Kumano Sanzan - The Three Grand Shrines of the Kumano Faith
The Kumano Sanzan are the three Grand Shrines of the ancient Kumano faith in Wakayama. The shrines are Kumano Nachi Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Hongu Taisha. The associated pilgrimage is known as Kumano Kodo.
View from the top of Mount Tengura near the Kumano Kodo Magose Toge pass.
The Kumano Sanzan shrines and the pilgrimage routes connecting them to each other, Yoshino and Koyasan have been designated a world heritage site.
Kumano Hongu Taisha.
As described in the "Fireflies" chapter of The Tale of Genji: "Murasaki too had become addicted to romances. Her excuse was that Genji's little daughter insisted on being read to. 'Just see what a fine one this is,' she said, showing Genji an illustration for The Tale of Kumano."
Kumano-Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Daimonzaka path.
Kumano-Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Haiden.
Autumn foliage at Kumano-Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine.
Oyunohara - original site of Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand
Shrine.
Shrine maiden at Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine.