Kumano has been part of the sacred sites and pilgrimage route where people from all walks of life, including the kings and aristocrats would pay respect since the ancient times. People make an arduous trip to pay a visit to the three main shrines in Kumano Sanzan, covering Kumano Hongu Taisha (Grand Shrine), Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine and Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine in the southern part of Kii Peninsula.
There is a believe that you may wash away your sins in the past life by pay a respect at Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine, engage in your present life by visiting Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine, and pray for a better next life at Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine. So the idea is to visit all.
Experiencing is the key to the visits. In the old days, the emperors and aristocrats would walk for months to walk from Nara and Kyoto all way to Kumano. Today, you may take JR trains, buses and even drive to the sites. Yet there are many amazing trails and sacred sites that are only accessible on foot.
To start, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine is the easiest. Take JR to Shingu Station and walk for 15 to 20 minutes. There is no stairs.
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