In Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, there is a shrine with 123 vermilion torii gates lined up like domino pieces. That shrine is Motonosumi Shrine. Motonosumi Shrine is a new shrine that was founded less than 70 years ago. However, in terms of topicality, it is as popular as the World Heritage Sites Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima and Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto. This time, we will introduce in detail the spectacular view of the 123 vermilion torii gates lined up facing the Sea of Japan at Motonosumi Shrine in Nagato City.
①【Motonosumi Shrine】 Spectacular view created by 123 torii gates‼︎ ︎
Motonosumi Shrine is a shrine located in Yuyatu, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The shrine was founded in 1955, making it a new shrine less than 70 years ago.
- ❶How Motonosumi Shrine was founded.
- ❷Characteristics of Motonosumi Shrine.
- ❸Why did they build 123 vermilion torii gates?
- ❹Why has Motonosumi Shrine become so popular?
- ❺What kind of blessings does Motonosumi Shrine have?
- ❻Ryugu’s squirting
- ❶Herb garden where more than 50 types of herbs are cultivated.
- ❷You can see the Sea of Japan from your hammock or bench.
❶How Motonosumi Shrine was founded.
The reason for the founding of Motonosumi Shrine was that in 1955, a white fox appeared at the bedside of Okamura Hitoshi, a local fishing boss, and gave him a prophecy. According to Okamura Hitoshi, the white fox asked, “To whom do you owe it for allowing you to continue fishing up to now?” and “Perform a ritual to appease me in this land.” Incidentally, although Motonosumi Shrine is called a “shrine,” it is not a religious corporation. It is still the personal property of Okamura.
❷Characteristics of Motonosumi Shrine.
The main feature of Motonosumi Shrine is the 123 vermilion torii gates built from the main hall of the shrine towards the Sea of Japan. They are lined up tightly against the coast like domino pieces. The 123 vermilion torii gates were built over a period of 10 years starting in 1988.
❸Why did they build 123 vermilion torii gates?
The reason why 123 vermilion torii gates were built is because “123” is said to be an auspicious number. Since ancient times, it has been said to have the power to bring even the dead back to life. By the way, each of the 123 vermilion torii gates has the name of the dedicatee engraved on it.
❹Why has Motonosumi Shrine become so popular?
The reason why Motonosumi Shrine has gained attention is because in 2015, it was selected as one of the ″31 most beautiful places in Japan” by CNN Web News in the United States. At this time, something lucky happened for Motonosumi Shrine. This is because it was reported on the same level as national treasure-class buildings such as the World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima) and Kinkakuji (Kyoto). As a result, the number of visitors to the shrine, which was 20,000 to 30,000 per year before the news, will approximately double to 75,000 per year after the report. Since then, the number of worshipers has increased further, and the number now exceeds 300,000.
▲The torii gate leads to a sheer cliff, giving you a thrilling experience. However, it can be slippery, so be careful where you step.
❺What kind of blessings does Motonosumi Shrine have?
By visiting Motonosumi Shrine, you will receive the following benefits: Prosperity in business, big catches, safety at sea, good relationships, children, good fortune, warding off evil spirits, good fortune, good fortune, traffic safety, academic success, etc.
❻Ryugu’s squirting
Ryugu no Squirting is a phenomenon that occurs on the quay just past all 123 vermilion torii gates of Motonosumi Shrine. To be more precise, “Ryugu” is a cape at the northwest end of the Tsuko fishing port in Aburaya-cho, Nagato City, or a sea-eroded landform that was carved out by ocean waves near Hatashima Island. “Squirting” is a phenomenon in which sea water shoots up high when waves hit holes in sea-eroded landforms, similar to a whale blowing tide. To summarize, the phenomenon of “squirting” occurs in a place called “Ryugu,” so it came to be called “Ryugu no Squirting.”
② 【Flower steps of rice terraces】 Herb garden using terraced rice fields!! ︎
Terraced Rice Fields are terraced fields located in Aburatanigobata, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is located southwest of Motonosumi Shrine. The herb garden was created by clearing rice terraces that were originally abandoned farmland.
❶Herb garden where more than 50 types of herbs are cultivated.
The current terraced rice fields are an herb garden where more than 50 types of herbs are cultivated. Originally, other crops were grown on the rice terraces. After that, the land became abandoned and became covered with weeds, bamboo, and trees, and lost its function as a field. Meanwhile, a non-profit organization set up to revive the rice terraces, cultivate herbs and create an herb garden. You can see a beautiful herb garden from the hill.
❷You can see the Sea of Japan from your hammock or bench.
At the flower terraces of the rice terraces, there is a plaza where you can see the Sea of Japan from hammocks and benches. You can lie down in a hammock and relax.
③Access information to Motonosumi Shrine.
Here you will find detailed information about access to Motonosumi Shrine. The address of Motonosumi Shrine is 498 Aburatatsuo, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
❶Route from Nagato City Hall to Motonosumi Shrine by car
Nagato City Hall (1339-2 Higashifukagawa, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) ⇒ Prefectural Route 56 ⇒ National Route 191 ⇒ Motonosumi Shrine
The total travel distance is approximately 17.1 km, and the travel time is approximately 24 minutes.
Summary of Motonosumi Shrine.
This time, we introduced the spectacular view of the 123 vermilion torii gates lined up facing the Sea of Japan at Motonosumi Shrine in Nagato City. Nagato City Motonosumi Shrine is a beautiful scenic spot where the contrast between the 123 vermilion torii gates and the blue of the Sea of Japan in the background stands out. When you look down from the hill, the overwhelming sense of scale will make your heart dance. When you visit Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, why not stop by Motonosumi Shrine?
▲Official site
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