Kumano Hongu Taisha, A spiritual journey through ancient pilgrimage trails

くまのほんぐうたいしゃ

Kumano Hongu Taisha, located in Tanabe, Higashimuro County, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on National Route 168 and near Yunomine Onsen

Long-standing shrine with a rich historical background

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Architecture

Introduction

Kumano Sanzan is the total head shrine of approximately 3,000 Kumano shrines nationwide in Japan, composed of three shrines - Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. As a "sacred site and pilgrimage route in the Kii Mountain Range," it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (cultural heritage) in 2004, along with places like Mount Koya. Kumano Hongu Taisha is located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, and is a former official currency major shrine (now a branch shrine of the main shrine). As one of the Kumano Sanzan, it mainly enshrines the deity Amaterasu Ohkami.