What other travelers are saying about Motonosumi Shrine
Absolutely peaceful trails to explore!
Motonosumi Shrine (元乃隅神社), located in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a stunning coastal shrine famous for its 123 vibrant red torii gates winding along cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan.
⛩️⛩️⛩️The view of 123 torii gates dedicated over 10 years from Showa 62 to over 100 meters is truly a masterpiece! It is popular as one of the most spectacular scenic spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
If you're lucky, you can see the "Ryugu no Shiofuki" (Spout of the Dragon Palace), where seawater shoots up about 30 meters high from the rocks at the foot of the hill near the "Main Torii" (front torii gate) at the entrance to the shrine. It looks just like a dragon rising to the sky.
The rocks are slippery, so please be careful when walking there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The offertory box is mounted atop a 5-meter-high torii gate, requiring visitors to toss coins upward. Successfully landing a coin in the elevated box is believed to bring good fortune.
Sunrise and sunset create particularly dramatic lighting conditions that enhance the vermillion gates against the sky and water, though these times may be crowded due to social media popularity.
Visits typically last 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on time spent photographing and attempting the coin toss at the elevated offertory box.
Nearby attractions include Omijima Island, Tsunoshima Bridge, and the historic town of Hagi, all suitable for exploring western Yamaguchi Prefecture's coastal and cultural sites.
Reach Motonosumi Shine just before sun down, and it was magical. The last rays of light cast behind the Torii gates was mystical. The views were just amazing.
We drove from Shimonoseki and chose the scenic coastal road, along Ohama beach , Yuya Bay. It was about 1h 20min+ easy drive, but the roads going upwards to the shrine was a little more challenging as the roads are tight and narrow.
Simply stunning. Parking is cheap (300 yen) and there are nearby toilets and a snack store.
When we visited on 28 December 2025, they allowed visitors until 5pm (normally it is closed at 4:30pm).
Even more beautiful in person, I would come and hour before sunset to get beautiful views
Two cute black cats by the ice cream store near the toilets
⛩️ Motonosumi Shrine (Nagato, Yamaguchi) Review
Motonosumi Shrine is one of the most breathtaking and photogenic spots in Japan. Located in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, it’s famous for its 123 bright red torii gates that stretch dramatically along the hillside toward the blue sea. The contrast between the vivid vermilion gates, the lush greenery, and the deep ocean creates an unforgettable view — it’s no surprise this site has been featured in many travel magazines as one of Japan’s most scenic shrines.
The path of torii gates leads you down toward the cliffs, where you can feel the ocean wind and hear the sound of waves crashing below. It’s a peaceful yet powerful place that perfectly captures Japan’s harmony between nature and spirituality.
One of the fun traditions here is the offering box located high above the main torii gate — visitors try to toss coins into it for good luck. It adds a playful, unique touch to the visit.
The surrounding area is also worth exploring: there are small cafés, souvenir stands, and observation points with panoramic views of the coastline. The shrine staff and locals are welcoming, and the whole area is clean and well maintained.
Whether you’re interested in photography, Japanese culture, or simply beautiful seaside landscapes, Motonosumi Shrine is an absolute must-visit. It’s a place that leaves you with both serenity and awe — a perfect blend of natural beauty and sacred tradition.
When the weather is nice, the color of sea surface is a vibrant blue, and paired with brightly colored red birdhouses, it's beautiful! But since there are many stairs, older visitors should pay attention to the safety of their feet when visiting here.
