©Arukikata. Co. , Ltd.  |  ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.

Motonosumi Shrine

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Motonosumi Shrine

The 123 torii gates overlooking the sea are a sight to behold.

3.30 3

Last update :
Supervised by :  Motonosumi Shrine

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.

Photos

  • Torii gates stretching for about 100 meters overlooking the blue sea.

    Torii gates stretching for about 100 meters overlooking the blue sea.

  • An offertory money box is placed on top of the O-torii gate.

    An offertory money box is placed on top of the O-torii gate.

  • One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture

    One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture

  • Torii gate dedicated over a 10-year period starting in Showa 62 (1987).

    Torii gate dedicated over a 10-year period starting in Showa 62 (1987).

  • The "Ryugu no shiofuki" on the cliff beyond the torii gate

    The "Ryugu no shiofuki" on the cliff beyond the torii gate

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • W10B
    See More

    This place was once selected by CNN as one of the 31 most beautiful places in Japan, and I felt so lucky to capture the red torii gates, the blue sky, the white clouds, and the Sea of Japan all in one shot.

    The weather is absolutely crucial here. On a bright, sunny day, the visual impact and color contrast are incredible.

    Walking along this cliffside slope under the blue sky and white clouds, the experience feels deeply moving both to the senses and to the soul.

  • 姜彩嬌
    See More

    It's in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and the most famous thing here is the long row of red torii gates stretching all the way down to the sea—it's seriously breathtaking. No matter how you take photos, they always turn out amazing. The ocean view from above is so soothing, especially on a clear day with the blue sky and waves—the colors are just dreamy!

  • Ming Ming
    See More

    Seeing all 123 torii gates lined up is just incredible! There's a big torii that's 6 meters tall with an offering box on top. If you manage to toss your coin in, your wish will come true—but it's pretty tough to do...

Details

Name in Japanese
元乃隅神社
Postal Code
759-4712
Address
498 Yuyatsuo, Nagato City, Yamaguchi
Telephone
0837-26-0708 (Nagato City Tourism Information Center YUKUTE)
Holidays
Open every day
*Visits for worship will be suspended on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from March through November 2026.
Business Hours
7:00am - 4:30pm
Directions
12 minutes by taxi from JR Nagato Furuichi Station
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa