8.Kii Mountain Range Sacred Sites(Wakayama,etc.)-Kumanokodo

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes

The Kumano pilgrimage was started in the 10th century by Japan’s Imperial ancestors, who lived in the ancient capital of Kyoto. Over time, people from all over the country travelled by a variety of routes to the Kumano region in the southeast of the Kii Peninsula.The Kiiji route follows the west coast from Kyoto to Tanabe, where it splits in two. The Nakahechi route runs east into the mountains towards the Kumano Sanzan, while the Ohechi route continues south along the western coast. The shortest but steepest route connecting Koyasan and the Kumano Sanzan is the Kohechi route. The Iseji route links the holy shrine Ise-jingu with the Kumano region. Together, these five comprise the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route network.

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hongu Taisha was named an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1995.As you climb the 158 stone steps to the main building, you sense the endless history in the fluttering streamers and towering cedar trees. Once through the main gate, you come upon the main hall with its magnificent thatched roof of cypress shingles. The present structure was relocated here from Ohyunohara after the original structure was destroyed by floods in 1889.Kumano Hongu Taisha enshrines Izanagi-Okami, the deity who gave birth to Japan, and Ketsumimiko-Okami, a benevolent deity who strives to help mankind. Many people come here to pray for safety on the road, abundant catches (of fish), harmony in the home, happy marriage and long life.

Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Kumano Hayatama Taisha is located at the mouth of the Kumano-gawa River where the continuous flow of waters from the sacred heights of the Kii Mountains empty into the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.The nature in and around the shrine is an integral part of this Grand Shrine’s precincts and annual rituals. The ancient 800 year old Nagi-no-Ki tree (Podocarpus nagi) highlights the areas deep tradition of nature worship.

Kumano Nachi Taisha

Kumano Nachi Taisha is a Shinto shrine located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 350 meters above sea level. It has its religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki. This grand shrine is part of the Kumano Sanzan and major pilgrimage destination.