Kumano Taisha
熊野大社
Yamagata · Nanyo
Kumano Matchmaking
Kanpei-taisha
Kumano Hongu Taisha
熊野本宮大社
Admission
Free
Goshuin
300 yen
Access
See details
Hours
6:00-17:00
Overview
Kumano Hongu Taisha is the spiritual heart of the Kumano Sanzan, the three grand shrines of the Kumano region connected by the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For over a thousand years, emperors, aristocrats, and common people alike made the arduous journey through the Kii Mountains to reach this sacred place, which was believed to be the land of the dead and of spiritual rebirth. The original shrine stood at Oyunohara, a sandbar at the confluence of two rivers, where the world's largest torii gate (33.9 meters tall) now stands as a monument. After devastating floods in 1889, the shrine was relocated to its current hilltop position. The Yatagarasu, the mythological three-legged crow that guided Emperor Jimmu, is the symbol of this shrine.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
Blessings
Shrine Network
Kumano Head shrine of Kumano Sanzan
Did You Know?
💡
The Oyunohara torii gate at the original shrine site is the world's largest at 33.9 meters tall.
Source: documented
💡
The Yatagarasu (three-legged crow) is this shrine's symbol and also the emblem of the Japan Football Association.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
33.8406, 135.7728
Physical Address
1100 Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama
和歌山県田辺市本宮町本宮1100
Historical Province
Kii
Access
Kii-Tanabe Station (JR Kisei Line)
Hours
6:00-17:00
Bus
Bus from Kii-Tanabe Station, about 2 hours
Best Times to Visit
springautumn
Foreign Language Support
English (pamphlet, Kumano Kodo guides)
Accessibility
Limited
Official Website
http://www.hongutaisha.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
The sacred heart of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, a place of death and rebirth. Home to the world's largest torii gate and over 1,000 years of pilgrimage history.
Related Shrines
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Kumano Hongu Taisha?
Kumano Hongu Taisha is the spiritual heart of the Kumano Sanzan, the three grand shrines of the Kumano region connected by the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For over a thousand years, emperors, aristocrats, and common people alike made the arduous journey through the Kii Mountains to reach this sacred place, which was believed to be the land of the dead and of spiritual rebirth. The original shrine stood at Oyunohara, a sandbar at the confluence of two rivers, where the world's largest torii gate (33.9 meters tall) now stands as a monument. After devastating floods in 1889, the shrine was relocated to its current hilltop position. The Yatagarasu, the mythological three-legged crow that guided Emperor Jimmu, is the symbol of this shrine.
Where is Kumano Hongu Taisha located?
Kumano Hongu Taisha is located in Tanabe-shi, Wakayama. The full address is: 1100 Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama.
What deities are enshrined at Kumano Hongu Taisha?
The enshrined deities are: Ketsumimiko no Okami.
What blessings can you pray for at Kumano Hongu Taisha?
Kumano Hongu Taisha is known for: Rebirth, New Beginnings, Safe Travel.
How do I get to Kumano Hongu Taisha?
The nearest station is Kii-Tanabe Station (JR Kisei Line). Bus from Kii-Tanabe Station, about 2 hours