Hanagura Jinja

Hanagura Jinja is known as one of Japan's oldest shrines, a place of profound historical significance. Enshrined in Kumano, it dedicates itself to Izanami no Mikoto as the principal deity. Its sacred object is an enormous rock wall reaching 45 meters in height, where nature itself has been revered as the divine presence. Mentioned in the Nihon Shoki, it possesses history of remarkable antiquity. The spectacular sight of the great sacred rope being hung on the rock wall during the "O-Tsunakake Shinji" ceremony held twice yearly is breathtaking. For pilgrims walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, it remains an important sacred site, continuing to receive the devoted faith of many to this day.