The Motonosumi Shrine, located in Yuyatsuo, Nagato City, is said to be a power spot in Yamaguchi.
In Showa 30 (1955), a pure white fox appeared at the bedside of Mr. Hitoshi Okamura, who was the head fisherman in the area, and asked; "To whom do you owe your success in fishing?" and told him in detail about its past relationship. The fox then told him to enshrine itself in this place, and the shrine was built according to the revelation.
It is a deity of prosperity in business, great fishing, safety at sea, good match, being blessed with children, good luck and protection against misfortune, traffic safety, academic achievement, and fulfillment of desires.
The shrine has a 6-meter high O-torii gate with a money offertory box on top. It is said that if you can throw the money into the offertory box successfully, your wish will come true.
The view of the shrine's 123 vermilion torii gates lined up like dominoes against the blue sea is breathtaking. It was even selected as one of the "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan" by CNN, an American news broadcaster.
The panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and its cliffs, which you reach after passing through the torii gate, is the "Ryugu no shiofuki " which is designated as a National natural monument.
This is a natural phenomenon in which rough waves make a sound and blow up high like a fountain, and it was named after its resemblance to a dragon ascending toward the sky. This is a place to visit along with the shrine.
Highlights
-
The 123 torii gates lined up on the cliff overlooking the sea are magnificent.
-
Let's also try the "hardest offertory box in Japan" which is said to bring good luck if you can successfully throw the money in.
-
The "Ryugu no shiofuki," designated as a National natural monument and a place of scenic beauty, is also worth a visit.
