Shirahama Shrine, or Ikonahime no Mikoto Shrine, located on the hill along Shirahama Beach in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Pref. is the oldest shrine in Izu Peninsula. According to the legend, the shrine was founded 2400 years ago. Enshrined in this all-cypress Honden (the main hall) are Ikonahime no Mikoto, the god of marriage, and Mishima Daimyojin, the god of commerce and fishery, with the accompanying deities of Mime, Wakamiya and Tsurugi no Miko. The precinct is dark with trees growing densely, including Chinese bottle tree, which is a nationally designated protected species, and the 1,500 year-old holy tree of juniper. At “Hitachi Festival” held on October 29, the shrine priests set fire on the torches set on the beach to let all the deities on Izu Seven Islands know of the start of the biggest event of the year. On 30th, gohei (paper offerings) are floated into the sea to let them know the end of the festival.