Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

One of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano along with Hongu and Nachi, this beautiful shrine with its brilliant vermilion-lacquered pavilions is said to have been moved to its current location in the year 128. In the Holy Treasure House within the shrine's grounds, over 1,200 national treasures and important cultural assets are on exhibition. The shrine's more than 1,000-year-old sacred podocarpus nagi tree, named after the Japanese word for "calm," is said to bring safety at sea, world peace, family safety, and love, due to its strong, durable leaves. Long ago, people attempting the Kumano pilgrimage would take a leaf from the tree and place it in their pocket as a protective charm, and pray for safety along the steep pilgrimage trails.

【Fee】Free (500 yen to enter the Holy Treasure House; currently closed)
【Access】Approx. 15 min. walk from JR Shingu Station
【Credit Card Payment】Not accepted
【Foreign Language Support】No　【Parking】Yes (20 spaces)