A stunning day trip to Yamaguchi Prefecture: Motonosumi Inari Shrine and Tsunoshima Bridge

Two more stunning sights in Japan! Yamaguchi Prefecture's newest hotspot: Motonosumi Inari Shrine and Tsunoshima Bridge. At Motonosumi Inari Shrine, you'll find a path lined with 123 pairs of bright red torii gates. Walking up the path, you'll reach the cliffs facing the Sea of Japan, where you can admire the magnificent expanse. From the bridge, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of the ocean. Enjoy a delicious puffer fish lunch and all-you-can-eat nigiri sushi with seven varieties to recharge your batteries before heading out again!

- Attraction Introduction | Yamaguchi Prefecture Stunning Day Trip -
▲Motonosumi Inari Shrine
On the coast of Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, 123 crimson torii gates stretch across the cliffs. Named one of Japan's "31 Most Beautiful Scenic Spots" by CNN in 2015, the shrine has seen a surge in visitors, becoming a popular attraction both domestically and internationally.

Motonosumi Inari Jinja Shrine (もとのすみイなりじんじゃ) was established in 1955. Legend has it that a shipowner dreamed of a white fox, who promised him a full return thanks to his blessing. He invited them to worship the fox here. Locals established the shrine here by branching off from the Taikodani Inari Jinja Shrine in Tsuwano-machi, Shimane Prefecture. While there are approximately 40,000 Inari shrines in Japan, only two are named "Inari." The word "Inari" in the name also signifies wish fulfillment, attracting numerous pilgrims.

With the white fox's blessing, wishes for prosperous business, a good catch, safe seas, a good marriage, children, good luck, safe travels, and academic success are all granted.

Located next to Motonosumi Inari Shrine, the "Ryugu no Shifuki" ("Tide Blowing of the Dragon Palace") gets its name from the waves crashing against the rocks in winter, pouring into a cavern approximately one meter wide and 20 meters high. A massive column of water erupts, reaching as high as 30 meters, creating a spectacular effect resembling a dragon piercing the sky.

With the increasing number of foreign visitors, the shrine's owners realized the original name was too long to pronounce, making it difficult for foreigners to pronounce. Therefore, in January 2019, the name was changed to Motonosumi Jinja Shrine.

▲ Tsunoshima Bridge
Tsunoshima Bridge is located between the Kanda area of Hohoku-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, and Tsunoshima. It spans the Aishisedo River and is part of Yamaguchi Prefectural Road 276, the Tsunoshima-Kanda Route. The maximum speed limit on the bridge is 40 kilometers per hour, and general vehicles are prohibited from passing during strong winds.

The bridge is located within Kita-Nagato Coast Quasi-National Park. During its construction, consideration was given to the surrounding landscape and ecological environment. In addition to controlling the bridge's height, the route was designed to bypass Hatoshima Island, rather than the traditional route through the central island. This design has garnered considerable acclaim, winning the 2003 "Society of Civil Engineers Design Award" Excellence Award.


The seabed through which the Tsunashima Bridge passes is rich in sandy beaches formed by tiny shells, creating a clear, emerald green color under the sunlight. Since its opening, the area has attracted numerous television dramas, including "Miracle in Four Days" and "HERO Special," as well as automaker TV commercials. It has become a popular tourist destination. Currently, there are Umase Park and the Tsunashima Bridge Observation Deck on the Kanda side of Hohoku Town, and Sesakiyo Park on the Tsunashima side. Approximately 900,000 visitors annually visit the area.