Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

One of the Three Head Kumano Shrines which serve as the headquarters of all Kumano shrines nationwide, rare and unusual festivals are held here, such as the Torch Festival, which involves men dressed in white garb carrying lit torches and racing down the shrine’s steep stone steps. A central location in the Kumano faith, which seeks to achieve self-enlightenment through penance conducted along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, the shrine is dedicated to the god Kumano Hayatama. The shrine also worships Ketsumiko no okami and Fusumi no okami, and houses and displays some 1,200 ancient treasures, including designated National Treasures. A great nagi tree over 1,000 years old spreads its branches over the grounds, and the shrine’s charms for providing luck with love and marriage are made with nagi seeds.

Spot details

Address: Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Shingu 1 Map
Area: Nachikatsuura / Taiji / Shingu Area
Phone: 0735222533
Hours: [Gates open]5:30
[Gates shut]17:00
※depending on the season
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Worship] Free [Shinpokan] 500yen *Shinpokan will be closed for renovation until around 10 Monday
Parking Lot: Available(About40spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Available (Available at designated location)
Wi-Fi: Not available
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Available
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Possible (Please hold Grounds)