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Motonosumi Shrine

The 123 torii gates overlooking the sea are a sight to behold.

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The Motonosumi Shrine, located in Yuyatsuo, Nagato City, is said to be a power spot in Yamaguchi.
In Showa 30 (1955), a pure white fox appeared at the bedside of Mr. Hitoshi Okamura, who was the head fisherman in the area, and asked; "To whom do you owe your success in fishing?" and told him in detail about its past relationship. The fox then told him to enshrine itself in this place, and the shrine was built according to the revelation.

It is a deity of prosperity in business, great fishing, safety at sea, good match, being blessed with children, good luck and protection against misfortune, traffic safety, academic achievement, and fulfillment of desires.
The shrine has a 6-meter high O-torii gate with a money offertory box on top. It is said that if you can throw the money into the offertory box successfully, your wish will come true.
The view of the shrine's 123 vermilion torii gates lined up like dominoes against the blue sea is breathtaking. It was even selected as one of the "31 Most Beautiful Places in Japan" by CNN, an American news broadcaster.

The panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and its cliffs, which you reach after passing through the torii gate, is the "Ryugu no shiofuki " which is designated as a National natural monument.
This is a natural phenomenon in which rough waves make a sound and blow up high like a fountain, and it was named after its resemblance to a dragon ascending toward the sky. This is a place to visit along with the shrine.

Highlights

  • The 123 torii gates lined up on the cliff overlooking the sea are magnificent.
  • Let's also try the "hardest offertory box in Japan" which is said to bring good luck if you can successfully throw the money in.
  • The "Ryugu no shiofuki," designated as a National natural monument and a place of scenic beauty, is also worth a visit.

Photos

  • Torii gates stretching for about 100 meters overlooking the blue sea.

    Torii gates stretching for about 100 meters overlooking the blue sea.

  • An offertory money box is placed on top of the O-torii gate.

    An offertory money box is placed on top of the O-torii gate.

  • One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture

    One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Yamaguchi Prefecture

  • Torii gate dedicated over a 10-year period starting in Showa 62 (1987).

    Torii gate dedicated over a 10-year period starting in Showa 62 (1987).

  • The "Ryugu no shiofuki" on the cliff beyond the torii gate

    The "Ryugu no shiofuki" on the cliff beyond the torii gate

Reviews

1
  • Ming Ming

    123個鳥居列隊歡迎太壯觀了,六米高的大鳥居上有放置賽錢箱,而且把錢投進去後就能實現願望,但是有難度⋯⋯

Details

Name in Japanese
元乃隅神社
Postal Code
759-4712
Address
498 Yuyatsuo, Nagato City, Yamaguchi
Telephone
0837-26-0708 (Nagato City Tourism Information Center YUKUTE)
Holidays
Open every day
Business Hours
9:00am-5:30pm
Directions
12 minutes by taxi from JR Nagato Furuichi Station
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)