Center of Kumano Sanzan: Kumano Hongū Taisha is one of the three grand shrines of Kumano, along with Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha. All ancient Kumano Kōdō pilgrimage routes converge here. For centuries, pilgrims of all classes—including emperors and commoners—traveled this challenging path seeking spiritual rebirth.

Current Shrine (Main Hall): The main hall features beautiful unpainted wooden architecture with sweeping cypress bark roofs (hiwadabuki), blending seamlessly with the surrounding cedar and cypress forest to create a deeply solemn and archaic atmosphere. Visitors climb 158 stone steps, lined with banners, to reach the main shrine.

Ōyunohara (Former Site): Originally located on a sandbank at the confluence of three rivers, the site was devastated by a flood in 1889. Remaining structures were relocated to the safer hillside. Today, the former site is marked by a towering 33.9-meter-tall Otorii gate, the largest torii gate in the world, symbolizing the original sacred site where the Kumano deities first descended.

Yatagarasu (Three-Legged Crow): The shrine is closely associated with Yatagarasu, a mythical three-legged crow regarded as a divine messenger and guide. Yatagarasu is also famously the official symbol of the Japan Football Association (Samurai Blue).

• By Train + Bus: From JR Shingu Station, take a bus to the final stop “Hongu Taisha” (approx. 1,540 JPY, 80 minutes). From there, walk about 10 minutes to reach the shrine. (You can also board the bus from the stop near Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine.)

• By Car: About 2 hours’ drive from Tanabe or around 4 hours from Osaka.

Don’t miss visiting Ōyunohara with its massive Otorii gate and explore sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes for a deeper spiritual experience.

Admission Fee:

• Shrine: Free

• Treasure Hall: Adults 300 JPY / Children 100 JPY

Opening Time:

• Shrine: Daily 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Treasure Hall: Daily 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM