For first-time guests to Japan particularly, the vermillion gates of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine are a must-visit. They could simply be the single-most iconic vacation spot within the nation!
As you discover the nation extra, nonetheless, you’ll notice that such gates aren’t fully unusual. Most aren’t as dramatic as those you discover in southeastern Kyoto, with 1000’s of them strung up the facet of a mountain like pearls.
A notable exception to this rule is Yamaguchi prefecture’s Motonosumi Shrine. Whereas it doesn’t have as many torii as Fushimi Inari, the seaside setting is nothing wanting jaw-dropping.
How I Found Motonosumi Inari
Whereas I wasn’t particularly looking for various to Fushimi Inari in 2019, as I used to be planning what ended up being my first go to to Motonosumi Shrine, I wasn’t disenchanted after I noticed an image of dozens of gates alongside the ocean. I additionally wasn’t positive the place they had been, nonetheless. Fortunately, Google reverse-image search was virtually nearly as good again then as it’s now.
As luck would have it, this specific shrine was in San’in, part of Japan I’d be focusing on anyway. That’s the excellent news. The dangerous information? Motonosumi Inari is fairly inconvenient to main San’in cities like Tottori and Matsue, and never notably handy to most of Yamaguchi prefecture, which is the place it’s technically situated. Permit me to elucidate extra beneath.
Learn how to Attain Motonosumi Shrine
Get your self to Yamaguchi prefecture
If you happen to aren’t already exploring far western Japan, the simplest entry factors for Yamaguchi prefecture are the Shinkansen hubs of Shin-Shimonoseki and Shin-Yamaguchi, although you need to word that these are solely served utilizing slower Kodama trains. Alternatively, you’ll be able to fly from Tokyo (HND) to Iwakuni (IWK) or Yamaguchi-Ube (UBJ) airports.
After which to Nagato metropolis
The following step of visiting the crimson gates by the ocean is attending to the seaside metropolis of Nagato. The marginally dangerous information is that Nagato isn’t particularly well-connected, no less than not through public transportation. You’ll be able to attain Nagatoshi Station solely through the native Sanin Principal Line and Mine Line (the latter of which, no less than ostensibly, is linked through Shinkansen, albeit the Kodama Shinkansen, to Asa Station).
Plan on renting a automobile
Sadly, when you plan to journey as shut as you’ll be able to to the shrine through practice, you gained’t have to get to Nagatoshi Station—extra on the right station in a second. Certainly, I merely suggest renting a automobile proactively (possible in Shimonoseki or Yamaguchi Metropolis), as a way to keep away from an costly taxi trip or a protracted stroll.
(Or hiring a taxi)
Seeing Fushimi Inari on the ocean and not using a automobile requires you to spend about 15-20 minutes in a taxi from Nagato-Furuichi Station, which is about an hour by foot (alongside a pedestrian-unfriendly highway, do bear in mind) from the shrine. In consequence, hiring a taxi on the station is the perfect plan. Properly, no less than assuming any can be found—this isn’t at all times the case.
(Or reserving an organized tour)
A closing method to go to Motonosumi Inari—which, when you don’t wish to lease a automobile, might be essentially the most foolproof—is to e-book an organized tour. This tour, for instance, departs from Fukuoka, and likewise consists of stops elsewhere in Yamaguchi-ken to make the day price your whereas. I’d in all probability desire having my very own set of wheels, however when you don’t, a tour is the next-best choice.
Different Issues to Do in Yamaguchi Prefecture
As I’ve written about principally ad-nauseum, Yamguchi-ken is considered one of my favourite components of Japan. Right here’s what to do there, apart from visiting Motonosumi Shrine:
- Hagi: This city might be Japan’s best-preserved Samurai district, and has principally no vacationers both.
- Akiyoshido: I’m not usually a giant cave individual, however this one is well-outfitted sufficient that you just don’t need to spelunk to sightseeing.
- Karato Market: Although not the one place price seeing in Shimonoseki metropolis, it’s nonetheless considered one of my favourite seafood markets in Japan.
- Tsuwano: An enthralling city deep within the mountains with sewers so clear that koi swim by them. What’s to not love?
- Kintai Bridge: Whereas I wouldn’t essentially suggest towards visiting this historical bridge exterior the primary week of April, it’s most well-known for its sakura.
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Different FAQ About Japan’s Motonosumi Shrine
How do you get to the Motonosumi Shrine?
Motonosumi Shrine is straightforward to succeed in, however it’s a bit tedious. The best manner is to take a Shinkansen to Shin-Yamaguchi or Shin-Shimonoseki, then lease a automobile and drive. Nonetheless, you can even take the San’in Principal Line to Nagato-Furuichi Station and both stroll or take a taxi from there.
What’s the historical past of the Motonosumi Shrine?
Though it seems to be an historical construction, Motonosumi Inari solely dates again to 1955, when it’s stated that a fox spirit impressed an area architect to construct it. Regardless of this, it sure feels and appears like someplace out of a standard Japanese portray.
Is Motonosumi Shrine price visiting?
Motonosumi Shrine is completely price visiting, no less than when you aren’t plan to be in that a part of Japan. Conversely, I’m undecided I’d suggest coming all the best way from Tokyo and even Osaka to right here, except you intend to discover different locations within the San’in area.
The Backside Line
Objectively talking, Motonosumi Shrine is likely one of the most lovely locations in Japan. It’s ~120 crimson gates are perched above the Sea of Japan in Yamaguchi prefecture, and fairly actually appear to be one thing out of a Studio Ghibli film. On the identical time, it’s form of a ache to get right here, notably when you’re against renting a automobile. Even from the cities of Yamaguchi or Shimonoseki, you’re a journey of no less than a pair hours every manner en route. The excellent news? Yamaguchi-ken is a journey treasure trove, so you can also make a day of it. The higher information? While you rent me to plan your Japan journey, I’ll take it to a different stage fully.