Kumano Hayatama Taisha (熊野速玉大社)

Flow of the course

About this spot

One of the Kumano Sanzan (熊野三山, Three Grand Shrines of Kumano), this is a component asset of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range' (紀伊山地の霊場と参詣道). The grounds, lined with 12 vividly vermillion-lacquered shrine buildings, have drawn worshippers from across Japan since ancient times as a sacred site of the 'Kumano Gongen' (熊野権現). The great nagi tree standing on the grounds is a sacred tree said to be over a thousand years old, and its size and presence are overwhelming. Located within walking distance of Shingu Station, this is Kumano's foremost sacred site and an ideal first stop for a day that starts on the morning of the fireworks festival. The Kumano Hayatama Taisha Treasure Hall (熊野速玉大社宝物館) on the grounds houses national-treasure sacred objects, and is worth a visit if you have the time.

Tips

About a 15-minute walk from JR Shingu Station (新宮駅), or take a local city bus. Visiting the grounds is free. The Treasure Hall requires a separate admission fee, so check the official website. Roads around the area get crowded from the evening onward on the day of the fireworks festival, so it's best to take your time visiting earlier in the afternoon. If you'd like to receive a goshuin (shrine seal), allow yourself plenty of time.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 15 minutes. The soft afternoon light sets off the vermillion shrine halls beautifully, and it's a time when visitor numbers are calmer

Access & map

〒647-0081 和歌山県新宮市新宮1番地