Motonosumi Shrine Yamaguchi: Red Torii Tunnel Above the Sea

Tottori Shimane Okayama Hiroshima Yamaguchi

Motonosumi Inari Shrine in Nagato, Yamaguchi is famed for vivid red torii lined down a sea cliff and a hard-to-throw donation box on the gate's top. Free.

Highlights

Motonosumi Shrine Quick Guide: Motonosumi Shrine is a scenic spot on the coast of Nagato, where red torii gates line up toward the blue sea. It’s appealing for combining a visit with photography.
Torii Path Highlights: The strong contrast of blue sea and sky against the red torii creates striking views, and you can enjoy worship and photos while passing through the gates. On windy days it can feel very different, so plan for wind and cold protection.
Worship Tips (Main Hall and Offerings): Start by praying at the main hall, then walk the torii approach at a comfortable pace for a round trip. The offertory box that was used for coin-throwing has been removed, so be mindful if you were planning around that experience.
Natural Power: Ryugu no Shiofuki (Sea Spout): Near the shrine, there are points where you may see “Ryugu no Shiofuki,” where waves strike rocks and spray upward. The intensity depends on sea conditions, so keep a safe distance on days with strong wind and waves.
Access (Car and Public Transport): Access by public transport alone is difficult, so traveling by car (rental car) is the realistic option. From Yamaguchi City it’s roughly around 2 hours by car. From JR Nagatoshi Station, a taxi ride of about 40 minutes is a rough guide, and there is generally no direct bus.
Visiting Hours and Fees: Visiting hours are roughly 9:30–16:30 (and in some cases you may be asked to leave by 16:00 depending on conditions). Admission is free. Entry and photography at night are prohibited, so it’s best to visit in daylight.
Access Restrictions (Days When the Torii Approach Is Closed): For safety and management reasons, there may be periods or dates when you cannot enter the red torii approach. As an example, there is a notice that in 2026 it will be closed on weekends and public holidays from March to November, May 2–10 (Golden Week), and Aug 8–16 (Obon), so be sure to check the latest guidance before visiting.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Motonosumi-jinja Shrine (Motonosumi Jinja)?

Motonosumi-jinja Shrine (Motonosumi Jinja) is a shrine in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, known for its vivid red torii gates lined up toward the sea.

Set on high ground overlooking the Sea of Japan, it’s a striking place to visit, with an impressive contrast between the torii gates and the ocean.

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Why Visit Motonosumi-jinja Shrine?

1. The contrast of blue sea and red torii gates

As you walk along the torii-lined approach, you can enjoy expansive views of the Sea of Japan.

On clear days, the color contrast is especially vivid, making it great for photography.

2. The high offertory box

The main torii gate has an offertory box set high above, and visitors worship by tossing coins into it from below.

Pay attention to safety around you and try it only within a comfortable range.

3. The scenic “Ryūgū no Shiofuki” blowhole

Nearby is a spot called “Ryūgū no Shiofuki,” where waves can force seawater to spray upward.

In rough weather, the ground can be slippery, so please prioritize safety and avoid pushing yourself.

4. Beauty in every season

The color of the sea and the strength of the wind can change with the season and weather, so the impression can feel different each time you visit.

Comfortable shoes and a windproof outer layer can be helpful.

5. The atmosphere of worship

Being able to pray amid the dramatic scenery of the sea and torii gates is part of what makes this shrine special.

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How to Get to Motonosumi-jinja Shrine

By car

Public transportation options are limited in the area, so traveling by car is convenient.

By public transportation

Since it is some distance from the nearest station, consider using a taxi or similar option.

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Tips to Avoid Crowds

Long weekends and peak travel seasons tend to be busier.

If you want a calmer visit, going earlier in the day or on a weekday is a better choice.

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Things to Do at Motonosumi-jinja Shrine

1. Walk through the torii gates and worship

Enjoy both the scenery and the shrine visit as you walk beneath the row of torii gates.

2. Try tossing a coin into the offertory box

Because the offertory box is set high, be sure to check your surroundings before trying.

3. See Ryūgū no Shiofuki

It can be especially powerful when the wind and waves are strong, but please view it within safe limits.

4. Enjoy photography

As you stroll, you can look for photo angles such as ocean views framed by torii gates.

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Useful Visitor Information

Worship guidelines
Please follow local guidance regarding visiting hours, whether entry is allowed at night, and other on-site rules.
Admission
Worship itself is said to be free, but check on-site for parking conditions.
Notes
Because it can be windy along the coast, having warm layers and wind protection can be helpful.
Some areas may be slippery, so visit in comfortable, stable footwear.

Summary

Motonosumi-jinja Shrine is a distinctive place to worship while enjoying the iconic view of bright red torii gates against the Sea of Japan.

Because the experience can feel very different depending on weather and wave conditions, plan safely and explore at a comfortable pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Motonosumi Shrine? Why are there 123 red torii gates? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Motonosumi Shrine stands along the coast in Nagato, Yamaguchi, and is famous for the dramatic line of 123 torii gates running along the cliffs. The row of gates looks especially powerful when viewed from below, so using a wide-angle composition without blocking the flow of people works well for photos.

Q. What time can you visit Motonosumi Shrine? keyboard_arrow_down

A. The shrine is generally open for worship from 9:30 to 16:30. On windy seaside days, it can feel cooler than expected, so even in summer a light outer layer helps if you want to take your time enjoying the view beneath the torii gates.

Q. Is there an admission fee for Motonosumi Shrine? Where do you offer coins? keyboard_arrow_down

A. There is no admission fee. You can offer coins in front of the main shrine building, and there is also the well-known challenge of throwing a coin into the offertory box placed high above a torii gate. Bringing a few small coins makes it easier to enjoy without delay.

Q. How do you get to Motonosumi Shrine from Nagato? Is driving or public transport better? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Because public transport is limited on some parts of the route, a rental car or sightseeing taxi is often the easier option if you want predictable timing. The coastal road has great views, but on windy days the car can shake, so driving at a moderate speed is safer.

Q. What time is best to avoid crowds at Motonosumi Shrine? Any photo tips? keyboard_arrow_down

A. If you want to avoid crowds, the time just after opening is usually smoother. The lower section of the torii path tends to get congested, so going all the way up first and then taking photos as you walk back down makes it easier to avoid moving against the flow of people.

Q. Can you try the offertory box challenge above the torii gate? Any tips? keyboard_arrow_down

A. The offertory box above the torii gate is easily affected by the wind, so instead of throwing too hard, a soft high arc usually works better. If you take photos while waiting your turn, leaving space behind you for others to pass helps avoid trouble.

Q. How long does it take to visit Motonosumi Shrine? What should you watch out for on the cliffs? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Allow about 30 to 60 minutes for worship and walking among the torii gates. The cliffside path can be wet on some days, so shoes with good grip are reassuring, and in strong winds a hood is less likely to blow away than a hat.

Q. What other places can you visit nearby? How about Senjojiki and the Tsunoshima area? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Nearby, the grasslands of Senjojiki and scenic driving spots along the Sea of Japan coast pair well with a visit. If you want sunset colors, doing Motonosumi first and then Senjojiki later helps keep the direction of the evening light consistent in your photos.

Useful Japanese Phrases

Meaning

Where is Motonosumi Shrine? — Useful when asking for directions in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The shrine is located on coastal cliffs along the Sea of Japan, and since there is no direct bus service, you may need to ask locals or taxi drivers for guidance.

Meaning

To Nagatoshi Station, please. — Say this to a taxi driver when heading back to JR Nagatoshi Station after your visit. In Japan, taxis are metered and tipping is not customary, so simply pay the fare shown on the meter.

Meaning

I'd like to rent a car. — A rental car is the most realistic way to reach Motonosumi Shrine since public transportation access is limited. Present this phrase at a car rental counter near a major station.

Meaning

Is there an admission fee? — Ask this at the entrance to confirm. Motonosumi Shrine is free to visit, but it is polite to confirm before entering. This phrase works at any temple or shrine in Japan.

Meaning

May I walk through the torii gates? — Use this if you are unsure whether the torii approach is open that day. Asking first is helpful because access may be restricted for safety or management reasons.

Meaning

Please tell me how to pray at the shrine. — Ask a local or staff member for guidance on proper worship etiquette at the main shrine building. The standard Shinto practice is to bow twice, clap twice, then bow once more.

Meaning

Which way is Ryugu no Shiofuki? — Ask this to find the nearby sea blowhole, a natural phenomenon where waves force seawater into a dramatic spray through coastal rocks. It is one of the key sights adjacent to the shrine.

Meaning

Could you take a photo for me? — A polite way to ask someone to photograph you with the stunning red torii gates and the Sea of Japan as a backdrop. Note that night photography at the shrine is prohibited.

Meaning

Are the paths slippery here? — Use this to check conditions before walking along the cliffside approach. Stable footwear with good grip is recommended, as the coastal paths can be slippery from wind and sea spray.

Meaning

Can you break this into small coins? — Ask at a nearby shop or station before visiting. Small coins are needed for offerings at the shrine. In Japan, it is common to offer five-yen coins, as the word for five yen (go-en) sounds like the word for good fortune.

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