Motonosumi Shrine

Motonosumi Shrine was established in 1955 after a white fox appeared in the dreams of a local fisherman and instructed him to enshrine the Inari deity at this dramatic coastal location. The shrine's 123 vermillion torii gates were erected over a period of about ten years starting in 1987, and they form a spectacular tunnel of color winding from the cliffside shrine down toward the crashing waves of the Sea of Japan. The shrine gained international fame after being featured by CNN as one of Japan's 31 most beautiful places in 2015, and the juxtaposition of the bright red gates against the deep blue sea and rugged coastline makes it one of the most photographed spots in western Japan. At the top of the final torii gate, a collection box is placed about five meters above the ground, and visitors try to toss coins up into it for good luck. The surrounding Ryugu no Shiofuki blowhole sends seawater shooting up to 30 meters into the air during rough seas, adding another dramatic natural spectacle.