JapanTravel Tips

Transportation and Navigation around Motonosumi Inari Shrine, Yamaguchi

1. What is the best way to get to Motonosumi Inari Shrine from Yamaguchi?

The best way to get to Motonosumi Inari Shrine from Yamaguchi would be to take a train or bus to Nagato-Furuichi Station or Higashikawazu Station, and then take a taxi or local bus to the shrine.

2. How long does it take to climb the 123 stairs at Motonosumi Inari Shrine?
It usually takes about 10-15 minutes to climb the 123 stairs at Motonosumi Inari Shrine, depending on your fitness level.

3. Is there an entrance fee for Motonosumi Inari Shrine?
There is no entrance fee for Motonosumi Inari Shrine, as it is a public shrine.

4. Can I visit Motonosumi Inari Shrine at night?
Yes, you can visit Motonosumi Inari Shrine at night. The shrine is open 24 hours a day, but it is recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety reasons.

5. Are there any nearby accommodations near Motonosumi Inari Shrine?
Yes, there are several hotels and guesthouses in nearby towns such as Nagato and Hagi. Some accommodations even offer transportation services to the shrine.

2. Are there any public transportation options available to reach the shrine?


There are various ways to reach the shrine by public transportation, depending on your starting point.

– If you are in Tokyo, you can take the JR Tokaido Main Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at Gora Station. From there, you can take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and get off at Koen-Kamiiri Station, which is a short walk from the shrine.

– If you are in Kyoto or Osaka, you can take the JR Shinkansen from either city to Odawara Station, then follow the same route as above.

– From Nagoya, you can take the JR Tokaido Main Line or Shinkansen to Mishima Station and transfer to the Izuhakone Railway Sunzu Line. Get off at Gora Station and take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Koen-Kamiiri Station.

– There are also direct buses from major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya that go directly to Gora Station or Hakone Yumoto Station (a nearby town). From there, you can transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway and follow the same route as above.

Alternatively, you can take a highway bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal in Tokyo directly to Moto-Hakone Port. The shrine is a short walk from there.

It is recommended to research your specific starting location and check train/bus schedules beforehand for a smoother travel experience.

3. How long does it take to walk from the nearest train station to the shrine?

This information will vary based on which shrine and train station you are referring to. It is recommended to use a map or online mapping tool to determine the exact distance and estimated walking time for your specific route.

4. Is it possible to drive or rent a car to get to Motonosumi Inari Shrine?


Yes, it is possible to drive or rent a car to get to Motonosumi Inari Shrine. The shrine has a parking lot for visitors, and there are also car rental options available in nearby cities like Nagato and Hagi. However, the roads leading to the shrine can be narrow and winding, so caution is advised when driving. Alternatively, there are also buses and taxis available from nearby towns that can take you to the shrine.

5. Are there any parking facilities near the shrine?


It depends on which shrine you are referring to. Some shrines may have their own parking lots or designated parking areas, while others may not have specific parking facilities and visitors will need to find street parking or nearby paid parking lots. It would be best to check with the specific shrine beforehand to inquire about available parking options.

6. Can we take a bus directly to the shrine from Yamaguchi city center?


Yes, there are bus routes that run directly from Yamaguchi city center to the shrine. Check with your local bus company for schedules and fares.

7. Is it necessary to make reservations for transportation in advance?

It depends on the mode of transportation and your destination. For popular routes and modes of transportation such as flights or trains, it is recommended to make reservations in advance to ensure availability. For other modes of transportation such as buses, it may not be necessary but you can still make reservations if you prefer. It is always a good idea to research the transportation options for your destination and see if reservations are recommended or required.

8. Are there any guided tours available that include transportation to the shrine?


Yes, there are several guided tours available that include transportation to the shrine. These tours can be booked through tour companies or travel agencies. Some may also be offered as part of a package deal with accommodations included. It is recommended to book these tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

9. Is the walking path towards the shrine well-marked and easy to navigate?


The walking path towards the shrine is usually well-marked and easy to navigate. Many shrines have signs or arrows along the path to guide visitors, and some even have designated walking paths with carved stones or lanterns lining the way. In addition, most shrines also have maps or information boards near the entrance to help visitors find their way. However, it may be a good idea to bring a map or use a navigation app on your phone just in case. Overall, navigating the walking path towards the shrine should not be too difficult.

10. Are bicycles allowed on the path leading up to Motonosumi Inari Shrine?


Yes, bicycles are allowed on the path leading up to Motonosumi Inari Shrine. However, visitors are encouraged to walk their bicycles once they reach the upper section of the stairs leading to the main shrine area.

11. How often do trains or buses run between Yamaguchi and Nagato-Furuichi Station (nearest station)?


According to the JR West timetable, trains run between Yamaguchi Station and Nagato-Furuichi Station approximately every 30 minutes during peak hours (7:00am-9:00am and 5:00pm-8:00pm), and every hour outside of peak hours. Buses also run between the two stations, with departures roughly once an hour from early morning until early evening. It is recommended to check the specific schedule for your desired travel date and time.

12. Are there any tolls on roads when driving from Yamaguchi to the shrine?

There are no tolls on the roads when driving from Yamaguchi to the shrine. However, there may be tolls on certain highways or bridges along the way.

13. What is the average taxi fare from Yamaguchi city center to Motonosumi Inari Shrine?


According to local taxi companies, the average taxi fare from Yamaguchi city center to Motonosumi Inari Shrine is around 8,000-9,500 yen (approximately $73-$87 USD). This may vary depending on traffic and other factors.

14. Can we arrive at sunset and still have enough time for a visit before closing hours?


It depends on the specific attraction and its closing hours. It is best to check the hours of operation for the attraction you would like to visit before making plans to arrive at sunset. Some attractions may close earlier or have different operating hours during certain times of the year, so it is important to double check beforehand.

15. Do we need any special navigation equipment or apps for getting directions in Japan?


No, you do not need any special navigation equipment or apps for getting directions in Japan. Most cities and major tourist areas are well sign-posted in both Japanese and English, and most locals are also willing to give directions if needed. However, having a map or GPS app on your phone can be helpful for navigating smaller streets and rural areas. If you prefer to have a physical map, they can be found at many convenience stores and tourist information centers.

16. Is there an entrance fee for using public transportation in Japan, such as buses or trains?


Yes, there is an entrance fee for using public transportation in Japan. The exact fee depends on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled, but generally ranges from around 100-500 yen per ride. Some cities also offer discounted fare packages such as day passes or prepaid cards that can be used on multiple modes of transportation.

17. Can we explore other nearby attractions by using public transportation from Motonosumi Inari Shrine?


Yes, there are some nearby attractions that can be reached by using public transportation from Motonosumi Inari Shrine such as:

1. Hirato Scenic Park: This park features a variety of flowers, gardens, and walking trails, as well as a beautiful view of Hirato Bay. It is located about 45 minutes away by bus.

2. Nagata Shinto Shrine: This shrine is famous for its 1000 year old giant camphor tree and beautiful natural landscape. It can be reached by bus in approximately 1 hour.

3. Akasaki Lighthouse: Located about 30 minutes away by bus, this lighthouse offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan and the surrounding cliffs.

4. Oki Beach: This scenic beach is located about an hour away from Motonosumi Inari Shrine by bus.

5. Tsunashiki Garden: A popular Japanese garden known for its tranquil atmosphere and traditional tea ceremony, it can be reached by bus in approximately 40 minutes.

6. Makigahara Nature Trail: A hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and mountains, it is located about an hour away from the shrine by bus.

7. Shimonoseki Aquarium: One of Japan’s largest aquariums featuring a wide variety of marine life, it can be reached by train in approximately 2 hours from Motonosumi Inari Shrine.

18. Are there any designated bike rental stations near Motonosumi Inari Shrine?

There are no designated bike rental stations near Motonosumi Inari Shrine. Bringing your own bicycle or renting one in nearby cities such as Nagato or Hagi may be an alternative option for exploring the area by bike.

19.Are there any boat rides or ferries available as an alternative mode of transport to the shrine?


Yes, there are boat rides and ferries available as an alternative mode of transport to the shrine. Some popular options include taking a ferry from Mumbai or Alibaug to reach Elephanta Caves, which is the nearest point to the Maha Ganpati Mandir on the island. There are also boat rides available from Mumbai’s Gateway of India to reach Haji Ali Dargah, a popular shrine located in the middle of the Arabian Sea. Additionally, visitors can take a boat ride from Alleppey in Kerala to Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.

20.Is it recommended to use a combination of different modes of transport for a visit to Motonosumi Inari Shrine?


While it is possible to use a combination of different modes of transport for a visit to Motonosumi Inari Shrine, it isn’t the most efficient or convenient option. The shrine is located in a remote area with limited public transportation options, so relying on multiple modes of transport may be time-consuming and require additional planning.

It is recommended to use a rental car or hire a taxi for the trip to Motonosumi Inari Shrine, as it allows for more flexibility and convenience in reaching the destination. It also allows visitors to stop by other nearby attractions or explore the surrounding area at their own pace.

However, if you prefer using public transportation, the closest train station is Nagato-Furuichi Station and there are local buses that can take you closer to the shrine. From there, it is still a 10-15 minute walk to reach the shrine.

Overall, using only one mode of transport (such as rental car or taxi) would be the most practical choice for visiting Motonosumi Inari Shrine.