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Koyasan and Kumano offer glimpses of the landscape from ancient times that still remain in the deep mountain valleys of the Kii Mountain Range. In 2004 they were designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site entitled “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” The Kii Mountain Range comprises most of the Kii Peninsula, a mountain district with peaks from 1,000 to 2,000 meters covered in deep forests. This particular region has been considered a special dwelling place of the gods since the age of mythology.
The World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” is composed of three sacred sites (Koyasan, Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama Prefecture, and Yoshino-Omine in Nara Prefecture), as well as the pilgrimage routes leading up to these sacred sites. These sacred places of the gods and Buddha have led to the development of various types of faith, while the shrines, temples, and other buildings are not stand alone structures but are integrated with the natural environment to create a cultural landscape. These sites are highly evaluated as a unique asset of which few examples exist throughout the world.
In 816, Kobo Daishi (Kukai) founded the head temple of Shingon esoteric Buddhism (a sect of Buddhism established by Kukai) in Koyasan. These mountains also came to be worshipped as mountains where the gods reside and at the same time regarded as the “Pure Land” (“pure world where Buddha dwells”) in Buddhism that had been passed on from China. The area was also used as a mountain training place to acquire hidden mysterious powers that dwell in the middle of space and nature. Even now, the religious site at the peak surrounded by deep mountains is a popular spot that retains a solemn atmosphere.
The Kumano region is home to the Kumano Sanzan (a term referring to three shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine). This central holy land for the Kumano faith was also visited by many and regarded as the origin of nature worship. The imperial family and aristocrats made pilgrimages to the area from the 10th to 12th centuries, and the practice even spread to the samurai warriors and common people. At that time the sheer number of people heading for the holy land was called “ant processions to Kumano.” This region has greatly influenced the development and spread of Japanese religion and culture. These pilgrimage routes are also homage routes that deepen one’s faith in nature by walking mountain paths, and are still used as paths of prayer with a long history and unceasing numbers of pilgrims.
Both Kumano and Koyasan are currently garnishing much attention and are visited by tourists from all over the world. These faiths have been continually passed down over the millennia to the current era and continue to play a deep role in people’s lives today. By taking one step into this area, you will surely feel the reverence for nature and thoughts of the people who aspired to walk to these renowned sites.
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