Japan

Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine

Kumano Hongu Taisha (Grand Shrine) is one of the three main shrines of Kumano Sanzan, part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. All of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes lead to this Grand Shrine. The Kumano area which covers Hayatama Grand Shrine, Nachi Grand Shrine and Hongu Grand Shrine has been a holy place since the Nara Period (AD 710-794). Emperors, aristocrats and pilgrims travelled 300km from Kyoto to visit the grand shrines.

The original Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine was locating on a sandbank at the confluent of Kumano and Otonashi Rivers which is about 5 minutes way from the current location. A big flood in 1889 washed away many of the shrine buildings, leading to the relocation up the hill to the current location.

Address: Japan, 〒647-1731 Wakayama Prefecture, Tanabe, Hongucho Hongu, 1110
Tel: +81 735-42-0009

Transportation: The shortest route is to take Kumano Kotsu or Nara Kotsu bus in front of the JR Shingu Station and get off at Hongu which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, the buses are not very frequent. For various bus routes and schedules in Kumano area, please click here for details.

Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine 熊野本宮大社
Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine is on top of a long flight of 158 stone steps, avoiding any floods.
走過鳥居後,要走上這條158級石梯可到達熊野本宮大社。現在的位置那麼高,不會被洪水影響。
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine 熊野本宮大社
A Hiden is on the left when you reach the top of the steps. Hiden is a place where the priest pray to the god for the worshippers. There are two stone crafted Yatagarasu (three-legged crow) on either side which symbolizes the eternal harmony among god, nature and mankind.
石梯最頂左邊是拜殿,左右有兩座八咫烏石雕,代表天地人的和諧。
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine 熊野本宮大社
Passing through this amazing Shinmon, you will enter the main hall (Honden).
過了這道莊嚴的神門便進入神殿。
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine 熊野本宮大社
Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine is a great example of Japanese shrine architecture, using unfinished natural material to blend into the natural environment and the roofs are made of Japanese cypress bark. It is a quaint and tranquil shrine.
熊野本宮大社是日本神社建築的典範,以原始木材建造,屋頂採用日本柏樹皮,古樸優雅。
Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine 熊野本宮大社
There is a Jyuhosho outside the main shrine where you can get amulets and Ema (prayer wooden plagues). In fact, this building would be the first one you see after you finished the stone steps.
神殿外有賣御守和繪馬的地方,參拜完可以買個紀念品回家。其實這是石梯最頂你第一個見到的建築物,但買御守通常是參拜後,所以現在才介紹。
Yatagarasu post box 八咫烏郵筒
The Yatagarasu post box is the most interesting thing in this shrine. You may send a postcard in the special post box here or buy one home.Why Yatagarasu? It was believed to the messenger from god that led the first Emperor of Japan win his battle!
這裡最特別是有一個黑色的八咫烏郵筒,你可以在這裡寄信給親友或者買個小郵筒回家,很可愛!為何是八咫烏郵筒?因為八咫烏相傳是神之使者,引領神武天皇取得勝利,當然會為你帶來好消息!
Kumano Hongu Taisha 熊野本宮大社
After you visit and go back down, there is a coffee shop and some souvenir shops at the bottom right hand side. “Take a coffee. Have a nice day!” on the banner. Sure!
參拜後沿路下樓梯回程,到山腳會看見一間咖啡廳和幾間手信店。樹林中的咖啡廳和商店外型吸引,而且還有廣告寫上「喝杯咖啡,渡過美好的一天」,當然要試試!
Kumano Hongu Taisha 熊野本宮大社
There’s no better thing than having a cup of nice warm coffee after hiking 300 steps (round trip) in the morning.
來回300多級樓梯参神後,最好是嘆一杯熱咖啡,休息一下。
Kumano Hongu Taisha 熊野本宮大社
The coffee is Kumano blend. Pretty Good.
咖啡是熊野自家煎焙咖啡,味道不錯!
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