A one-day tour of hidden gems in Kansai: Kumano Kodo (World Heritage Site), Nachi Falls, and Hongu Taisha Shrine.

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Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine
Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 3,000 Kumano shrines throughout Japan, and is the foremost of the "Kumano Sanzan" (Three Sanzan of Kumano). It is dedicated to the deity Iezu Miko-Okami, and its history dates back to before the Heian period. In 2004, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside the Camino de Santiago in Spain, one of only two pilgrimage routes worldwide to receive this honor. Unlike other shrines, Hongu deliberately retains its understated and rustic natural wood tones, without vermilion lacquer, and its roof is covered with 30-centimeter-thick cypress bark, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere that fully embodies the aesthetics of Japanese Shintoism.

【Ōsaihara Ōtorii】
The original site of the shrine, "Ōsaihara," was relocated after a major flood in 1889. A 33-meter-high vermilion wooden torii gate was built on the site, which is currently the largest wooden torii gate in Japan. Standing amidst the lush green fields, it is extremely impressive and is the most representative photo spot of the trip.

【Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine】

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine is one of the three sacred mountains of Kumano. It originated from the natural worship of Nachi Falls and is dedicated to the deity Fusumi Okami of Kumano. The name "Fusumi" is pronounced the same as "knot" in Japanese, so this shrine is a famous matchmaking shrine in Japan, mainly for praying for good marriage, career success, and family harmony, and is very popular with tourists.

Qing'an Ferry Temple

Seigan-do Temple, located next to Nachi Taisha Shrine, is a famous temple of the Japanese Tendai sect with a history dating back to the Nara period, more than 1,300 years ago. It is also the first stop on the pilgrimage of the Thirty-Three Temples of Kannon in Western Japan, marking the starting point of Buddhist pilgrimages throughout Japan. The two temples stand side by side, with the shrine and temple coexisting in one place, a rare example of the integration of Shinto and Buddhism in Japan, preserving the complete appearance before the separation of Shinto and Buddhism during the Meiji era.

【Hitaki Shrine】

Hitaki Shrine is the inner shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, and its enshrined object is extremely rare—the Nachi Falls itself is the deity, the waterfall is the god, rather than an ordinary natural landscape.

Hakuja Benzaiten Shrine

Benten Island, an isolated island in Nachi Bay, Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is the most mysterious and energetic attraction in the area. The island enshrines the white snake Benzaiten, who is regarded as the messenger of the goddess Benzaiten in traditional Japanese beliefs. The white snake symbolizes wealth, new life, and longevity, and there is an ancient saying that "seeing the white snake will bring great fortune."