Jan 17, 2015 - 1 min read

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

Start afresh by making a pilgrimage to Hayatama Shrine!

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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When you pass through the big torii entrance gate and walk straight on a stone-paved pathway, you'll see this red Shinmon (God's Gate). (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine is one of three major shrines in Kumano, Kumano Sanzan, which are together designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kumano Sanzan includes Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha. (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

The sacred straw rope in the shrine signifies the boundary between the sacred area and the secular world (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

In the prayer hall, a Shinto ritual was taking place (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

At the prayer hall I prayed fervently and clapped my hands (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

A holy atmosphere permeated this sacred area (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Kami-sanden hall in brilliant vermilion and green (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

In January 2011, I visited Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine in Wakayama, after visiting Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, both of which are the part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Kumano Kodo (a series of ancient pilgrimage routes in Kumano region) is called, 'The Route of Life'. Pilgrims in olden times walked this route seeking redemption and salvation. Climbing this rough-and-tumble route to reach Kumano must have been a series of unimaginable hardships, but they believed they would be given the courage and determination to start a new life at the end of the penance. This is why Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine is called 'A Place of Resurrection'.

Three Major Shrines in Kumano 1. Nachi Taisha Shrine and Nachi Falls 2. Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine 3. Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine