Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine

Temple

4.5

This Shinto shrine is one of the Three Head Kumano Shrines which serve as the headquarters of all Kumano shrines nationwide. Known as the first stop on the penance-filled Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, since ancient times this shrine has been visited by countless worshipers of the Kumano faith, which seeks to achieve self-enlightenment through penance. The main building was erected in the Asuka period and was relocated to its current location after being damaged in the Great Flood of 1889. After climbing 158 stone steps through a cedar forest, the shrine’s four hinoki bark-thatched buildings will appear, which enshrine Ketsumiko no okami and the shrine’s three other chief gods.

Spot details

Address: Wakayama Pref. Tanabeshi Honguchouhongu
Area: Kumano Kodo / Hongu Area
Phone: 0735420009
Hours: 8:00-17:00
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Admission fee]Free
Parking Lot: Available(600spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Not available
English Menu: Available
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Available
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Review

Great place , worth to come and visit

Reviewed：2020.01.22

This shrine is very nice and even 3 of 5 parts are from origin (saved by the flood) , this worth it to come. You can smell the tree odor in this shrine. Roof are amazing
Beautiful Shrine, a must visit place in Hongu Taisha

Reviewed：2019.12.11

We start our Kumano kodo walk from Hosshinmon to this Shrine and it was amazing, from this Shrine you can also walk to the giant gate, Hongu Taisha is a must visit place in Tanabe.
Stairs to Sanity

Reviewed：2019.10.15

It’s a lot of climbing but so worth it. The buildings are beautiful! The view is spectacular. The blessings are bountiful. The koi are hungry and are worth feeding just to observe their behavior.