Since ancient times, this place has been famous as a sacred place in Shugendo (Shugendo is one of the unique religions of Japan that combines the ancient mountain beliefs of Japan and Buddhism). In particular, Kumano Sanzan, the spiritual mountain in this area, is especially sacred in the sacred area. In Japan, it is very common for two different religious facilities, a shrine (Shinto) and a temple (Buddhist), to coexist on the same site. As a typical example of this, Kumano has been worshipped as a sacred place by Japanese authorities since ancient times.

About 1,000 years ago, there was a custom called "Kumano詣". It is a procession in which the highest power holders of Japan in the early times took most of their retainers from Kyoto to Kumano to pay homage to them. The distance is about 350 kilometers, and the procession takes more than a month. If time permits, it is recommended to walk from Kyoto to Kumano to try the Kumano詣!

Haha! If you want to go there, you don't have enough time to take a vacation! Of course, there is public transportation from Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya. It takes about 4 hours. I will introduce how to feel the mystery of Kumano. I'll introduce you to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine.

In 2004, the Kumano Kodo was registered as a World Heritage Site. There are three shrines and temples with long histories.

There are several routes that can be customized by the worshippers. This time, I would like to introduce the routes to the three temples mentioned above.

Wakayama was once called "Kii". It is located in the southern part of the present-day Osaka, the southernmost part of Japan's main island. Surrounded by mountains, including Mt. Takano and Kumano, and with Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, not far away, Wakayama developed its own culture as a sacred place for Buddhism and Shinto.

Kumano Nachi Taisha is famous for its waterfalls.

Combined with the vermillion-colored triple towers, the view is very beautiful. Actually, this is not a part of Kumano Nachi Taisha. Actually, this is the building of Aokigandoji Temple next door.

The waterfall is the sacred body of Nachi Taisha. However, Aokigandoji Temple is a Buddhist temple. This is a symbol of the unique Japanese culture of "Shinto-Buddhist practice" mentioned in the Shugendo.
When you visit the area, you can see a lot of crow-like symbols.

This is a three-legged legendary raven, known as the “Hattori Raven”, which is also the symbol of Kumanoji Temple. It is also the symbol of the Kumano Temple, and as a good omen of victory, it is the symbol of the current Japanese soccer team.
About 100 years ago, Kokonosuke Nakamura, the school teacher who spread the concept of modern soccer in Japan, was from Nachi Katsura. That's why there is a logo on the uniform of the current Japanese soccer team. Many soccer players still visit this place.

From Osaka and Nagoya, it takes about 4 hours to get to Kiseiura Station. If you leave Osaka in the morning, you can get to Nachi Station by noon and spend the afternoon visiting Nachi Taisha Shrine and Aokigandoji Temple.

Use JR Kisei Line's limited express WideView Nanki. It takes about 4 hours.

From Shin-Osaka Station and Tennoji Station, take the limited express Kuroshio (limited express Kuroshio) train on the JR Kinokuni Line (Kinokuni Line). It takes about 4 hours.

There are many hot springs and restaurants around Nachi Station. There are also sea activities.

1165-2 Katsuura, Nachi Katsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture

1179-9 Oaza Katsuura, Nachi Katsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

Address: Kitahama Beach, Nachi Katsura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture

You can watch the sea and soak in the hot spring at the same time, which is very comfortable!
Not only the mountains, but the view of the sea here is also very good!

There is also a fishing harbor in Nachi Seung-po, so the seafood here is also very delicious! Especially the fresh tuna, it's amazing!

Fresh tuna is tuna that has not been frozen. You can enjoy the original flavor of freshly caught tuna. There is a seafood market at Katsuura Fishing Port. You can see how the tuna is landed from the fishing boat, and you can also see the tuna being dismantled on the spot.

Fresh tuna is traded here.

MEHARI Sushi is a rice ball wrapped with savory vegetables from Yamana. It's called sushi, but it's not the same as sushi with fresh fish on top, as you might expect. The flavor is very simple. It has been used in this area since ancient times as a portable food for people working in the mountains. When you eat it, you naturally open your eyes wide, and that's why it's called mehari sushi (in Japanese, opening your eyes wide is called "omotaru").
There are valuable experiences and scenery here. Because it is not as easily accessible as the big cities, it is not very well known outside of Japan. However, you will surely have a great experience when you visit Nachi-Seppo.