Day 2 START
Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple
Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple is the first stop on the Saikoku Kannon Pilgrimage. During the reign of Emperor Nintoku (313 to 399), Ragyo Shonin, a monk from India practiced his doctrine at the Nachi Waterfall naked, experiencing the revelation of Kannon. Following, he dedicated a hermitage at the current location, considered to be the temple origin.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range are designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
1minute on foot
Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine
Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine -- part of Kumano Sanzan -- is the head shrine of more than 5000 Kumano shrines nationwide.
The Gods of Kumano had been worshipped in the Nachi Waterfall basin since ancient times. In the year 317, a shrine was built halfway up the mountain to welcome both the Gods of Kumano and the God of Nachi Waterfall.
Kumano Fusumi-no-Okami, the God of matchmaking and wish fulfillment, is the main deity enshrined here.
1 hour 20 minutes by car and bus
[Kumano Kodo Walk (1)]
Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
This popular course only has gentle climbs and ascents across about the 7 kilometers from Hosshinmon-oji towards the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine.
Walking on the ancient stone-paved path and enjoying the beautiful countryside scenery, including rice paddies and tea fields.
The experience of cleansing your soul while walking among the forests of Kumano, the “land of resurrection.”
Walking time: about 2 hours 30 minutes
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine is the main shrine of all Kumano shrines nationwide. Oftentimes, the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the main shrines of Kumano Sanzan, is considered to be God of Kumano.
It is believed that Ketsumimiko-no-Okami, the main deity enshrined here, had appeared along with Kumano Fusumi-no-Okami and Hayatama-no-Okami, at Oyunohara sanctuary, the site of the original shrine. After the flood in 1891, the shrine was moved to its current location.
9 minutes by car
Ryokan Yunomineso
Yunomineso sanctuary is located in an area surrounded by the luscious-green mountains of Okukumano.
The inn’s claim to fame is the 100% all-natural hot spring. The crystalized minerals -- the so-called onsen flowers -- bloom over the warm water; proof of the purity of the hot spring water.
For breakfast, onsen-style cuisine featuring drinkable hot spring water that is a unique staple of Yunominesou is also available.
