Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine

Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine, located in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, is said to be one of Japan's oldest shrines. Dedicated to Izanami-no-Mikoto, the mother goddess of Japanese mythology, its defining feature is that it has no main hall. Worshipping a giant rock about 45 meters high as its sacred body, it is a power spot where the primeval faith of nature worship survives intact. It is also included among the components of the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."

Highlights

- The Giant Sacred Rock: The sight of a towering rock so large you must look up is breathtaking. The prayer to nature itself, with no main hall, lets you feel the primeval mystery firsthand. - Otsunakake Rite: A rite held twice a year, a spirited event in which a great rope about 170 meters long is strung from the sacred rock across the grounds, a rare sight even in Japan. - Nature of Kumano: Close to the Kumano Sea, the surrounding area spreads into the World Heritage zone of the Kumano Kodo.

Enjoying the Seasons

You can worship year-round, but the Otsunakake rite held on February 2 and October 2 is especially worth seeing. During the mild weather of spring and autumn, worship combined with a walk along the Kumano Kodo is recommended. Being near the sea, you can worship in refreshing air on sunny days.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 130 Arima-cho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture - Access: About a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride from Kumano-shi Station on the JR Kisei Main Line. By car, about 5 minutes from the Kumano-Odomari Interchange on the Kumano-Owase Road. - Hours: Grounds open freely - Admission: Free

A Quick Tip

The form of nature worship with no main hall is a mystical experience you cannot find at other shrines. Many visit this spot along with a pilgrimage of the World Heritage Kumano area. Timing your visit to the Otsunakake rite lets you touch the faith of Hana-no-Iwaya more deeply.