Complete Guide to Motonosumi Shrine: History, Access, Parking, Blessings Goshuin Information

Motonosumi Shrine, located in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination that attracts many visitors from outside the prefecture. It offers a mystical landscape where 123 red torii gates stand in a row against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan.

In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation of the basic information you should know before visiting Motonosumi Shrine, including its history, access methods, and parking.

We also highlight several points of interest, including the 123 red torii gates, so please use this as a reference if you are planning your first visit to the shrine.

What is Motonosumi Shrine? 

Motonosumi Shrine was established following a divine revelation in a dream experienced by a local fisherman. It has long been cherished by the local community for the various blessings it is said to bestow, including prosperity in business.

In this section, we will explain the basic information, history, and blessings of Motonosumi Shrine.

This will give you a general understanding of what kind of shrine Motonosumi is, so if you are considering a visit, please take a look.

Basic Information

Motonosumi Shrine is famous for its 123 red torii gates and the spectacular view overlooking the Sea of Japan.

History

Motonosumi Shrine was founded in 1955 after a local fisherman received a divine revelation in a dream.

Initially, there was only a small hall, but a shrine was built in 1958. The current shrine buildings were developed between 1987 and 1997, during which time the 123 red torii gates were also dedicated.

Since the dedication of the red torii gates, the shrine has become widely known for its mystical scenery. In the Reiwa era, it has become a popular destination attracting many tourists not only from within Japan but also from overseas.

Blessings

Motonosumi Shrine is believed to provide many blessings, starting with prosperity in business.

• Prosperity in Business
• Bountiful Catches
• Safety at Sea
• Good Match
• Fertility
• Good Fortune and Protection from Evil
• Happiness and Harmony
• Traffic Safety
• Academic Success

Because it enshrines the guardian deity of the fishing village, it offers blessings deeply connected to the sea, such as bountiful catches and safety at sea. It also attracts many visitors every year for blessings related to life partners, such as fertility and finding a good match.

Access to Motonosumi Shrine: A Comprehensive Guide by Transportation Method 

There are several ways to reach Motonosumi Shrine, and it is important to choose the method that best fits your travel plan.

In this section, we will explain how to access Motonosumi Shrine by each mode of transportation.

We also provide information on parking for those using private vehicles and precautions for using public transportation, so first-time visitors should find this helpful.

By Car

If you are traveling to Motonosumi Shrine by private car, the estimated travel times are as follows:

• Approximately 1 hour from the Mine Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway.

Motonosumi Shrine has a first and second parking lot, which we recommend utilizing if you are visiting by car.

The fees for both Parking Lot 1 and Parking Lot 2 are the same.

• Standard Cars: 300 yen for the first hour (100 yen for every additional hour, up to a maximum of 500 yen)
• Motorcycles: 100 yen per visit

Please note that the roads leading to Motonosumi Shrine are often narrow, and you may need to pass oncoming sightseeing buses, so please drive carefully.

By Bus

There are no direct buses to Motonosumi Shrine, making it difficult to travel there by bus from the nearest station.

However, it is sometimes included in bus tours such as the "Tsunoshima Motonosumi Shrine Bus Tour 2025 'Fuku no Tabi, Yamaguchi-go'." We recommend considering this if you want to visit Yamaguchi's famous sights efficiently and affordably.

By Train

The nearest stations to Motonosumi Shrine are Nagato-Furuichi Station (from the direction of JR San'in Main Line Nagato-shi Station) and Hitomaru Station (from the direction of Shimonoseki Station).

Even though these are the nearest stations, they are not within walking distance, so we recommend taking a taxi from the station.

• Nagato-Furuichi Station: 20 minutes one way (Fare: approx. 3,000 yen)
• Hitomaru Station: 20 minutes one way (Fare: approx. 3,000 yen)

▽ Taxi Information from Stations

• In front of Nagato-Furuichi Station: Furuichi Taxi (TEL: 0837-37-3194)
• In front of Hitomaru Station: Hitomaru Taxi (TEL: 0837-32-1126)

*If you know your visit date and time, we recommend booking by phone in advance for a smoother experience.

What are the Highlights of Motonosumi Shrine?

Motonosumi Shrine has several highlights, so researching the buildings and tourist spots within the grounds beforehand will help you enjoy the shrine to the fullest.

In this section, we will explain four highlights of Motonosumi Shrine.

We have selected a wide range of features, from the famous 123 red torii gates to information on goshuin stamps, so please check them out if you want to enjoy the charm of Motonosumi Shrine from various angles.

123 Torii Gates

At Motonosumi Shrine, 123 torii gates are dedicated along the cliffs right next to the Sea of Japan.

The path through the torii gates, which took over 10 years to dedicate, is more than 100 meters long. You can experience a mystical atmosphere just by walking through the many gates.

The deep blue of the Sea of Japan, the beautiful green of the mountains, and the vivid red of the torii gates create a stunning contrast, making it a very photogenic spot as well as a place of blessing.

Ryugu no Shiofuki

"Ryugu no Shiofuki" is a tourist spot near Motonosumi Shrine. Especially in winter, strong north winds cause waves to crash against the rocks, creating a "geyser phenomenon" where seawater is blown up through gaps in the rocks.

The name comes from the way the seawater sprays up, looking like a geyser erupting from the Dragon Palace, and it allows you to feel the power of nature.

The height of the spray is particularly high in winter due to the rough waves, so those who want to see a powerful display should visit during the winter months.

The Stone of Difficulty

This is a unique spot at Motonosumi Shrine. It is a stone tunnel called "Nankan Toppa" (Breaking Through Difficulties), and passing through it is said to grant your wishes.

To pass through the tunnel:

① Lower your right shoulder
② Extend your right hand forward
③ Turn your entire body to the left as you pass through.
(Instructions on how to pass through are also written at the lower right of the tunnel on-site)

Please enjoy this experience as well.

White Fox Goshuin

Goshuin stamps for Motonosumi Shrine can be obtained at the unmanned office near the Great Torii.

The goshuin features a design of the white fox enshrined at Motonosumi Shrine, and you can choose from 10 different characters (available in 12 colors) such as "Love, Victory, Prosperity, Success, Happiness, Fortune, Wealth, Spirit, Achievement, and Flourishing" (*).

Why not choose a character related to your own wish and keep it in your goshuin book as a memory of your trip?

(*) Please provide an offering (hatsuho-ryu) as a gesture of your feelings (approx. 500 yen is recommended).

Frequently Asked Questions about Motonosumi Shrine 

In this section, we have compiled frequently asked questions about Motonosumi Shrine in a Q format.

Which deity is enshrined at Motonosumi Shrine?

Motonosumi Shrine was founded based on a revelation from a white fox that appeared in a dream, and it is enshrined as the guardian deity of the fishing village along the Sea of Japan.

How much is the admission fee for Motonosumi Shrine?

Admission is free.

What should I be aware of when visiting Motonosumi Shrine?

Visiting hours are from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Please leave the shrine grounds by 4:30 PM. Please note that entry and photography at night are prohibited.

Summary

In this article, we have explained the basic information you should know before visiting Motonosumi Shrine, including its history, access methods, and parking.

Motonosumi Shrine is known as a unique scenic spot in Japan, offering a magnificent view of the Sea of Japan and the red torii gates.

It is a recommended spot where you can experience both the grandeur of nature and the mystical atmosphere of a shrine at once, so please be sure to stop by when you visit Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Photo: Koichi (@Kfish1882) / Cooperation: NICO STOP