Oct 26, 2014 - 1 min read

Old Kumano Shrine in Hanando, Fukui

Hidden jewel that has been here for centuries

By Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Looking up at the torii gate and the tall tree that towers over it

Stone signage of Kumano Shrine with beautiful handwriting of local distinguished figure, Lieutenant General Takeuchi (1867-1929)

Looking up at the torii gate of Kumano Shrine

Close-up look at the stone signage of Kumano Shrine; this was written by the 19th head (lord) of the Fukui Matsudaira family, Matsudaira Yasumasa

Water purification font on the shrine grounds

The dragon head here is covered by a steel box...How can we purify our hands?

Wow! What a tall, wild tree! I felt like a Hobbit in the movie, 'The Lord of the Rings'!

Faded red torii gates of the small fox shrine on the premises of Kumano Shrine

He has a different, more authentic look compared to other guardian dog carvings I've seen before

The main prayer hall is located at the back of the prayer hall in a higher place, deep in the woods

When I looked up there was a silent bamboo grove on the hill

Front view of Kumano Shrine in my neighborhood

As you may know, there are large numbers of Kumano Shrines in Japan. So, I'm sure you'll find some of them wherever you go. There is one in my neighborhood, too, but I hadn't tried to find it because...it's so common! But the other day I happened to pass by it and was surprised because...it looked so NICE! 'Nice' in this case means it looked so authentic and beautiful in a tranquil setting. I later found out it WAS authentic. According to the sign on the grounds it was founded in 1211 and has been in this neighborhood since then. About two hundred years ago it was moved to its current location, but burnt down in 1889 by fire, and the current main prayer hall was rebuilt a hundred years ago. It is a true jewel hidden in deep woods!