Kumano Hongu Taisha: Sacred Site of Rebirth, Final Destination of the Kumano Pilgrimage

Kumano Hongu Taisha, nestled in the mountains of Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama, is the head shrine of approximately 3,000 Kumano shrines nationwide. As the center of the Kumano Sanzan (Hongu, Hayatama, Nachi), it has been revered since ancient times as a "sacred site of rebirth." It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Kumano Pilgrimage: The Pilgrimage Road Walked by Retired Emperors

During the Heian and Kamakura periods, successive emperors and retired emperors including Retired Emperor Shirakawa made pilgrimages so frequently it was called "ant pilgrimage to Kumano." The round trip from Kyoto to Kumano was a major journey of about one month, leading to the development of the Kumano Kodo routes (Nakahechi, Ohechi, Kohechi).

Oyunohara: Original Shrine Site with Japan's Largest Torii Gate

The current shrine buildings were moved to their present location after the great flood of 1889. The original sacred site "Oyunohara" is about 500 meters from Hongu Taisha. The great torii gate, 33.9 meters tall and 42 meters wide, is one of Japan's largest and symbolizes the grandeur of Kumano's sacred land.

Yatagarasu: The Three-Legged Crow Guide

The "Yatagarasu" (three-legged crow) is known as the divine messenger of Kumano's gods. It has become the symbol of Japan's national football team and is popular as a Kumano protective charm.

Access

About 1 hour 40 minutes by Kumano Kotsu bus from JR Shingu Station, or about 2 hours by Meiko bus from JR Kii-Tanabe Station.