Popular Tours & Experiences in 元乃隅神社

When visiting Motonozumi Shrine, it is highly recommended to include the surrounding natural beauty in your itinerary. The nearby "Tsunoshima Bridge" is famous for its magnificent view of the straight road stretching across the emerald sea, making it a must-visit for many photography enthusiasts. Additionally, the vast grasslands and sea views of "Senjojiki," and the diverse coastal erosion features and clear waters of "Ao Island," are also very suitable for travelers who love natural scenery. Connecting these spots allows for the planning of a rich coastal scenic self-drive route, experiencing the unique charm of Yamaguchi Prefecture.

For visiting Motonozumi Shrine, it is recommended to allocate about 1 to 2 hours. This time is sufficient for you to stroll through the tunnel of red torii gates, ascend to the observation deck to overlook the magnificent Sea of Japan, and try the challenge of throwing a coin into the offering box placed atop the main torii. You can also take a walk around the area, feel the sea breeze, listen to the sound of the waves, and enjoy a unique natural and cultural experience. If you wish to take more photos or relax nearby, consider extending your time to 2.5 hours.

If you don't have a car, public transportation options to Motonozumi Shrine are relatively limited. It is generally recommended to take the JR San'in Main Line to "Nagato-Furuichi Station" or "Hitomaru Station," and then take a taxi from the station. Since taxi services may not be frequent and the fare can be high, it is advisable to book in advance or confirm the schedule. Some local tours or sightseeing bus tours also include Motonozumi Shrine, offering more convenient transport options. Please confirm the latest transportation information before planning to ensure a smooth trip.

Motonozumi Shrine offers unique charm in all seasons, but for the best worship experience, it is recommended to visit in spring (around March to May) or autumn (around September to November). During these periods, the weather is pleasant, with ample sunshine and clear blue skies, allowing you to clearly appreciate the stunning contrast between the torii gates and the Sea of Japan, which is also the best time for photography. In summer, you can see the most vibrant blue coastline, but the weather might be quite hot. In winter, you might have the chance to see unique snow-covered scenery, but the sea breeze is strong, so you need to keep warm.

A recommended coastal self-drive route in Yamaguchi Prefecture can start from "Motonozumi Shrine," experiencing its unique coastal landscape and torii gates. Then, drive north to "Tsunoshima Bridge" to experience the grandeur of driving on a road over the sea. On Tsunoshima, you can stop to admire the lighthouse and coastal scenery. Afterwards, you can visit "Senjojiki" to enjoy the vast grasslands and sea breeze, and finally explore the sea caves and strange rock formations of "Ao Island," experiencing the natural craftsmanship of the "Alps of the Sea." This route connects the most essential coastal scenery of Yamaguchi Prefecture, allowing you to fully appreciate the charm of the Sea of Japan.

When traveling to Motonozumi Shrine, here are a few important suggestions. Firstly, as the shrine is located by the coast, the wind can be strong, and there are stairs and slopes to navigate. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and a windproof jacket. Secondly, there are few shops around the shrine, so it is advisable to bring enough drinking water and light snacks. When praying, if you wish to challenge the offering box located above the main torii, you can prepare some small change. Additionally, please pay attention to safety, especially at viewpoints near the cliff edge. It is recommended to check the weather forecast in advance and avoid adverse weather to ensure a pleasant trip.

While Motonozumi Shrine shares the feature of continuous red torii gates with common Inari shrines in Japan, it significantly differs in its location and characteristics. Typical Inari shrines are mainly dedicated to the gods of agriculture and commerce, with torii gates often situated in mountains or urban areas. However, Motonozumi Shrine boasts a magnificent view of the Sea of Japan, with over a hundred torii gates extending all the way to the seaside, creating a unique visual impact. Its most distinctive feature is the unusual location of its offering box, placed atop the main torii gate, requiring visitors to toss coins upwards. This adds an element of fun and challenge to worship, which is difficult to experience at other Inari shrines. Additionally, the "Dragon Palace Blowhole" is another unique natural spectacle.

When visiting Motonozumi Shrine, besides observing general Japanese shrine etiquette such as purifying your hands and mouth at the 'temizuya' and bowing slightly before entering the torii, there are two special experiences here. The first is the challenge of tossing a coin into the offering box located on the crossbeam of the uppermost main torii. It is said that wishes made by those who succeed will come true, making it one of the most iconic experiences at Motonozumi Shrine. The second is witnessing the natural spectacle of the 'Dragon Palace Blowhole,' especially when the waves are strong, where seawater erupts from rock crevices, forming a magnificent geyser. Remember to maintain tranquility during your visit and respect the local culture and natural environment.

When planning a trip to Tsunoshima Bridge and Motonozumi Shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture, they can be arranged on the same day for a self-drive tour, as they are relatively close geographically and are both stunning coastal attractions. It is recommended to visit Motonozumi Shrine in the morning when crowds are usually smaller, to leisurely admire the red torii gates and sea views, and try the coin-tossing challenge. After lunch, drive to Tsunoshima Bridge to marvel at its spectacular view stretching across the azure sea, and explore the lighthouse and enjoy the sea breeze on Tsunoshima. This route allows you to experience the most classic coastal scenery and unique cultural charm of Yamaguchi Prefecture in one day, enjoying the excellent Sea of Japan views.

An interesting legend surrounds the founding of Motonozumi Shrine. It is said that in 1955, a local fisherman named Yoshimi Shirai fell asleep by the sea and dreamt of a white fox. The white fox, in the dream, identified itself as Inari Okami and asked Mr. Shirai to build a shrine for it at this location. Upon waking, Mr. Shirai followed the divine message and built Motonozumi Shrine on this coastline. Due to its unique geographical location and the story of the white fox's dream, Motonozumi Shrine has had an aura of mystery from its inception, attracting many people who come to pray for abundant catches, safe voyages, and the fulfillment of other wishes.