WakayamaTravel

Pray for safe travels at Kii Province's principal shrine where two shrines stand side by side

About this spot

Just a short walk from Hichimiya Station on the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishu Line, this rare shrine features two shrines, Hichimi Shrine (日前神宮) and Kunikakeshi Shrine (國懸神宮), standing side by side within one grounds. As the principal shrine of Kii Province, it is said to transmit over two thousand years of history, and is affectionately known locally as 'Nichizengū' (日前宮). Beyond the torii gate, a deep grove of sacred trees spreads out, belying the urban surroundings, and along the approach of white pebbles, you split left and right to visit each shrine. Hichimi Shrine enshrines the Higate Mirror (日像鏡) and Kunikakeshi Shrine enshrines the Hiboko Mirror (日矛鏡) as its sacred object—both are venerable ancient shrines, and the experience of visiting two shrines in succession is refreshing for children. As the first of the three shrines in the Saigoku pilgrimage, it is the perfect starting point to pray for your family's safe travels.

Tips

Excellent access, just a 1-minute walk from Hichimiya Station on the Kishu Line. A 1-day unlimited ride ticket is convenient for the three-shrine pilgrimage. The grounds are flat, but the approach is covered in white pebbles, so pushing a stroller may be difficult in some places. Early morning hours have fewer visitors and offer quiet worship; ema and goshuin (shrine stamps) are available at the offering hall.