| Kumano Sanzan is located
in the southeastern part of the Kii Mountain Range and is home to three
Shinto shrines, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano
Nachi Taisha, located 20 to 40 km apart, as well as two Buddhist temples
named Seiganto-ji and Fudarakusan-ji. Originally each shrine had its own
form of nature-worship, but in the late 10th century, each began to also
worship the guardian deities of the other two shrines due to the influence
of Buddhism fusion. From that time onwards this sacred site came to be
revered as the dwelling place of the 'sanzan' formation of three Kumano
deities, reputedly the most powerful deities in Japan. |
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Nachi no Otaki Waterfall
The largest waterfall in Japan and an object of
worship since ancient times. |
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Tsuboyu Onsen in Yunomine Onsen Hot
Springs
Among the oldest in Japan, these baths became the
established place forweary pilgrims to rest, recover and purify
themselves on their way to thesacred shrines. The therapeutic
atmosphere remains. |
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Nachi no Himatsuri
(Nachi Fire Festival)
One of Japan's three great fire festivals held
annually each July 14th. |
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Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine
One of three shrines from which Kumano Sanzan is
formed, and where the central object of reverence is a giant rock.
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Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
One of the three shrines from which Kumano Sanzan
is formed. |
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