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Kumano-sanzan is the collective name for the three grand Shinto shrines of Kumano – Hongu-taisha, Hayatama-taisha, and Nachi-taisha. Everyone from nobles of the Heian Period (794 - 1185) to common people of the Muromachi Period (1392 - 1573) visited the Kumano-sanzan in pursuit of the miraculous virtues to be gained by following Shinto and Shugendo practices.

Kumano Hongu-taisha
Kumano Hongu-taisha is the headquarters for over 3,000 Kumano-jinja shrines nationwide. The cypress bark roofing the main shrine is imposing. Once located at Oyunohara), it was rebuilt at the present site after being damaged by floods.

Kumano Hayatama-taisha
Kumano Hayatama-taisha is one shrine of Kumano-sanzan located at the mouth of the Kumanogawa River. It is derived from Kamikura-jinja where a giant rock called Gotobiki Rock is worshipped.

Kumano Nachi-taisha
Kumano Nachi-taisha, located on the hillside of Mt. Nachi, has a religious origin based on ancient nature worship centering on Nachi-ohtaki, or Nachi Great Falls. The “Nachi-no-himatsuri,” or Fire Festival is particularly famous.

Nachisan Seiganto-ji
Located next to Kumano Nachi-taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple represents a blending of Shintoism and Buddhism. It is the first sacred temple on the pilgrimage route to the 33 sacred temples of the Saigoku Junrei of the Sanjusankasho Kannon.

Nachi-ohtaki Falls
The Nachi Waterfall drops 133 m straight down, producing a deafening roar as it cascades down like a knife through a virgin forest. The object of worship, Hirou-jinja, a branch of Kumano Nachi-taisha shrine, is enshrined at the base of the waterfall.
Fudarakusan-ji
Fudaraku is the Buddhist Pure Land believed to exist far to the south. Fudarakusan-ji Temple is famous as the departure point for the Fudaraku-tokai, a risky ascetic training requiring an assumption of death as if crossing a hostile sea to the Pure Land.
Nachi Primeval Forest
The Nachi Primeval Forest is managed as a holy precinct of Kumano Nachi-taisha from ancient times. In this precious primeval forest, unique vegetation of the Kumano district is maintained in its natural wild state.