Tokei Shrine
This shrine plays a part in the legend of Tanzo, the father of Benkei Musashibo. It is said that Tanzo had red and white cocks fight in order to determine which side the Kumano Navy should fight for in the Battle of Genpei. The shrine houses the treasures of Benkei.

Museum of Ethnology
This museum houses historical artifacts of Tanabe City. The collection includes earthenware, stone artifacts, shells and animal bones uncovered from archeological sites.

Ogi-ga-hama Beach
This sandy beach gets its name from the slow fan-like curve it forms, ogi meaning “fan” in Japanese. It features in the history of the Kumano Navy and the contrast of the green pine trees, white sand and blue water makes it a wondrous sight. The beach is popular with swimmers from July 1 to August 31.

Morihei Ueshiba
Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba was born in Tanabe. The martial art of Aikido unifies the spirit, mind and body. Today, it is widely popular as a martial art, being practiced by about 1.6 million people in 90 countries.

Minakata Kumagusu Archives/Residence
This is the home where Kumagusu Minakata lived the second half of his life from age 49. Visitors can tour the library, specimen room and study. The Minakata Kumagusu Archives located next door to the home preserves the naturalist’s collection of books and writings. Copies have been made on microfilm for public viewing.

Kamaboko-Dori Street
This street is full of shops selling Nambayaki, a high-end fish paste and specialty of Tanabe. This is a great place to snack on something while strolling about town.

Tanabe Castle Water Intake
Tanabe Castle is also known as Kinsuijo or the “castle of brocaded water”. It was built in 1619. Today, the outer walls have been taken down and the area around the water intake ruins has been turned into a public park.

Kozanji Temple
This old temple is said to have been built by Kobo Daishi, the founder of the World Heritage Sacred Koyasan. It is located on a bluff from where the City of Tanabe can be seen. This is where Kumagusu Minakata rests.

Minakata Kumagusu Museum
Located in Shirahama, a town over from Tanabe, this museum puts on display some 750 pieces from amongst personal effects and writings by this prolific naturalist. The slime mold specimens are said to be the best in the world.

Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine (World Heritage)
This is one of the three shrines of the World Heritage “Kumano-Sanzan”. Particularly impressive is the giant streamer on which is painted a 3-legged sacred crow. It is found in the shrine hall at the top of the stone steps.

Kawayu Hot Spring
Wherever you dig along the Daito River, out springs hot water. It can be mixed with river water to adjust the temperature just right. In winter, an open-air bath large enough to hold 1,000 people is built.

Wataze Hot Spring
This hot spring is nestled in the valley along the Yomura River. There are various facilities including a heated pool at “Kur Haus Kumano Hongu”.

Yunomine Hot Spring (World Heritage)
Said to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, it was visited by pilgrims on the way to Kumano to wash away the dirt of their travels. The Tsubo Bath (adults: ¥750) that was carved out of a rock changes color naturally 7 times a day.

Kumano Pilgrimage Route (World Heritage) [Hosshinmonoji Shrine thru Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine]
This course starts at Hoshinmonoji Shrine at the entrance to the sacred land of Kumano and arrives at Fushiogamioji Shrine, which is said to worship Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine seen in the distance from the highlands. The trek takes about 2-1/2 hours.