Visiting Motonosumi Shrine: the 123 torii of Nagato

Few places in Japan look as striking in photos as Motonosumi Shrine: a ribbon of red torii gates winding down a green cliff to the blue Sea of Japan. It is in a remote corner of the north coast, though, and it has become so popular that visiting now takes a little planning.

The story

The shrine is surprisingly young. It was founded in 1955 by a local fisherman who said that the white fox spirit of Inari had appeared to him in a dream. Inari is the god of rice, business and good fortune, and torii are often given to Inari shrines in thanks for success. Between 1987 and 2004, 123 gates were donated here, one by one, until they lined the whole path down to the shore.

What to see

• The torii tunnel: walk down through the gates to the rocks above the sea, then turn around for the classic view back up the hill.
• The offering box: on top of the great torii at the entrance, about 5 metres up, is a small offering box. Toss a coin; if it lands in the box, your wish is said to come true. It is very hard, which is part of the fun.
• The blowhole: on rough days, waves push sea water up through the rocks below in a spray that can reach high into the air.

The 2026 visiting rules

Because of heavy crowds and traffic, worship at the shrine has been partly suspended on many Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in 2026, including Golden Week and the Obon holidays, while the shop and car park stay open. The arrangements change, so check the Nagato city tourism website before you go. Weekdays are the easiest time to visit.

When to go

• Time of day: morning light is good for the view down the cliff, and late afternoon is softer and quieter.
• Weather: come on a clear day, when the sea is deep blue. On stormy days, the blowhole is at its best, but stay well back from the edge.

Getting there

• By car: about 1 hour from Hagi, 1 hour from Tsunoshima and about 1 hour 20 minutes from Shin-Yamaguchi. There is a car park by the shrine.
• By taxi: about 40 minutes from JR Nagatoshi Station. There is no bus.
• On a tour: many day tours from Fukuoka stop here, often with Tsunoshima Bridge and Akiyoshido Cave.

Tips

• The path is uneven and slopes steeply in places. Wear good shoes.
• Bring coins for the offering box, and small change for the shop.
• Combine the shrine with Tsunoshima and Hagi on our north coast drive, or stay at Nagato Yumoto Onsen nearby.