Nature of Wakayama

1. 

   The Holy Ground in the Sky: Mount Kōya

   Mount Koya is surrounded by the mountain peaks that spread out like the lotus flower, and is one of the most well known holy grounds for the religion Shingon Mikkyo, which is a major Japanese religions that was brought forth by Kūkai. It is believed that he continues to live in the inner shrine of Mount Koya, praying for world peace and people’s happiness. Mount Koya, which was chosen as a place to establish a dojo for the Mikkyo religion, away from the bustle of the city, continues to be admired by people as a place of training and faith.

2. 

   The Holy Ground of Resurrection: Kumano

   Kumano is a holy ground that has been supported by people’s passionate faith since ancient times. So many people came here on a pilgrimage that it’s said, “Seven times to Ise, three times to Kumano”, showing that Kumano was one of the most frequented places for pilgrimages. It is said that a god was enshrined in the main shrine about 2000 years ago, when the god came to the ancient place during the time of the tenth emperor of Japan, Emperor Sujin. The dignified morning air reminds us of its holiness.

3. 

   The Stone–Paved Kumano Kodō Pilgrimage Route

   The Kumano Kodō is a pilgrimage route that leads to Kumano Sanzan (three major shrines), and is also a sacred mountain training route. The stone pavement of Kumano Kodō was once used by ancient people, and it’s tranquil atmosphere will bring peace to your heart. During the Heian Period, Kumano was known as the “Holy Ground of Resurrection”, and it was a place where all Japanese people wanted to go. The benevolent gods of Kumano continue to receive people regardless of gender or social status.

4. 

   Kumano Hongū Taisha Shrine

   The Kumano Sanzan consists of the Kumano Hongū Taisha Shrine, the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, and the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. The Kumano Hongū Taisha Shrine is a spiritual power spot. As you walk up the long stone stairs of the shrine, you will surely feel the luminousness. At the end of the Heian Period, many imperial families and noble families came to worship here as the entrance to the “Pure Land”. Currently, many people continue to worship at the Kumano Sanzan as the “place of resurrection”.

5. 

   Kumano Fire Festival

   Kumano Fire Festival is the most important festival of Sesshakannokura Shrine which enshrines the “Gotobiki Rock”, a repository for a god. The festival is said to have started in the year 574, and is known as Japan’s oldest known festival. The festival is held every year on February 6th. About 2000 men who are called Agariko and are dressed in white clothing, hold up their torches simultaneously, and dramatically run down the steep slope of Kannokurayama, which is made of 538 stone steps.

6. 

   Yoshino–Kumano National Park

   The Yoshino-Kumano National Park includes the coastline of Kumano, and spans Wakayama Prefecture, Mie Prefecture, and Nara Prefecture. It consists of a gently flowing river that meanders between the mountains of Kii Peninsula and the beautiful coastline. On the other hand, the mountains have a warm climate, due to the strong effects of the Kuroshio Current. The rivers of varying sizes, including the Kumano River, flow deep down the valleys, forming the natural beauty represented by Torokyo and Kitayamakyo.

7. 

   Nanki–Shirahama Hot Springs

   A place of hot springs, which was known as “the Hot Springs of Muro”, or “the Hot Springs of Ki” during the Asuka Period and the Nara Period, was visited by many residents of the capital, such as Empress Kōgyoku, Emperor Tenji, Empress Jitō, and Emperor Monmu. It is an ancient hot spring region where you can see the vast Pacific Ocean spread out before your eyes, and feel the mist of seawater from the waves and the ancient stories carried by the wind. Saki-no-yu and Mabu-yu are two of the seven Yuzaki hot springs, and express the historical value of this place the most out of the Shirahama Hot Springs.