Motonosumi Shrine

Reach Motonosumi Shine just before sun down, and it was magical. The last rays of light cast behind the Torii gates was mystical. The views were just amazing. We drove from Shimonoseki and chose the scenic coastal road, along Ohama beach , Yuya Bay. It was about 1h 20min+ easy drive, but the roads going upwards to the shrine was a little more challenging as the roads are tight and narrow.

Simply stunning. Parking is cheap (300 yen) and there are nearby toilets and a snack store. When we visited on 28 December 2025, they allowed visitors until 5pm (normally it is closed at 4:30pm). Even more beautiful in person, I would come and hour before sunset to get beautiful views Two cute black cats by the ice cream store near the toilets

⛩️ 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.

Outstanding shrine with ocean view. The path is lined by Tori. 30 minutes visit would be plenty. The road to the shrine is mostly undivided . The traffic is minimal today ( Dec. 10th)

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.

Is a beautiful place. be careful if you drive here, the roads are narrow. google took me a road but ended up the road was closed due to road work. parking is not free. I paid 300 yen for about an hour.

It is a beautiful place! The Tori gate path was closed though so we could t go through it, the view you get from there of the sea is hypnotizing!

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!