We Are Tomodachi Winter 2016

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6Nagato City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is situated about 100 minutes by car north of Yamaguchi Ube Airport. The Motonosumi Inari Shrine stands on a cliff facing the Sea of Japan and the entrance path to the shrine continues for more than 100 meters (330 feet) with 123 bright red torii (traditional shrine gates) set along it in an orderly manner.White foxes, said to be messengers of the Shinto kami, or spirits, are the symbol of Inari shrines, which are a familiar presence to local people. They believe the kami of Inari shrines can make their businesses prosper and otherwise help them. Since March 2015, when Motonosumi Inari Shrine was selected by CNN as one of Japan’s 31 most beautiful places, the number of overseas visitors to the shrine has suddenly increased. Perched on the main torii at a height of about five meters (16 feet), is a box into which visitors can throw coins and make a prayer. Despite the height of this target, many non-Japanese coins have made their way inside.Sacred Sites Draw Visitors from AbroadMotonosumi Inari Shrine: Yamaguchi PrefectureYamaguchi Ube AirportFukuoka CityMotonosumi Inari ShrineYamaguchi Pref.

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