Motonosumi Shrine

Motonosumi Shrine was established in 1955 (Showa 30) after local fisherman and business owner Hitoshi Okamura received a revelation from a white fox that appeared in his dream. The sight of 123 torii gates, donated over a ten-year period beginning in 1987 (Showa 62), stretching in a line for about 100 meters is truly breathtaking. From the cliff above the sea, the contrast of three colors—the vermilion torii, the deep green of the rocky shrine grounds, and the cobalt blue of the Sea of Japan—creates an unforgettable landscape. Motonosumi Shrine is said to grant blessings for business prosperity, big catches, maritime safety, good relationships, household safety, traffic safety, and academic success. Another famous feature is the offering box placed at the top of a 6-meter-high large torii gate; it is said that if you can toss a coin into the box, your wish will come true. Access to Motonosumi Shrine by car is about 60 minutes from Mine IC on the Chugoku Expressway. By public transportation, it is about a 20-minute taxi ride from “Nagato-Furuichi Station” or “Hitomaru Station” on the JR San-in Main Line, or about 40 minutes from “Nagato-shi Station.” Renting a car is convenient from Senzaki Station on the JR San-in Main Line, with rental cars available about a 5-minute walk away.