Kamikura Jinja

Kamikura Jinja is a sacred site of primitive faith, enshrining a massive rock known as Gotobiki-iwa at the summit of Kamikura Mountain in Shingu. As the inner shrine of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, it is revered as the birthplace of Kumano faith, where the gods are said to have first descended. Every February 6th, the Otou Festival (Lantern Festival) is held, where men dressed in white garments carry torches and rush down 538 steep stone steps in a spectacular display. This festival has continued for over 1,400 years and is widely known throughout Japan as Shingu's fire festival. The primitive mystery dwelling in the great rock and the passionate traditions passed down through generations create a unique sacred experience found nowhere else.