Motonosumi Shrine — Attraction in Nagato

Even though this place is famous, getting here by public transport is tricky—there are no direct buses or trains (by 2025.08.31). You either need to take a taxi from Nagato-Furuichi Station (around 3000yen one way) or rent a bicycle from Nagato City (around 1500yen whole day).

I rented an electric-assist bicycle from the Nagatoshi Information Centre, and here are a few tips:

Important: Check the official Motonosumi Shrine website before planning your trip—sometimes the shrine is closed on weekends or holidays.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll pass through beautiful paddy fields, old Japanese towns, quiet forests, and coastal roads with stunning scenery. The ride is stress-free with little traffic, and at the end, you're rewarded with the unique beauty of the shrine.

Rent an electric-assist bicycle—it’s a must if you’re not confident with cycling.

Turn off the assist on flat or downhill sections.

Even though the bike says it can go around 40 km on a full charge, that’s not realistic if you use assist all the time.

It took me about 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the shrine and 1 hour 20 minutes to get back, without resting.

Set Google Maps to walking mode if cycling mode isn’t available (driving mode shows a much longer route).

There are some vending machines and convenience stores along the way.

You’ll need more assist on the way back since you’ll be tired, even though the ups and downs are the same. I had over 60% battery left when I reached the shrine, but only about 10% at the end of the trip.

It’s not too difficult, but only attempt this if you trust your physical strength.

There’s a nice beach on the way where you can swim, and it even has a...

Motonosumi Inari Shrine was the final stop on our Klook tour, and to be honest, I was starting to get a bit impatient on the way there—the ride from Karato Market took about 1.5 hours. Since we were on a smaller coaster bus navigating narrow roads, it felt more prone to motion sickness.

But once we arrived—especially when we reached the actual shrine—it was absolutely worth it. The walk through the rows of torii gates, with the sound of waves crashing nearby and the view of the sea, was nothing short of mesmerizing. There’s something really calming and powerful about the place that photos just can’t fully capture.

The area itself is quite simple: a small souvenir shop, a little ice cream stand, and a public restroom with limited cubicles—so don’t expect a lot of amenities.

There’s a shortcut going back up: once you reach the shrine at the bottom, look for a small path with a few steps leading to a viewing deck. From there, it's mostly flat terrain back to the area near the shops—no need to climb back up the original stairs.

The return trip to the city took around 3.5 hours, as Japan requires rest stops on long drives (there's a mandatory break every 2 hours or so), so factor that into your schedule.

If you have the time, I highly recommend visiting via a Klook tour or similar option like hiring a private vehicle - the area is remote, and there’s no direct public...

Motonosumi Inari Shrine is one of the most breathtaking and unique shrines in Japan. Located in Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture, it is famous for its 123 vermillion torii gates that stretch along the rugged coastline, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the deep blue Sea of Japan. The view of the gates winding down toward the cliffs is absolutely stunning, especially on a clear day.

Unlike the more famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Motonosumi Inari is much less crowded, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the spiritual and scenic beauty of the site. One of its quirkiest features is the offering box, which is placed high above the main torii gate. It is said that if you can successfully throw a coin into the box, your wish will come true!

Getting to the shrine requires a bit of a journey, but the spectacular ocean views and peaceful atmosphere make it well worth the trip. Whether you’re drawn by its spiritual significance, stunning landscape, or the challenge of making an offering, Motonosumi Inari Shrine is a must-visit hidden gem...