Hayatama Taisha

Kumano Hayatama Taisha (熊野速玉大社) is one of the three grand shrines of Kumano Sanzan, a group of sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountains of Japan, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the city of Shingu in Wakayama Prefecture, Hayatama Taisha is considered one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan.

The shrine is primarily dedicated to the gods Izanagi and Izanami, the creator deities in Japanese mythology, who are believed to be enshrined in the Go-Shintai, the sacred body of the shrine. Hayatama Taisha is also closely associated with the Kumano Kodo (熊野古道), an ancient network of pilgrimage routes that connects various sacred sites in the Kii Peninsula, including the three grand shrines.

Hayatama Taisha is located near the mouth of the Kumano River and is surrounded by lush forests. The shrine complex consists of several buildings, including the main hall (Honden), worship hall (Haiden), and a museum (Takara-den) showcasing the history and cultural heritage of the shrine and the Kumano region.

One of the most prominent features of the shrine is the giant Nagi tree (梛), estimated to be over 1,000 years old. It is believed to be a sacred tree that protects the shrine from natural disasters and is revered by worshippers.

Hayatama Taisha hosts various annual festivals, including the Nagi Festival (なぎ祭) in April, which celebrates the blooming of the Nagi tree, and the Reitaisai Festival (例大祭) in October, which involves a procession of portable shrines and traditional rituals to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest.

Visitors to Hayatama Taisha can participate in traditional activities such as writing wishes on ema (wooden plaques), purifying themselves with water at the temizuya (water ablution pavilion), and purchasing amulets (omamori) and other souvenirs from the shrine’s shop. They can also explore the shrine’s surroundings, including the nearby Kamikura Shrine (神倉神社), an ancient shrine located on a rocky hilltop.

Getting there

By Train

• Take the JR Kisei Main Line to Shingu Station
• From Shingu Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the shrine

From Major Cities

From Osaka/Kyoto:

1. Take the JR Kuroshio limited express to Kii-Tanabe Station
2. Transfer to the JR Kisei Main Line to Shingu Station

From Nagoya:

• Take the JR Nanki limited express train directly to Shingu Station

Details

Hours	Sunrise to 5:00 PM
Admission	Free
Phone	+81 735-22-2533
Address	1Banchi, Shingu, Wakayama 647-0081
Official Website	https://kumanohayatama.jp/