Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of Japan's most sacred Shinto shrines, nestled in the forested mountains of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture. Originally established over 2,000 years ago, it forms part of the Kumano Sanzan, three grand shrines that have drawn pilgrims for centuries along the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. The shrine was relocated to its current hillside location in 1889 after catastrophic flooding destroyed the original site at the Oyunohara sandbank below.

The shrine complex honors Ketsumimiko-no-Okami, the primary deity among twelve deities enshrined here, and has long been revered as a place of rebirth and spiritual purification. Its religious significance transcends sectarian boundaries, welcoming both Shinto and Buddhist worshippers throughout history. The surrounding Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, recognizing the area's exceptional cultural and spiritual value.

Visitors approach the shrine through towering Japanese cedar trees, passing beneath the distinctive black-lacquered gate before reaching the main worship hall. The architecture follows the traditional Kumano-zukuri style, characterized by its cypress bark roofing and elegant proportions. At the original shrine site of Oyunohara stands Japan's largest torii gate, measuring 34 meters tall and 42 meters wide, marking the sacred ground where the shrine stood for over a millennium before the flood.

The shrine is accessible by bus from Kii-Tanabe Station or Shingu Station, with services taking approximately 90 minutes and 60 minutes respectively. Many visitors combine their shrine visit with walking portions of the Kumano Kodo trails, particularly the popular Nakahechi Route. Admission to the shrine grounds is free, though donations are customary when offering prayers at the main hall.