Great gate
The original site of Kumano Hongu Taisha , three of the six shrine buildings that made up the grand shrine in Oyunohara were swept away by a ferocious flood in 1889. The surviving shrine buildings were relocated to the present site. However, the area still impresses with a towering torii gate–the largest in Japan. The gate represents the division of the secular and spiritual worlds.
How to Get There
Oyunohara can be reached by car or on foot, after taking a train and bus.
A bus from JR Kii-Tanabe Station will take you to the area in around two hours where you will disembark at Hongu-taisha mae. Those traveling from Shingu station will have a slightly shorter travel time of one hour and 20 minutes.
Get the stunning views
Oyunohara's location in lush Wakayama nature lends itself to an ever-changing backdrop as the seasons cycle through their changes. It draws photographers looking for that authentic Japanese shot of a torii gate among the bright and subtle pinks of spring cherry blossoms or the deep reds and yellows of vibrant fall leaves. Also known as a power spot, the area is popular with those looking to charge up their spiritual energy.
* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.