous as gods of matchmaking and marriage, were united thanks to this "White Rabbit of Inaba" (因幡の白兎 / Inaba no Hakuto). Therefore, if you wish to be blessed with a good match or relationship, let's learn about the folktale of "White Rabbit of Inaba" and then visit "Hakuto Shrine" in Tottori Prefecture!
Repayment of the "White Rabbit of Inaba"
When you go to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine in Shimane Prefecture famous for matchmaking, the first thing that catches your eye is probably the stone statues of white rabbits scattered around the precincts. Why are so many white rabbit statues lined up at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine? This is because the "White Rabbit of Inaba" of Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is actually the "White Rabbit God", the main enshrined deity of "Hakuto Shrine" (白兎神社 / Hakuto Jinja) in Tottori Prefecture.
White Rabbit Stone Statue at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
According to the Kojiki, the oldest extant history book in Japan, one day Okuninushi-no-kami, along with other gods collectively called the 'Yasogami' (八十神), went to the country of Inaba (present-day Tottori Prefecture). On the way, when they passed by Keta no Saki (気多ノ前 - present-day Hakuto Seashore & Beach, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture), they came across a rabbit that had been skinned by angry sharks for deceiving them. The Yasogami gods taught the rabbit how to heal, saying, "If you bathe in seawater, you'll be healed in no time". Of course, it was a lie, but the rabbit did as he was told, and his body hurt even more. Okuninushi-no-kami, who was carrying the baggage of the Yasogami on his back and followed far behind, later saw and said to the rabbit, "Wash your body with fresh water from the river, pick the ears of cattail and spread them on the ground, and lie down on top of them'. The rabbit followed the instructions and recovered splendidly. Then, in order to return the favor, the rabbit predicted, "You will be the one who will marry Princess Yakami" and it is said that its prediction came true after that. This is later known as the story of "The White Rabbit of Inaba".
Hakuto Shrine: A Must-Visit Spot to Pray for a Good Match!
As the site of "The White Rabbit of Inaba", the main deity of Hakuto Shrine is of course the main character of this old tale, "White Rabbit God" (白兎神 / Hakuto-kami or Hakuto-shin. In the past, the main god was also called Hakuto Daimyojin). Hakuto Shrine is not only a famous shrine for praying for a good match, but it is also the birthplace of Japan's first love story, and has been certified as a "Lover's Sanctuary" in Japan. Throughout the year, worshipers constantly visit in order to pray for good matches. In addition, the White Rabbit of Inaba healed its damaged skin thanks to Okuninushi-no-kami, thus Hakuto Shrine is also worshiped as a shrine that benefits skin diseases and veterinary medical treatment.
If you are so happy that you don't have any worries about love, the biggest attraction when you visit Hakuto Shrine might then be the cute rabbits scattered here and there. After passing through the torii gate, there are cute stone statues of white rabbits standing in various poses on both sides of the approach. The shrine also sells gifts with rabbit motifs. The rabbit-patterned heart-shaped ema (votive tablet), the large rabbit ear-shaped matchmaking omamori (charm), and the white rabbit omikuji as a decoration are all cute and irresistible.
Hakuto Shrine has its own unique way of worship. It is said that your wish will come true if you can nicely throw one of the five pieces of musubi-ishi (結び石) that you bought at the shrine that are engraved with the word '縁' (en) onto the top of the second torii gate. You may take the rest of the usubi-ishi home as souvenirs.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Hakuto Shrine (白兎神社 / Hakuto Jinja)
- Address: 603 Hakuto, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
- Access: From JR Tottori Station, take the Hinomaru Bus bound for Shikano for 40 minutes and get off at Hakuto Jinja-mae.
- Official site: https://hakutojinja.jp/
Hakuto Seashore & Beach: A Mythological Land That Makes for Great Photo Spots
After having heard the tale of "The White Rabbit of Inaba", don't miss out the "Hakuto Seashore & Beach" where the story took place. The white rabbit heading to Keta no Saki from "Okinoshima" (淤岐ノ島), tricked the sharks on this beach and tried to make them line up in a line. Now, from Hakuto Seashore & Beach, you can see Okinoshima Island which appeared in folk tales. This small island, about 150 meters from the coast, looks like a jumping rabbit when viewed from the side. The black reefs dotted around the island resemble the backs of sharks. In this way, one of the charms is to look at the coastal scenery while reminiscing the stories in the myth.
On the other hand, even if you know little about "White Rabbit of Inaba", Hakuto Seashore & Beach is also a tourist spot that you should visit once. The white sandy beach that stretches out like a curved bow becomes a swimming beach and surfing mecca loved by locals in the summer. On a sunny day, swimming in the ocean or taking a walk on the sandy beach is a great way to spend an afternoon! You can also see the spectacular view of the coast from the connecting bridge. It is a perfect photogenic spot for those who like taking pictures.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Hakuto Seashore & Beach (白兎海岸)
- Address: Hakato, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
- Access: From JR Tottori Station, take the Hinomaru Bus bound for Shikano for 40 minutes and get off at Hakuto Jinja-mae.
Michi-no-Eki Shinwa-no-sato SHIROUSAGI
If you're not in a hurry, how about visiting the roadside station "Michi-no-Eki Shinwa-no-sato SHIROUSAGI" (道の駅 神話の里 白兎), located between Hakuto Shrine and Hakuto Seashore & Beach before heading home? Here you can buy souvenirs while taking a break. In addition to the commonly seen sweets, they also sell rabbit-shaped decorations, pickles made with ingredients from Tottori Prefecture, and seasonings. Take your time and find the souvenirs you definitely want. Also, at the restaurant on the second floor, it is recommended to enjoy the superb view of Hakuto Seashore & Beach while eating.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Michi-no-Eki Shinwa-no-sato SHIROUSAGI (道の駅 神話の里 白うさぎ)
- Address: 613 Hakuto, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture
- Access: From JR Tottori Station, take the Hinomaru Bus bound for Kano for 40 minutes, get off at Hakuto Jinja-mae, and walk 5 minutes
- Official site: http://sirousagi.com/
"The White Rabbit of Inaba" is said to be the oldest love story in Japan. Whether you are interested in Japanese myths and legends or not, please come and visit "Hakuto Seashore & Beach" with its beautiful coastal scenery and "Hakuto Shrine" where you can pray for a good match.
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