The Motonosumi Shrine (もとのすみじんじゃ) , situated in Yamaguchi Prefecture, boasts 123 vermillion torii gates facing the Japan Sea, creating a truly magnificent spectacle. The crimson gates harmonize with the azure sea and lush green landscape, crafting a captivating and aesthetically pleasing vista that captures the attention of global admirers. As one of Yamaguchi's prominent attractions, it enjoys immense popularity and appears exceptionally captivating on social media.
The Scenic Landscape Crafted by 123 Gates Leading to the Sea
Frequently featured in Yamaguchi's tourism brochures, travel magazines, and websites, the shrine is perched atop a hill overlooking the Japan Sea, approximately 30 minutes' drive west from Nagato City Station. Gazing down from the hill, the deep blue sea unfolds, adorned by neatly aligned, brilliant vermillion torii gates that gracefully curve toward the ocean, forming a spectacular sight unique to this location.
Perhaps owing to its sacred nature as a shrine, the contrast between the azure and vermillion colors is entrancing, appearing as a fusion of the natural and human worlds. This is a place infused with a special energy, now renowned as a world-famous scenic spot.
However, the history of the Motonosumi Shrine is relatively recent, as it was established based on a revelation of a white fox that appeared at the bedside of a local fisherman, Mr. Hitoshi Okamura, in 1955.
Despite its remote location, inaccessible by public transportation, the beauty of the landscape it creates captivates the hearts of those who visit. It has been selected as one of Japan's 31 most beautiful places.
The shrine is said to bestow numerous blessings, including prosperity in business, general well-being, matchmaking, descendants, warding off evil, harmonious finances, traffic safety, academic success, and the fulfillment of wishes. A massive torii gate stands at the shrine's entrance with a donation box above it, towering at approximately 6 meters! It is believed that by placing money in the offering box, wishes will come true, though depositing coins into this towering receptacle can be quite challenging. Why not give it a try?
If you are fortunate, you can witness the phenomenon known as "Ryūgū Wave Splash" (竜宮の潮吹き), located near the shrine's entrance, in a rocky area.
Shiofuki is an eruption event where, when the waves crash into the caves of the rocks, compressed air within the caves attempts to escape, resulting in the spouting of seawater. During the winter, influenced by the northeast wind and seasonal monsoons, when the sea's surface is tumultuous, the tides rise even higher, sometimes reaching over 30 meters. From a distance, it resembles a majestic dragon soaring into the sky.
At the shrine's office, you can purchase charming goshuin (red ink stamps) featuring white fox motifs. They come in a variety of vibrant colors and diverse designs, allowing you to select the one that resonates with your personal preferences.
- Motonosumi Shrine Information
- Address: 498 Yuyatsuo, Nagato City, Yamaguchi, Japan Google Map
- Access:
- Approx. 20 minutes by taxi from JR San'in Main Line "Nagato-Kamicho Station."
- Approx. 20 minutes by taxi from JR San'in Main Line "Hitomaru Station."
- Approx. 40 minutes by taxi from JR San'in Main Line "Nagato City Station."
- Phone: 0837-26-0708 Nagato City Tourism Information Office "YUKUTE"
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Official Website: https://www.motonosumi.com/
Shimmering Gradients of Blue on the Enchanting Island - Tsunoshima Island
A 40-minute drive westward along the coast from Motonosumi Shrine brings you to an island known as Tsunoshima. This is a place where you can rendezvous with the beautiful sea, adorned with pristine white beaches that resemble a tropical island resort. Your journey to Tsunoshima begins with a drive across the 1,780-meter-long Tsunoshima Bridge. The instant sight of the azure sea from the bridgehead is sure to uplift your spirits.
Tsunoshima is a narrow island from east to west, taking about 10 minutes to traverse from one end to the other by car. The symbol of Tsunoshima, the Tsunoshima Lighthouse, graces the western tip of the island, offering a breathtaking panoramic view from its summit.
From the northern end of the island at Makizakikazeno Park（牧崎風の公園）, you can enjoy a sweeping horizon beyond your field of vision. In front of the park lies a pasture where herds of cows graze leisurely, providing a tranquil scene.
Of course, the most wondrous sight is the beautiful beach. The shallow part of the beach, where you see pure white sands, takes on a turquoise hue, gradually shifting in color from sea blue to cobalt blue as you move closer to the sea.
First-time visitors are bound to be awestruck by the beauty of the Japan Sea! Don't you agree? You can fully savor the feeling of a beach resort overseas.
In the summer, camping facilities are available, providing various ways to enjoy depending on the season. This is also the charm of Tsunoshima. By the way, Tsunoshima offers rental "tuk-tuks," recommended for those who wish to leisurely tour the island.
- Tsunoshima Island Information
- Address: Kanda to Tsunoshima, Toyohira-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi, Japan Google Map
- Access：
- Take a bus bound for Tsunoshima from JR Taki-bu Station at Kaisigase Park, approximately 30 minutes, and alight at the Hotel Nishi Nagato Resort entrance, about a 3-minute walk.
- Take a bus bound for Tsunoshima from JR Taki-bu Station at Akari no Park, approximately 35 minutes, and alight at Sazaki Park.
- Phone: 083-786-0234
- Website: https://shimonoseki-kgb.jp/
Tsunoshima Bridge & Motonosumi Inari Shrine Day Tour from Fukuoka
As Motonosumi Shrine and Tsunoshima Bridge are in close proximity, you can explore both of these attractions in a single day. If you're starting from Fukuoka, you can also opt for Klook's Tsunoshima Bridge & Motonosumi Inari Shrine Day Tour from Fukuoka, featuring Japanese service and group tours. The driver can communicate with you in English, making it very convenient.
