Kumano has been a special area for Japanese people since ancient times and mythological times.
Kumano is believed to be a sacred land that connects to the ``other world'' or ``Yomi'', and many people walk the Kumano Kodo in the hope of purifying impurity, being ``resurrected'' and ``reborn as a new self'' while still alive. I did.
The spot that symbolizes ``resurrection'' is `` Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine,'' which is said to be Japan's oldest shrine. Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine is said to be the burial place of Izanami no Mikoto, the mother of Amaterasu Omikami, who is enshrined at IseJingu, and the Nihon Shoki states that she is buried in Arima Village, Kumano, Kii Province. .
The mother goddess Izanami no Mikoto, who gave birth to the god in the country and the god with her husband Izanagi no Mikoto, died from burns while giving birth to the god of fire and departed for the land of the underworld, but her husband, who could not give up, returned to the land of the underworld. It is believed that there is an ``entrance to Yomi'' at Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine, as it is said that the shrine chased it all the way.
As the saying goes, "Seven times to Ise, three times to Kumano," "Ise" and "Kumano" are two of Japan's most sacred places. Why not go on a ``resurrection trip'' to KumanoCity, which is home to spiritual power spots such as Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine, to heal your mind, body, and soul?
Information
KumanoCity Recommended Information Interview Report
- A journey through the "land where the gods dwell" that will shake your soul. A series of surprises and excitement! Introducing Kumano's standard sightseeing spots all at once
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- Approaching huge rocks, crashing waves, and the ocean as far as the eye can see...Walk through Onigajo, Kumano's treasure registered as a World Heritage Site!
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- Stars twinkling in the clear night sky... Admire and photograph the starry sky in Kumano, a "world heritage town"!
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Break allowed
The gateway to KumanoCity, where the JR Kisei Line stops. KumanoCity Tourism Organization's tourist information center is also nearby, so get the latest tourist information first.
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15 minutes walk
Photo spotworld heritage site
Beautiful stone pavement remains on most of the roads, and at the mountain pass surrounded by bamboo forests, you will be greeted by a large, life-sized Jizo statue. Once you cross Matsumoto Pass, there is no need to cross the pass until you reach Shingu via Hamakaido. This is the place where pilgrims of the past would have thought of Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, which is enshrined in Shingu across Shichirimihama.
*This model course starts from the trailhead on the "Kimoto side" and walks all the way to the pass.
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20 minutes walk
Shopping RentalBicycleRestaurantCafe
Onigajo Center, adjacent to Onigajo, consists of a shop selling Kumano specialties, such as drinks made with Niihime, which has a distinctive refreshing sour taste, and juicy KumanoJidori(TheLocalBrandChicken), as well as restaurants and cafes using local ingredients. It's a facility.
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5 minutes walk
Photo spotworld heritage site
Created by the rough waves and rapid upheaval of the Kumano Sea, there are numerous caves of various sizes arranged in a staircase pattern over a distance of about 1km. The rough landscape looks like a demon's abode. It has been selected as one of ``Japan's 100 Views'' and ``New Japan's Top 100 Travel Destinations.''
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Rent a bicycle at Onigajo Center and travel by bicycle from here!
15 minutes by bicycle
Photo spotPower spotJapan's No. 1World Heritage Site
The Illustrated Guide to the Thirty-Three Famous Places of Saigoku depicts travelers and pilgrims walking along this road, and it was registered as a World Heritage Site as the Hamakaido Road since the Edo period, as it was the road leading to the Kumano Sanzan. You can see colorful stones from all over the Kii Peninsula brought in by the Kumano River. It's not a sandy beach, but a stone beach, so you can hear the soothing sound of the waves.
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10 minutes by bicycle
Photo spotpower spotnumber one in Japan
Shishiiwa is actually a guardian dog. In the ``Aun no Iwao'' of Oma Shrine located upstream of the Ido River, Shishiiwa is ``Aun no Iwao'' and the neighboring Shinsen Cave is ``Un no Iwao.'' It is being said. For this reason, there are no guardian dogs within the precincts of the Motomiya shrine, and at 25 meters tall, it is the largest guardian dog in Japan and roars toward the sea.
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10 minutes by bicycle
Photo spotpower spotJapan's oldestblessing
It is said to be the oldest shrine in Japan, as it is written in the Nihon Shoki that it was the place where Izanami no Mikoto, the mother of the gods, was buried. In order to appease and appease the souls of the gods, annual festivals are held on February 2nd and October 2nd every year, and as described in the Nihon Shoki, seasonal flowers are displayed, flutes and drums are played, and maiden festivals are held. dances a dance. Next door is Otsuna Chaya, where you can enjoy souvenirs and snacks.
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View details of Otsuna Chaya＞
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10 minutes by bicycle
Rest possibleBicycle rental
Return the borrowed bicycle at the tourist information center at the starting point and finish!
Recommended information from local residents who know everything about KumanoCity!
There are many things to see around Kumano Station, such as a pottery shop that has been renovated from an old folk house, a traditional Ichigi Momen shop, and the KumanoCity Ekimae Specialty Products Museum, which has a collection of local products. Get recommended information at the tourist information center or the Kinan Tour Design Center and find your own favorite spots.
Kinan Tour Design Center
Staff Hajime Ogura
Take the JR Kisei Line to Kumanoshi Station, the gateway to KumanoCity. If you reserve a rental car in advance, a shuttle service will be provided from KumanoCity Station to the rental car company. The deep Kumano experience course requires transportation by car, so be sure to reserve a rental car in advance to prepare for your trip. We also recommend checking out pamphlets and course preparations at a nearby tourist information center.
20 minutes by car
Power spotsTemplesandshrinesBenefits
This shrine is said to be the tomb of Jofuku, who came to Japan in search of the elixir of immortality. The name of the place where this shrine is located, Hadasu, was anciently written as ``Hatasu,'' and there are many Jofuku-related items left, such as ``hanryo-sen,'' so there is a legend that Jofuku came to Japan. It is considered to be one of the most powerful among the remaining 20 or more locations nationwide. It is said that those who visit will be blessed with good health, long life and prosperous business.
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40 minutes by car
Spectacularphoto spot
It is a promontory made of rock that juts out from the mouth of Nikishima Bay, and the cliffs called columnar joints, which are approximately 80m high and 550m in circumference, are spectacular. As you get closer, you can see the magnificent scenery.
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40 minutes by car
Spectacular view
Relax at the inn, which boasts a bath with a panoramic view of the Kumano Sea.You can also enjoy ``Oshikijiru (miso soup with seafood)'' that fishermen eat on board the boat, as well as ``Asuha'' and ``Tendai Karasu,'' which Jofuku is said to have searched for. Recharge your energy with dishes made with local ingredients, such as medicine.
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45 minutes by car
Spectacularphoto spot
In the Maruyama district of Kiwa Town, there is `` MaruyamaSenmaida'', which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 rice terraces. The scenery of countless rice fields lined up in rows is said to be the best terraced rice field in Japan. The number is 1340!
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30 minutes by car
LunchbreakCafeGibier
This is a cozy cafe located in a repurposed old folk house in Ikusei Town, where the greenery of the mountains is beautiful. For lunch, you can enjoy game curry slowly stewed using our own recipe.
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30 minutes by car
Temples and ShrinesPower SpotsNature Faith
A spherical rock that is probably 10 meters high sits here, and you can see that the rock and trees are blended together. There is no shrine, and the deity enshrined is unknown. It is a place of training for Shugenja who have inherited the ancient tradition of mountain climbing, and it is also said to be the origin of nature worship, where people feel the mystical power of giant rocks.
Recommended information from local residents who know everything about KumanoCity!
This area has long been the subject of ancient religious beliefs, giving it a mystical atmosphere. Please come and experience this area!
Yamazato Minpaku Akakura Takayuki Nakahira
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5 minutes by car
power spotnature belief
It is a general term for the mountain massif that includes Omotetangura and Uratankura, and is a huge rock made of igneous rock that is up to 300 meters high.The iron content in the rock oxidizes, giving it a reddish appearance in places. It is also said to have been a sacred place for Shugendo practitioners since ancient times.
*There are no guardrails along the way, and you will be riding on a narrow mountain road with many curves. Please be careful when driving.
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70 minutes by car
Power spotsTemplesandshrinesBenefits
The official name is ``Ama no Manyo Ido'', but it is called ``Maunaita-sama'' in an accent. It is said to be a place where the god of water is enshrined and where people have long prayed for safe childbirth and healing from women's diseases.
*There are no guardrails along the way, and you will be riding on a narrow mountain road with many curves. Please be careful when driving.
View details of this spot＞
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20 minutes by car
rental car
Return the rental car and finish your 1 night 2 day Kumano trip! Did you find your own “deep Kumano”?
When women walk through the sacred places of Kumano
This course is particularly infested with insects in the summer, and is also a sacred place, so avoid wearing revealing clothing. Also, there are many unpaved roads and slippery roads, so wear sneakers and avoid sandals or stilettos.
From May to October, if you are going to be in the sunny Onigura for a long time, we recommend that you take precautions such as sunscreen. Also, women should avoid visiting alone late in the day, although this is not limited to Akakura-JinjaShrine or Onigura. Please be safe and have a fun and fulfilling trip!
Travel Atelier Director Megumi Ueno
Pictorial cartographer and guide. Launched "Travel Atelier Chikyu no Michi",
Currently working as a map artist and tour guide.
Examples of safe clothing
Kumano Kodo Storyteller Friends Association
We are a group of volunteers who provide guides on the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route. In KumanoCity, you can request a guide for the ``Matsumoto Pass -Hana-no-Iwaya'' course, ``Hatasu no Michi'', etc. Information provided by experienced storytellers, such as the history and culture of Kumano Kodo and recommended spots in the area, will make your trip even more enjoyable. (Advance reservation required)
Bear experience project
This is an organization that organizes land-based eco tours with the theme of ``the relationship between people and nature,'' allowing visitors to Kumano Kodo to experience the charm of its nature, history, and culture. Ecotours planned and operated from a uniquely female perspective have been highly praised in Japan, including winning the Excellence Award at the 13th Ecotourism Awards. (Advance reservation required)
Yamasato Minpaku Akakura
In Akakura, KumanoCity, where the remains of megalithic worship remain, we operate a private accommodation limited to one group per day, and also guide trekking tours in the surrounding area. Because the guides have lived in Akakura, they are able to convey the deep charm of Kumano, and you are sure to be able to experience Kumano to its fullest. (Advance reservation required)
Akagi Castle Ruins and Tahirako Pass Execution Ground Ruins
(Akagi Joato and Tabirako Uge Keijoato)
Akagi Castle was a flat mountain TakatoraTodo built by the master castle builder Takatora Todo, using both medieval and early modern castle construction methods, and had castle functions that could be considered the embryo of early modern castles. In addition, the Tahirako Pass Execution Ground was the place where the traditional warriors and powerful people of MaruyamaSenmaida who resisted in the peasant uprising were executed. It is an important historical site. The ruins of Akagi Castle floating in the morning mist are said to be a fantastic castle in the sky. There are many cherry blossoms in the main building, and it is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
Tsuenomine
As you climb up the forest road from the parking lot, a breathtaking view awaits you. It has been used as a take-off place for paragliders, and in recent years has attracted attention as a spot for taking pictures of a sea of clouds.
Kumano Maritime Sightseeing Service
(Tategasaki sightseeing cruise ship)
Viewed from the sea, the spectacular beauty of the ria coastline created by the rough waves of the Kumano Sea, the columnar joints towering over the mouth of Nigishima Bay, and the vivid large rock wall "Tategasaki" towering behind it. The power of ``Umi Kongou'' overwhelms those who see it. Tategasaki 's ``Gama no Mouth'' is so beautiful that it is called Kumano's ``Blue Cave,'' and you can enjoy the deep blue sea.
Michi-no-eki “Kumano/Itaya Kurobei no Sato”
Michi-no-eki just opened in KumanoCity Kumano City in April 2018. You can enjoy locally grown vegetables and juices made with Niihime, a new type of citrus fruit discovered in KumanoCity. There is also play equipment on the premises where you can enjoy bouldering. It is Michi-no-eki you can eat, play, and stay for a long time.
Yunoguchi Onsen
A secret hot spring in Oku-Kumano that is fed directly from the source. The hot spring building, which was completely renovated in March 2015, has a clean feel and is a popular hot spring among tourists. The bath is made from Kumano cedar and has a wood scent, and you can enjoy a variety of baths including an indoor bath, an open-air bath, and a standing bath. We recommend taking the trolley train from the nearby hotel ``Hotel Seiryuso'' to the hot springs!
Kinan Tour Design Center
This is a valuable building that was built in the Meiji period and retains the traditional Kinomoto architectural style almost exactly as it was back then. You can enjoy resting, studying, and shopping, and you can also get travel information on Kinan. Travelers are served bancha tea and can tour old folk houses, so you can't help but stay for a long time.
Doro-kyoGorge
It is a valley designated as a national special place of scenic beauty that straddles three prefectures: Mie, Nara, and Wakayama. There is a water jet boat that runs from Ogawaguchi in Kiwa Town to Doro-kyoGorge, so it is convenient to use that first. A boat trip along the huge rocky cliffs will show you the unique scenery of Doro-kyoGorge.
KumanoCity Ekimae Specialty Products Hall
This shop is located at the entrance to KumanoCity Station and is fun to look at and fun to buy. There are many local specialties and souvenirs available. The 19th of every month is "Special Product Hall Day" and we are holding great discount sales!
Snack shop Shintaku
The shop was founded by the owner of a fish shop who wanted people visiting Kumano to eat locally caught seasonal fish. In addition to the seasonal fish sashimi, the menu also includes handmade overnight-dried fish made using the skills of a fishmonger. It's always crowded with locals and tourists, so be sure to make a reservation before you go.
There are so many things I want to see in KumanoCity that I can't do it all in a day trip! If so, please stay overnight and enjoy the charm of Kumano. You can search from various types of inns, including inns with hot springs, seaside hotels, and inns with homely hospitality. Compare accommodation plans from famous sites such as Rakuten, Jalan, JTB, Ikkyu, etc., and check availability and make reservations online!
KumanoCity is currently running a “Bear Photo Rally” campaign!
Follow the official account @kumanophotorally and post the charms of Kumano you've discovered on Instagram with the two hashtags "#bear photo rally" and "#bear gram" or "#kodo gram." ! You might be able to win gorgeous prizes in the lottery! ?
(Campaign period: until January 1, 2020)
*This campaign is not supported, approved, managed, or involved by Instagram.