An Illustrated Japan / Yamaguchi / Townscape & Scenery
Also written: 元乃隅神社 · 元乃隅神社
A dramatic coastal shrine famed for 123 vermilion torii gates stretching toward the sea, often nicknamed the "Fushimi Inari by the sea" and hugely popular with international visitors.
Motonosumi Shrine at 498 Yuya-Tsuno Kurao, Nagato City, Yamaguchi, was founded in 1955 (Showa 30) by local fishery owner Okamura Hitoshi after divine message from white fox, originally Motonosumi Inari Shrine, renamed 2019. Famous for 123 red torii gates lining over 100 m along cliff edge above Ryugu no Shiofuki, a sea cave where waves shoot spray up to 30 m. The shrine is private, not a religious corporation, selected third by CNN on March 2015 list of Japan's 31 most beautiful places. The offertory box atop the main gate 5 m high is called Japan's hardest to throw money into. Visiting hours 9:30-16:30 free, night entry prohibited, no heavy commercialization, simple goshuin. Parking 300 yen, 15 minutes by car from JR Nagatoshi Furuichi Station. From March to November weekends in 2026 torii passage closed for crowd control. Combine with Yuyawan Onsen, Tanada rice terraces scenic drive. Legend says white fox possessed Okamura's wife, leading him to invest personal fortune to build shrine without soliciting donations, embodying personal faith separate from shrine Shinto, now maintained by family foundation. Sunset with torii silhouette spectacular. The area is well maintained with parking and toilets. Local cuisine and seasonal events enrich visit. Photography recommended early morning or sunset. Check tide tables and weather forecasts for best experience. Family friendly and accessible for most visitors with moderate walking. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers. The site offers superb views and cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination in Chugoku region for nature lovers.
