Tanabe's Benkei and Toto Shrine: The Kumano Land Where a Hero of the Genpei War Was Born

Tanabe City, Wakayama is known as "Benkei's hometown." Musashibo Benkei (dates unknown) was a warrior monk of the late Heian to early Kamakura period who served as the loyal retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, popular for his demon-like strength and sense of chivalry. Multiple sites in Tanabe are associated with Benkei, said to have been born by the Kumano seaside.

Toto Shrine: The Shrine Where the Kumano Naval Forces' Fate Was Decided

"Toto Shrine" located in central Tanabe City was the site of an important episode in the 1184 Genpei War. It is also said that Benkei's father Bengyo served as the head priest. The legend remains that Kumano Betto Tanzo decided which side to support — Minamoto (Genji) or Taira (Heike) — by cockfighting, and when the red rooster (Genji) defeated the white rooster (Heike), the Kumano naval forces sided with the Genji.

Benkei's Birth Bath Well and Benkei Statue

Within Tanabe City are places said to be "Benkei's birth bath well" and "Benkei's birthplace." A large Benkei statue stands in front of JR Kii-Tanabe Station, beloved as Tanabe's symbol.

Tanabe Cuisine: Kue Dishes and Nanko Plum

Tanabe is also rich in seafood, with dishes using the premium fish kue (longtooth grouper) and pickled plum dishes using locally produced Nanko plum as specialties. Kue sashimi can be enjoyed at local izakaya restaurants.

Access

About 10 minutes on foot from JR Kii-Tanabe Station to Toto Shrine. About 2 hours from Osaka by limited express.