Motonosumi Shrine, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, attracts non-Japanese visitors in particular.

This shrine is privately owned, which means that it is not a religious corporate body like other popular shrines in Japan. Built in 1995 by a boss of the local fishermen, it has been worshipped by the locals. There are 123 vermilion torii gates that line the 100-meter-long approach from the steep and rocky coast facing the Japan Sea to the shrine building. These torii gates had been dedicated mainly by the pious locals over a period of 10 years from 1987. Nevertheless, for these Japanese who value history or dignity of religious facilities such as shrines and temples, this shrine was not anything special. However, CNN, an American news broadcaster, introduced this shrine as one of "Japan's 31 most beautiful places" in 2015. This news caused the sharply increasing number of non-Japanese visitors.

This shrine, thereafter, is now growing into a popular tourist spot that represents not only Yamaguchi Prefecture but also entire Japan.

Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,

Masahisa Takaki.

全国通訳案内士　高木聖久。