Kumano Hongū Taisha
社

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Kumano Hongū Taisha 熊野本宮大社

World Heritage SiteShinto shrine in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

史About

Kumano Hongū Taisha (熊野本宮大社) is a Shinto shrine in Tanabe in Wakayama, Japan. It is included as part of the Kumano Sanzan in the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". The main deities enshrined are Kumano Sansho Gongen (熊野三所権現): Ketsumimiko (家津美御子), Hayatama (速玉) and Fusubi (牟須美). All of the ancient Kumano Kodō routes lead to the Grand Shrine.

It was originally located at present Ōyunohara (大斎原), on a sandbank at the confluence of the Kumano River and Otonashi River. In 1889, it was partially destroyed in a flood and the remaining shrine buildings were relocated at its present site in 1891. Of the original five main pavilions only three were rebuilt. Four deities were moved there and the other eight are still enshrined there in two stone monuments.

In 2000, the largest torii shrine gate in the world (33.9 m (111 ft) tall and 42 m (138 ft) wide) was erected at the entrance to the Oyunohara sandbank. It is an official gateway that designates the entrance to a sacred area. It signifies the division of the secular and the spiritual worlds. This torii is called Otorii (o means "great") and is made of steel weighing 172 tons, which took about six months to make and another six months to assemble.

Text from Wikipedia: Kumano Hongū Taisha — CC BY-SA 4.0. Read more on Wikipedia →

要Quick facts

TypeShrine
LocationHongūchō Hongū, Wakayama
Founded1891
Designationspart of UNESCO World Heritage Site
Important Cultural Property of Japan
Official websitehongutaisha.jp
MapOpen in Google Maps ↗

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Opening hours and fees change — check the official website before you go.

Data: Wikidata (CC0)

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問Questions visitors ask

What is Kumano Hongū Taisha?

Kumano Hongū Taisha (熊野本宮大社) is a Shinto shrine in Tanabe in Wakayama, Japan.

Where is Kumano Hongū Taisha?

Kumano Hongū Taisha is in Hongūchō Hongū, Wakayama.

Is Kumano Hongū Taisha a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. Its designations include: part of UNESCO World Heritage Site; Important Cultural Property of Japan.

When was Kumano Hongū Taisha founded?

1891, according to Wikidata.

What are the opening hours of Kumano Hongū Taisha?

Hours and fees change by season and for events. Please check the official website before you go: https://www.hongutaisha.jp/

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