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[Kumano Pilgrimage I] Kumano Motomiya Shrine

[Kumano Pilgrimage I] Kumano Motomiya Shrineの画像

© Kumano Motomiya Shrine Kumano Motomiya Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture is one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines and the head shrine of the approximately 5,000 Kumano shrines across the country. It is one of the end points of the Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site, and its majestic grounds are one of Wakayama's most powerful spots, having welcomed many worshippers since ancient times.

2025.10.17

Kumano Motomiya Shrine

A sacred place of rebirth

The history of the Kumano Motomiya Shrine dates back to 33 BC (1st century BC).

When Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan, was on his expedition to the east, he received the sacred sword Futsunomitama from Takakurage. It is said that the sword awakened Emperor Jimmu, who had fallen into crisis after a series of losses, and played a major role in leading him to final victory.

Later, around 33 BC (1st century BC), three moons descended to a place called Hara , located on an island in the Kumano River , and gave the following divine command: "I am Shosei Daigongen (Iezumiko no Okami = Susanoo no Mikoto), and the moons on either side are Ryosho Gongen ( Kumano Fusumi no Okami and Hayatama no Okami). Build a shrine and worship them." This became the first shrine building of Kumano Motomiya Shrine.


As time passed, around the 4th century (estimated), a descendant of Takakuraji was appointed as the head of Kumano Province, "Kumano." Since then, the deities of Kumano Motomiya have been protected and worshipped by the descendants of the Kumano Kuni no Miyatsuko family for over a thousand years. Among them, the twelve enshrined deities are enshrined in three shrines: Kamisha, Nakasha, and Shimosha.

However, the shrine buildings that once stood in Hara were damaged in a major flood in 1889, and the four upper shrines were moved to their current locations on higher ground. The remaining eight shrines are enshrined as stone shrines on the former shrine grounds of Hara, where the gods still reside quietly to this day.

Kumano Motomiya Shrine (current shrine site | shrine building) © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation<br>
Kumano Motomiya Shrine (current shrine site | shrine building) © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation
Annual Festival © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation<br>
Annual Festival © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Many pilgrims still visit Hara, the former site of the shrine. Important religious ceremonies, such as the annual festival, are always held Hara .

[ Hara , a very popular cherry blossom spot in Wakayama Prefecture in spring ]

For more details, please visit the Kumano Motomiya website (Japanese/English)


Kumano Motomiya Shrine Festival

Kumano Motomiya Shrine holds several traditional festivals every year, attracting not only locals but also many visitors from far away to worship at the shrine, creating a lively atmosphere.

Kumano Motomiya Annual Festival (April 13th to 15th)

This spring festival is the most important festival at Kumano Motomiya Shrine, and is a three-day event featuring sacred ceremonies and lively processions.

Annual Festival © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation<br>
Annual Festival © Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Starting with the Yuto Ritual and Miyawatari Ritual on April 13th, a procession of priests and children travels along an ancient mountain path known as "Dainichigoe" and heads towards Hara . Along the way, people purify themselves and pray for a safe and peaceful festival. On this occasion, young children, who are considered messengers of the gods, are carried on shoulders, creating a sacred and warm scene.

On the following day, April 14th, prayer ceremonies and eve festivals are held in various places, leading up to the main festival on April 15th.

At the Honden Festival on April 15th, people praise the divine virtues of Kumano Fusumi-no-Kami, the main deity of Kumano Motomiya Shrine, and pray for the safety of the nation and the peace of its people. This is followed by the Togyo Festival, in which the sacred object of the main deity is placed on a portable shrine and carried to Hara .

Afterwards, dance and music are performed on the old shrine grounds, and the festival reaches its climax in a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Annual Festival ©Roots of Japan<br>
Annual Festival ©Roots of Japan

In the second half of the Togyo Festival, the mountain ascetics perform goma fires and throw rice cakes, making the festival atmosphere even more lively. The rice cakes that are thrown are of two colors: white and red, and those who get a red rice cake in particular are given a "chobana" (flower).

"Chouka" are artificial flowers that resemble chrysanthemums, and are known as auspicious items that bring good harvests and good health. This scene, which marks the climax of the festival, is sure to be a memorable moment for participants.

Annual Festival ©Roots of Japan<br>
Annual Festival ©Roots of Japan

Yatagarasu Fire Festival

Although this event is organized by the town of Motomiya , not by Kumano Motomiya Shrine, it is held at the sacred Hara with the cooperation of Kumano Motomiya Shrine. The spectacular performance, which combines fire, drums, and fireworks, creates a fantastical atmosphere on the autumn nights, attracting many participants every year.
*In 2025, the event will be held on Saturday, October 11th from 5:00 PM

Yatagarasu Fire Festival © Kumano Motomiya Tourism Association<br>
Yatagarasu Fire Festival © Kumano Motomiya Tourism Association

This festival is said to be "a festival that leads people to happiness," based on the legend that in ancient times Emperor Jimmu, who was lost in the mountains of Kumano, was guided there by the Yatagarasu, a messenger of the Kumano gods.

For details on festivals and events, click here (Japanese and English)

Prayers deepen only when visiting the three mountains

If you visit Kumano Motomiya Taisha, be sure to also visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Seiganto-ji Temple, making it the "Kumano Sanzan."

Additionally, by following the Kumano Kodo trail, which has been walked by many pilgrims since ancient times, you will be able to experience Kumano not just as a tourist spot, but as a place of revival.

↓ Kumano Sanzan series

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