Kumano Hayatama Taisha

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Kumano Hayatama Taisha

UNESCO World Heritage, The “land of resurrection" that plays a part of Kumano Sanzan.

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Having been called the "land of resurrection," it is a shrine with the never-ceasing worshipers who are seeking the courage and readiness to take a new step in the passages of life. Along with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, it is called Kumano Sanzan and is the oldest shrine, the head shrine of 5,000 Kumano shrines nationwide. In 2004, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage.

In the beautiful vermilion-lacquered shrine, a total of 18 pillars of gods are enshrined centering around Kumano Hayatama no Okami and Kumano Musubi no Okami, the gods of the couple.

With the syncretization of Shinto with Buddhism, the idea of Kumano Gongen worship was born in Kumano, and God becomes a Buddha as a temporary figures uch that Kumano Hayatama no Okami became Yakushi Nyorai, and Kumano Musubi no Okami became Senju Kannon Bosatu, and believed to save us.

There are many sacred treasures owned by the shrine, and in particular, such as the Makie tebako (gold lacquer box) and the Saie hiogi (painted fan, made of slats of cypress wood) dedicated by the retired Emperor and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu have been designated as national treasures and are handed down as valuable treasures.

It is conveyed that the 1000-year-old sacred tree of Nageia nagi in the precincts was hand-planted by Taira no Shigemori and is designated as a national natural treasure.
Since ancient times, it is said that Nagi leaves were meant to the calm of the sea and taken as the amulets by the travellers in hopes of a calm journey along the way, as a result, there are amulets in the shape of leaves as gifts and nagi dolls made with the fruits of nagi, nowadays.

The Kumano Gou, which depicts the crow characters with Yatagarasu led Emperor Jimmu to Kashihara in Yamato, is also famous and has been revered as a almighty Ofuda(talisman)since ancient times.

Highlights

  • One of the three Kumano Sanzan along with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha.
  • It holds more than 1200 of old treasures.
  • There are many gifts that can only be obtained here.

Photos

  • Kumano Hayatama Taisha

    Kumano Hayatama Taisha

  • The Honden (main shrine) enshrines the couple god.

    The Honden (main shrine) enshrines the couple god.

Reviews

5

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  • Alex Fan

    With the nearby Xu Fu Park and AEON shopping mall, it's easy to plan a full day trip here.

  • Veronica

    It's a very peaceful place, and among the three Kumano Grand Shrines, this one is the most convenient to get to.

  • 簡青

    It's easy to get to and you don't need to climb any stairs. It's peaceful and beautiful—definitely worth a visit.

  • 朱益齊

    This is one of the three Kumano shrines. Legend says the gods of Kumano descended here to build a new palace, and that's how Shingu City got its name. Among the three, Hayatama Taisha is the easiest to walk around.

  • Ronald2000

    This is one of the three most famous shrines in Wakayama. What makes it unique is the 'Yatagarasu' shrine, which worships crows. Legend says crows are messengers of the Japanese emperor. Maybe that's why you see so many big, chubby crows all over Japan!

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Details

Name in Japanese
熊野速玉大社
Postal Code
647-0081
Address
1 Shingu, Shingu City, Wakayama
Tel
0735-22-2533
Closed
Open every day
Hours
9:00am - 4:00pm
Admission
The premises open free to the public
Directions
About 4 minutes by Mie Kotsu Bus from Shingu Station of the JR Kisei Line.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)