Kumano Area

Known as the “holy ground where the gods dwell” since ancient times, Kumano is the home of many legends that have been passed down. Influenced by Buddhism during the Heian period (794-1192), the Kumano region came to be known as the “Pure Land” or “pure world where Buddha dwells.” Pilgrimages to this area were often made by the imperial family and aristocrats from the 10th century onwards. This practice eventually spread amongst the common people, and became widely known as the “ant processions to Kumano.” Thereafter, the Kumano faith spread across the nation, and as a result there are about 3,000 Kumano Shrines in Japan today.

Kumano cannot be mentioned without including the three shrines – Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine – that still maintain mysterious auras. Collectively known as the “Kumano Sanzan,” they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” along with the Seigantoji Temple and Fudarakusanji Temple. The atmosphere of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, the main branch of the Kumano faith, is resplendent with the feeling of ancient times. Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine is home to lush greenery that is beautifully accented by its scarlet Shinto shrine. Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine is located at Nachi Falls, which has a height of 133 meters and is one of Japan’s three most renowned waterfalls. The Kumano Sanzan each originate in different types of nature worship, which has given them unique landscapes and individual ambiences. However, their solemn appeal and harmony with the surrounding nature are common traits that deeply touched visitors in the past as well as today.

The pilgrimage routes that lead to the Kumano Sanzan are known as “Kumano Kodo,” which separates into several routes including the Nakahechi, Ohechi, Kohechi, and Iseji routes.

 

 

Notes Koya: The area around Koyasan Koyasan: The town at the peak of the mountain Kumano: The area around Kumano Sanzan Kumano Sanzan: The three great shrines of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine