Motonosumi Inari Shrine
A breathtaking clifftop shrine with 123 vibrant torii gates winding towards the sea, offering stunning views and a touch of spiritual magic.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Motonosumi Inari Shrine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking clifftop shrine with 123 vibrant torii gates winding towards the sea, offering stunning views and a touch of spiritual magic.
"An unforgettable view where vermilion gates meet the deep blue sea, a truly magical spot. "
🎯 Aim for the Offering Box!
Toss coins into the high offertory box for good luck. It's a fun challenge!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven paths, so good footwear is a must for exploring safely.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
123 Torii Gates
Clifftop path
A mesmerizing cascade of vibrant red torii gates winding along the cliff edge, offering breathtaking sea views.
Ocean Vista
End of the torii path
Dramatic coastal scenery where the vermilion gates meet the crashing waves of the Sea of Japan.
Lucky Offering Box
Top of the last torii
Test your aim by tossing coins into a high-up offertory box for good luck in fishing, business, or travel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Early Bird
Remote Location, Plan Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Aim for the Offering Box!
Toss coins into the high offertory box for good luck. It's a fun challenge!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven paths, so good footwear is a must for exploring safely.
🚗 Consider a Tour or Car
Public transport is tricky; tours or private cars offer easier access to this remote gem.
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during golden hour for the most magical photos of the torii gates and sea.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Aim for the Offering Box!
Toss coins into the high offertory box for good luck. It's a fun challenge!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of stairs and uneven paths, so good footwear is a must for exploring safely.
🚗 Consider a Tour or Car
Public transport is tricky; tours or private cars offer easier access to this remote gem.
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during golden hour for the most magical photos of the torii gates and sea.
💰 Bring Cash for Parking
Parking is available but requires payment in Japanese Yen.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Motonosumi Inari Shrine is widely praised for its breathtaking beauty and unique clifftop setting with 123 vibrant torii gates. Visitors are captivated by the stunning contrast of the vermilion gates against the blue sea and find the experience both peaceful and awe-inspiring. While the remote location and limited amenities are noted, the visual splendor and the fun tradition of the offering box make it a highly recommended destination.
"⛩️ 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."
さくら大山
"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."
ChungChung Bao
"Beautiful place. There are many other things to do other than the Torii shrine. When you get to the end of the walk through the gates there is a lot of beautiful spots to take photos with the Sea of Japan in the background. You do have to pay for parking with yen, there are also lots of places to make wishes so bring your coins!"
Nevaeh Townsend
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Motonosumi Inari Shrine is quite remote. The most common advice is to take a train to Nagatofuruichi Station and then either take a taxi or walk approximately 20-30 minutes to the shrine. Alternatively, many visitors opt for organized tours or hire private vehicles for a more convenient journey.
While direct bus routes are limited, some local buses might operate in the general area. However, research indicates that relying on trains to Nagatofuruichi Station followed by a taxi or a walk is a more practical approach for most travelers.
From Nagato City, reaching Motonosumi Inari Shrine can take around 30-40 minutes by car or taxi. If using public transport, the train ride to Nagatofuruichi Station is about 15-20 minutes, followed by a walk or taxi.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is paid parking available near the shrine. Be prepared for narrow roads leading to the location.
Public transport is challenging. The closest train station is Nagatofuruichi, but it still requires a significant walk or a taxi ride to reach the shrine.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Motonosumi Inari Shrine is free to enter. There is a fee for parking, so ensure you have Japanese Yen on hand.
The shrine is generally accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor attraction. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
No, tickets are not required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime, but booking a tour might be beneficial for transportation.
While the shrine is technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. The best views are during daylight hours.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but visitors are expected to be respectful of the sacred site. Be mindful of the terrain, especially if you have mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' during sunrise and sunset offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographs. Early mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
The entire stretch of 123 torii gates along the cliffside is incredibly photogenic. Don't miss the unique offertory box at the end and the panoramic sea views.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance and respect for the site.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the torii gates. A telephoto lens can be useful for details and distant sea views.
Experiment with different angles, especially from the bottom looking up the torii path. Capture the contrast between the red gates and the blue sea.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
A typical visit to walk through the torii gates, take photos, and enjoy the views can take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
The shrine involves many stairs and uneven terrain along the clifftop path, which can be challenging for some. There is a shortcut path back up from the bottom of the torii gates that is less strenuous.
There are basic amenities including a small souvenir shop, an ice cream stand, and public restrooms.
The 123 torii gates are believed to bring good luck in fishing, business, travel, and pregnancy.
The surrounding area offers beautiful coastal scenery, and nearby attractions include Higashi Ushitobata Rice Terraces and Tsunoshima.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited dining options directly at the shrine, primarily a small ice cream stand and a souvenir shop that might offer snacks.
Expect local Japanese snacks and refreshments. For a wider variety of dining options, you would need to travel to nearby towns like Nagato.
Picnicking is generally acceptable in designated areas, but it's always good practice to clean up after yourself and be respectful of the shrine grounds.
Options may be limited. It's advisable to check with local eateries in Nagato City for specific dietary needs.
Explore the town of Nagato for local seafood and traditional Japanese dishes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶 Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Motonosumi Inari Shrine
Be prepared for the journey itself to be part of the adventure. The roads leading to the shrine can be narrow and winding, which some travelers have noted can be prone to motion sickness. However, the reviews consistently state that the effort is absolutely worth it once you arrive and witness the breathtaking scenery.
When planning your travel, factor in potential rest stops if driving long distances, as these are mandatory in Japan and can add to your overall travel time. For those relying on public transport, always double-check schedules and consider the walking distance from the nearest station.
Capturing the Iconic Torii Gates
Beyond the main path, explore the area at the bottom of the torii gates for unique perspectives. The offertory box, perched high on the last torii, offers a fun challenge and a memorable photo opportunity. Don't forget to look for the panoramic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the coastline, providing a broader context to the shrine's dramatic setting.
When composing your shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the full length of the torii path and the expansive sea. Experiment with different angles, looking up from the base of the gates or down from higher vantage points, to capture the scale and beauty of this unique spiritual site.
Understanding the Shrine's Significance
The unique placement of the shrine on a dramatic cliff overlooking the sea adds a powerful spiritual dimension. The sound of the waves crashing below and the constant sea breeze create a sense of both peace and raw natural energy. This harmonious blend of nature and spirituality is a hallmark of many sacred sites in Japan.
A distinctive tradition at Motonosumi Inari Shrine is the challenge of tossing a coin into the offertory box located at the very top of the last torii gate. It's said that if your coin lands successfully in the box, your wish is sure to come true, adding a playful and engaging element to the spiritual experience.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit