The Origin of the Name Fumishima
Rock Formations Resembling Stacked Buddhist Scriptures
The name Fumishima is thought to have originated from the unusual shape of the island’s rocks. The island is formed from an igneous rock known as quartz porphyry, characterized by distinctive columnar joints that create regular vertical patterns across the rock surfaces.
The layers of these rocks are said to resemble rolls of Buddhist scriptures stacked on top of one another. This image is believed to have inspired the name Fumishima, literally associated with written or sacred texts.
Historical documents have also referred to the island by names such as Bunjima and Hioki-jima. Viewed from a distance, the unusual patterns of the exposed rock can make the island look almost like a giant stone tower rising from the rough waters of the Sea of Japan.
An Island Steeped in Mythology and History
A Sacred Place Once Associated with Amaterasu
Fumishima has a deep connection with ancient Japanese mythology and religious traditions. According to local tradition, a shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, once stood on this island.
The island is traditionally regarded as the original location of Hishizumi-no-Miya, the Lower Shrine of present-day Hinomisaki Shrine.
According to the legend, Ame-no-Fukine-no-Mikoto, said to be a descendant of Susanoo, visited this area. A mysterious divine light appeared in a pine tree on the island, and he is said to have received a divine message from Amaterasu. Following this revelation, the deity was enshrined here.
Later, in 948, during the reign of Emperor Murakami, the shrine was moved to its present location by imperial order. Today, Fumishima Shrine remains on the island as an auxiliary shrine outside the main shrine grounds. Only Shinto priests are permitted to cross to the island during religious ceremonies.
A Protected Haven for Black-Tailed Gulls
One of the Sea of Japan’s Important Gull-Breeding Grounds
Fumishima is also famous as one of the important breeding grounds for black-tailed gulls in the western Sea of Japan. To protect this valuable natural environment, the island was designated a National Natural Monument in 1922 as the “Fumishima Black-Tailed Gull Breeding Ground.”
The black-tailed gull is a seabird belonging to the gull family. It measures approximately 47 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of around 120 centimeters. Its white body, gray wings, and yellow bill marked with red and black are distinctive features.
Its characteristic cry sounds somewhat like a cat’s “meow,” which is thought to be the reason for the Japanese name umineko, literally “sea cat.”
The Seasonal Life of the Black-Tailed Gulls
Every year around November, as winter approaches, several thousand black-tailed gulls arrive on Fumishima from northern seas.
Nest building begins around March, followed by egg-laying in April. From May through June, the island becomes a nursery where young gulls are raised.
At the height of the breeding season, as many as 5,000 gulls may gather on the island. Their white bodies can make the entire rocky island appear almost covered in snow. Watching adult birds fly around while protecting their young provides a remarkable glimpse into the vitality of the natural world.
By around July, the young birds have grown, and the gulls leave the island once again, returning toward the northern seas.
An Important Presence for Local Fishermen
The black-tailed gulls of Fumishima have also played an important role in the local fishing culture. The birds feed mainly on small fish such as sardines swimming near the surface of the sea. When larger fish such as yellowtail drive sardines toward the surface, large numbers of gulls gather to feed.
This creates a phenomenon known as a “tori-yama,” or bird flock, in which many seabirds gather over an area where fish are concentrated.
Fishermen have traditionally used these large flocks of birds as a natural sign indicating the location of schools of fish. For this reason, Fumishima has long been regarded locally as an island associated with abundant catches.
Mysterious Remains Beneath the Sea
Possible Archaeological Remains on the Seabed
The waters around Fumishima contain intriguing underwater features that are thought to be connected with ancient religious practices. Researchers have observed arrangements of stones resembling an approach to a shrine, as well as stair-like structures.
Other features include what appears to be a gravel-covered pathway and stones shaped like turtles. Some have suggested that these may represent the remains of an underwater archaeological site.
However, detailed marine archaeological research has not yet been sufficient to determine their exact nature. Geological studies indicate that the area contains a major fault, and changes in the landscape caused by landslides or earthquakes in the past may also have played a role.
The historical record Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku describes an earthquake that occurred in Izumo in 880. It is possible that such geological events may have influenced the landscape around Fumishima, although the precise relationship remains uncertain.
Scenic Attractions Around Fumishima
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
One of the most famous landmarks near Fumishima is Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse. Built in 1903, the stone lighthouse stands 43.65 meters high and is recognized as the tallest lighthouse in Japan.
It has also been selected as one of the 100 Historic Lighthouses of the World. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Sea of Japan and look out toward Fumishima.
Hinomisaki Shrine
Hinomisaki Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to two major deities, Amaterasu Omikami and Susanoo-no-Mikoto. The shrine is known for its beautiful vermilion buildings constructed in the Gongen-zukuri architectural style, which preserves characteristics of the Momoyama period. The buildings are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
The shrine is traditionally described as a place that protects Japan during the night, in contrast to Ise Jingu, which is associated with protecting the country during the day. This belief has contributed to the shrine’s long-standing spiritual importance.
Hakuryo-en Garden and Walking Trails
Near Hinomisaki is Hakuryo-en, a scenic area surrounded by pine trees. Walking trails and observation points provide beautiful views of the coastline, the setting sun, and Fumishima.
The area is especially attractive toward evening, when the sun sinks over the Sea of Japan and the island becomes silhouetted against the changing sky.
Hinomisaki – A Sacred Place Where the Sun Sets
The Hinomisaki area, where Fumishima is located, has been regarded since ancient times as a sacred place where the sun sets.
Because Izumo lies to the west when viewed from the ancient political and cultural center of Yamato, people in ancient times are believed to have regarded this western coastline as a sacred place where the sun disappeared at the end of each day.
The cultural landscape and traditions associated with this belief have been recognized as part of the heritage of the western Shimane Peninsula. In 2017, the area was designated as a Japan Heritage site under the theme “Izumo, the Sacred Land Where the Sun Sets.”
A Mysterious Island Where Nature, Mythology, and History Converge
Although Fumishima is a tiny uninhabited island, it brings together layers of Japanese mythology, religious history, wildlife, geology, and local fishing culture.
Because the island remains a sacred area and is protected as an important seabird breeding ground, visitors cannot land there. Instead, it can be admired from viewpoints around Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse and along the walking trails near Hinomisaki.
The sight of this rugged island rising quietly from the Sea of Japan is one of the landscapes that best captures the connection between Izumo’s natural environment and its ancient spiritual traditions.
When visiting Hinomisaki, take a moment to look toward Fumishima and imagine the myths, legends, and natural forces that have shaped this remarkable corner of Izumo.