Explore the Three Great Shrines in Kumano

Dear friends, have you often heard people say that you must go to Kumano, a secret place in Japan? So where is the Kumano area? What is there to see? Let’s take a look. one ■Where is "Kumano"? Refers to the area from southern Wakayama Prefecture to southern Mie Prefecture ※There are three great gods called "Kumano Sanzan" in the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture The road to worship the Kumano Sanzan is called the Kumano Kodo Kumano Faith The gods enshrined in Kumano originated from natural beliefs. Later, Kumano became a holy place for Buddhism, esoteric Buddhism, and Shugendo. Since the end of the Heian period, it has served as the "entrance to the Pure Land", attracting many royal families and nobles to come to worship. ※It is said that returning after visiting the Pure Land means death and rebirth. Kumano Sanzan is still believed by many people as the "Holy Land of Rebirth" Ant’s Kumano Shrine Since the Muromachi period, Kumano worship has been widely spread from top to bottom among samurai and civilians. The way people come to worship in an endless stream is called the "Kumano worship of ants" ■Logo The three-legged crow logo can be seen everywhere in the territory. It is also the logo of the Japan Football Association. Yatagarasu appeared in the legendary story "Kimmu's Eastern Expedition". It is said that when Emperor Jimmu moved the capital to Nara, he was guided by the messenger of God Yatagarasu in Kumano. Finally, the capital was settled in Nara, and the Yamato Imperial Court was founded. Kumano Sanzan Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine | Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine | Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine Founded in 33 BC, the temple was first built in the holy land of Osaihara. The main worship deity is Iezumi Oiko. Suggested visiting order: Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine → Sanda Shrine → Osaihara (the largest torii gate in Japan) Hongu, Hongu Town, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine The shrine was built in the era of Emperor Keiyuki, and the chief deities were Kumano Hayatama and Kumano Sumi no Okami couple god There is a giant thousand-year-old willow tree in the territory that is designated as a natural monument. Shingu 1st Place, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine Including Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Hitaki Shrine (Hitaki Falls), and Mount Nachi (Daimonzaka) Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine: The main worshiping deity is Kumano Sumi, also known as "Yumiya". It can not only connect people with each other, but also help people with wishes to realize their wishes. ■Hitaki Shrine: Pay homage to Nachi Otaki (waterfall) ■Mt. Nachi: A section of the Kumano Kodo, the Daimon Saka with a history of more than 800 years, still retains the appearance of the former stone road. Nachiyama, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimulou County, Wakayama Prefecture