Motonosumi Inari Shrine - A decorative throne room sits empty.
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Motonosumi Inari Shrine

4.2
·12k reviews·Nagato, Japan

A breathtaking clifftop shrine with 123 vibrant torii gates winding towards the sea, offering stunning views and a touch of spiritual magic.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Motonosumi Inari Shrine - A decorative throne room sits empty.

Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

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. Instagram

4.2
(12k reviews)

"An unforgettable view where vermilion gates meet the deep blue sea, a truly magical spot. Instagram"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

123 Torii Gates

123 Torii Gates

Clifftop path

A mesmerizing cascade of vibrant red torii gates winding along the cliff edge, offering breathtaking sea views.

Instagram+1
Ocean Vista

Ocean Vista

End of the torii path

Dramatic coastal scenery where the vermilion gates meet the crashing waves of the Sea of Japan.

Instagram+1
Lucky Offering Box

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.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Early Bird

Beat the crowds and capture the magic of Motonosumi Inari Shrine by visiting at dawn or dusk. The serene atmosphere and stunning light make for unforgettable photos and a peaceful experience. TikTokInstagram

Remote Location, Plan Ahead

Motonosumi Inari Shrine is a bit off the beaten path. Consider a tour or private car for easier access, as public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon/Sunset
Why
Golden hour light, stunning views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 Motonosumi Inari Shrine(Yamaguchi) /元乃隅稲荷神社 #日本の風景 #絶景 #山口 #japan_photo_share #art_of_japan #japantravel
@chochochonari
22.9K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Aim for the Offering Box!

Toss coins into the high offertory box for good luck. It's a fun challenge! Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of stairs and uneven paths, so good footwear is a must for exploring safely. Reddit

📌 15 Unique Torii Gates Across Japan 1. Jintoku Inari Shrine #神徳稲荷神社(Kagoshima) 2. Sueyama Shinto Shrine #陶山神社 (Saga) 3. Mizonokuchi Cave #溝ノ口洞穴 (Kagoshima) 4. Motonosumi Shrine #元乃隅神社 (Yamaguchi) 5. Hoshiimo Shrine #ほしいも神社 (Ibaraki) 6. Ryuo Shrine #龍王神社 (Kumamoto) 7. Towada Shrine #十和田神社 (Aomori) 8. Minato Shrine #港神社 (Miyazaki) 9. Kuratake Shrine #倉岳神社 (Kumamoto ) 10. Floating Torii Gate of Ōu...
voyageyurie
4.9K likes • 107.4K views
📌Japan is said to be overly crowded, but moments like this tell a different story. the spots I picked in this reel ⬇️ ⁡ 📍Ruriko - in 📍Awaji Yumebutai(Hyogo) 📍Ikema Bridge (Okinawa) 📍Motonosumi Inari Shrine(Yamaguchi) 📍Terraced Rice Fields of Hamanoura (Saga) 📍Hayahirakitohiuri Shrine (Miyazaki) 📍Ouchijuku(Fukushima) 📍Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) 📍Zao snow monster (Yamagata) 📍Nanzoin Temple(Fukuoka) 📍H...
voyageyurie
76.3K likes • 2.1M views

🚗 Consider a Tour or Car

Public transport is tricky; tours or private cars offer easier access to this remote gem. Reddit

📸 Capture the Light

Visit during golden hour for the most magical photos of the torii gates and sea. Instagram

Yamaguchi Region in Japan Must See: ✔️ Motonosumi Inari Shrine ✔️ Higashi Ushitobata Rice Terraces ✔️ Tsunoshima ✔️ Nagato Oumijima Kankō Kisen Boat trip ✔️ Omi Island Oumijima Ein Juwel abseits der klassischen Pfade 🤩 Na, wer kannte die Region schon? #yamaguchi #japan #japantrip #japangeheimtipps #travelblogger #austriantravelblogger #austrianblogger
smilesfromabroad
87 likes • 1.8K views

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! Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of stairs and uneven paths, so good footwear is a must for exploring safely. Reddit

🚗 Consider a Tour or Car

Public transport is tricky; tours or private cars offer easier access to this remote gem. Reddit

📸 Capture the Light

Visit during golden hour for the most magical photos of the torii gates and sea. Instagram

💰 Bring Cash for Parking

Parking is available but requires payment in Japanese Yen. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(12k reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"⛩️ 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

Breathtaking torii gates
Stunning sea views
Unique offering box

What People Dislike

Remote location
Limited amenities
Many stairs

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. Reddit Alternatively, many visitors opt for organized tours or hire private vehicles for a more convenient journey. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, driving is an option, and there is paid parking available near the shrine. Be prepared for narrow roads leading to the location. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Motonosumi Inari Shrine is free to enter. There is a fee for parking, so ensure you have Japanese Yen on hand. Reddit

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. TikTok

No, tickets are not required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime, but booking a tour might be beneficial for transportation. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hour' during sunrise and sunset offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographs. Instagram Early mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. Reddit

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. Instagram+2

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Experiment with different angles, especially from the bottom looking up the torii path. Capture the contrast between the red gates and the blue sea. Instagram

🎫 🚶 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. Reddit

The shrine involves many stairs and uneven terrain along the clifftop path, which can be challenging for some. Reddit There is a shortcut path back up from the bottom of the torii gates that is less strenuous. Reddit

There are basic amenities including a small souvenir shop, an ice cream stand, and public restrooms. Reddit

The 123 torii gates are believed to bring good luck in fishing, business, travel, and pregnancy. Instagram

The surrounding area offers beautiful coastal scenery, and nearby attractions include Higashi Ushitobata Rice Terraces and Tsunoshima. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Expect local Japanese snacks and refreshments. For a wider variety of dining options, you would need to travel to nearby towns like Nagato. Reddit

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. Reddit

Options may be limited. It's advisable to check with local eateries in Nagato City for specific dietary needs. Reddit

Explore the town of Nagato for local seafood and traditional Japanese dishes. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Motonosumi Inari Shrine offers a visually stimulating experience for families, with the vibrant red torii gates being a major draw for children. Instagram The challenge of tossing coins into the high offertory box can be a fun activity for kids, adding an element of play to the visit. Instagram However, parents should be aware that the shrine involves numerous stairs and uneven terrain along the clifftop, so keeping a close eye on younger children is essential for safety. Reddit Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Motonosumi Inari Shrine is a dream destination. The iconic 123 torii gates winding along the coast offer endless composition possibilities. Instagram+1 Visiting during the 'golden hour' at sunrise or sunset will provide the most dramatic lighting for capturing the vibrant red gates against the blue sea. InstagramReddit Early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds and secure unobstructed shots. Reddit Don't forget to experiment with different angles and consider a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the scene. Instagram

🚶 Solo Travelers

Solo travelers will appreciate the serene atmosphere of Motonosumi Inari Shrine, especially if visiting during off-peak hours. Instagram The remote location offers a chance for quiet contemplation and a deep connection with nature and spirituality. Reddit The challenge of the offertory box provides a fun personal goal. Instagram Be prepared for the journey, as public transport can be time-consuming, so consider a tour or rental car for maximum flexibility. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Journey to Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Reaching Motonosumi Inari Shrine requires some planning due to its remote location. While train travel to Nagatofuruichi Station is an option, it's often followed by a considerable walk or a taxi ride. Reddit Many visitors find that booking an organized tour or arranging private transportation offers a much smoother and less time-consuming experience. Reddit This is particularly true if you're combining your visit with other attractions in the Yamaguchi Prefecture, as the shrine is often part of a larger itinerary. Instagram

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. Reddit However, the reviews consistently state that the effort is absolutely worth it once you arrive and witness the breathtaking scenery. Reddit

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. Reddit For those relying on public transport, always double-check schedules and consider the walking distance from the nearest station. Reddit

Capturing the Iconic Torii Gates

The 123 torii gates of Motonosumi Inari Shrine are its undeniable star attraction, creating a visually stunning spectacle as they snake along the clifftop. Instagram The vibrant vermilion hue of the gates against the deep blue of the Sea of Japan is a photographer's dream. Instagram For the best photographic results, aim for the 'golden hour' during sunrise or sunset, when the light casts a warm glow and enhances the dramatic scenery. Instagram Early mornings are also ideal for capturing the gates with fewer people, allowing for unobstructed shots and a more serene atmosphere. Reddit

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. Instagram 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. Reddit

When composing your shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the full length of the torii path and the expansive sea. Instagram 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. Instagram

Understanding the Shrine's Significance

Motonosumi Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, sake, and prosperity. Instagram The numerous torii gates are offerings from worshippers, each representing a prayer or wish for good fortune. Instagram Specifically, the 123 gates at Motonosumi are believed to bring luck in areas such as fishing, business success, safe travels, and even pregnancy. Instagram

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. Reddit This harmonious blend of nature and spirituality is a hallmark of many sacred sites in Japan. Reddit

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. Instagram 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. Instagram

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