One of the very famous Kumano route shrines (Sanzan). You can pick up your Kumano Kodo walk stamp. It was not spread out like other shrines. I went in Autumn and the leave colours were amazing.
This is a very popular shrine. It is slightly smaller than I expected as I imagined a popular shrine would be larger.
This is one of Kumano's three important shrines alongside Hongu Taisha and Nachi Taisha. While the current shrine's buildings were rebuilt relatively recently, Hayatama Taisha has occupied the same spot on the Kumano Riverbank since at least the 12th century.
A must visit place if you are into Japanese shrines and their history with the local population.
Free parking, have toilet, easy strolling but can't enter the main Shrine.
Great place. If you take the walk, be prepared for a slightly higher difficulty. The nature stones are really slippery in rain, but you can easily get close via bus. Main problem might be fog. I recommend the pagoda for a great photo of the waterfall
Probably the least exciting one out of the three Kumano Taishas, it is nonetheless an important one on the trail often being the end point on the journey for ancient pilgrims ultimately reach the ocean. The kumano trail actually hugs the shoreline which is nothing short of spectacular. Coming from the mountains then ocean must've awe inspiring, making this shrine location special. But modern day railroad has made it much more accessible, and visitors could hardly appreciate the full inspirational aspect. But this is where the sacred three clawed crow landed after all (the big rock is a short walk away from the Taisha itself).
More about Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Shingu from our blog
