[2025 Shingu Attraction] Travel Guide for Kamikura Shrine (Updated Apr)

Staying in Shingu for a day post Kumano Kodo trek. Walked to the Kamikura Shrine precinct and enjoyed the serene greenness of the area. The first run of stairs leading up the hillside to this shrine is the steepest and most daunting, but the views over the city are totally worth the 500+ stair climb to this pretty little shrine. Just take it slow and easy and you'll reach your reward. There's a windy dirt trail that bypasses these steep stairs and leads from a flat rest point at the midpoint of the climb down to the bottom. It looks to some folks like it might be easier to take than the stairs, but I think the many tree roots on this path actually make it more dangerous, particularly if there's been rain and the soil is slick. Our legs went straight to muscle memory and enjoyed climbing up the steep steps. Spectacular views across Shingu to the sea. A very enjoyable experience. #givethanks #givethanks

Save this post! If you had to choose the most mystical and spiritual place in Japan, ⛩it would have to be the Kumano Kodo. 📍The Kumano Kodo isn't one specific trail, but a collective term for the many pilgrimage routes between the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha/Kumano Hayatama Taisha/Kumano Nachi Taisha). . 🚩6 Traditional Hiking Routes🚩 🚏Nakahechi Route: From Tanabe to the Kumano Sanzan, this route is relatively flat and the most popular. It's the official route used by emperors and nobles since the Heian period, and passes by the ruins of a group of shrines known as the Ninety-Nine Princes. There are plenty of places to resupply along the way, and you can also choose to hike shorter sections of the main route. 🚏Ohechi Route: From Kii-Tanabe to Nachikatsuura, this route follows the coastline and offers beautiful scenery. 🚏Kohechi Route: From Mount Koya to Kumano Hongu Taisha, this 70km route crosses three high mountains and is very challenging. 🚏Iseji Route: From Ise Grand Shrine to the Kumano Sanzan, this route is 170km long. 🚏Kii Route: From Osaka to Tanabe, this route doesn't reach the Kumano Sanzan and is rarely hiked. 🚏Omine Okugakemichi Route: From Yoshino to Kumano Hongu Taisha, this 170km route is the most difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers. . 🚩Recommended Routes for Beginners🚩 Completing any of the above routes takes at least 4–5 days, which can be difficult for most people. So, here are a few shorter routes that capture the essence of the Kumano Kodo. 📍These are generally half-day trips, suitable for those who prefer a lighter hike: 📍Hosshinmon-oji - Kumano Hongu Taisha ✅This section is about 7km long and takes 2–3 hours to hike. It's the most scenic part of the Nakahechi Route. ✅The path is flat and winds through beautiful mountain scenery, making it a classic route for beginners. It's also one of the routes that qualifies for pilgrim certification. . 📍Koyanasaka - Shingu Sannomiya ✅This route is about 7km long and takes about 2–3 hours. ✅Starting from Kumano Hayatama Taisha near Shingu Station, it passes by Kamikura Jinja and Asuka Jinja, following the coastline to Koyanasaka. Hike along to the sound of the waves and see black sand beaches similar to those in Iceland. . 📍Daimonzaka - Kumano Nachi Taisha - Nachi Falls ✅This route is only 1km long, but it's entirely made up of moss-covered stone steps, making it quite tiring. It takes at least an hour to walk. ✅At the entrance to Daimonzaka are the famous Meoto Sugi (Husband and Wife Cedar Trees). The towering ancient trees along the way make you feel like you've traveled back to the Heian period. You can even rent Heian period costumes for photos.

✅ Overview Kamikura Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, is known as the sacred place where Kumano Okami first descended, and is the starting point of Kumano faith. At the top of the steep stone steps, the sacred rock "Gotobiki Rock" is enshrined, and a sacred atmosphere pervades the place. 💡 Recommended points * Sacred rock "Gotobiki Rock" Gotobiki Rock, which can be said to be the symbol of Kamikura Shrine, is a huge rock about 10m high and about 20m in circumference, and as its name suggests, it is shaped like a frog. This rock is said to be the place where the Kumano gods first descended, and you can feel its strong power. * Spectacular view Kamikura Shrine is located on the middle of Mt. Gongen at an altitude of about 200m, and from the shrine grounds you can see the whole of Shingu city and Kumano Nada. The view at sunset is particularly breathtaking. * History The date of Kamikura Shrine's founding is unknown, but it is a historic shrine that has attracted worshippers since ancient times. It is also part of the Kumano Kodo trail, so you can feel the history as you visit. 👀Here's what you should pay attention to! * Oto Matsuri The Oto Matsuri, held every year on February 6th, is the annual festival of Kamikura Shrine, and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The sight of men in white robes running down the steep stone steps with flaming torches is heroic and impressive. * Stone steps The stone steps leading to Kamikura Shrine are 538 steps in a steep incline, and just climbing them is quite a workout. However, the sense of accomplishment when you reach the top is exceptional. The stone steps are also part of the Kumano Kodo trail, so you can feel the history as you walk. ℹ️Information Address: Shingu, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture Access: About 20 minutes on foot from JR Shingu Station Get off at the Kumano Kotsu bus stop "Kamikura Jinja-mae" Opening hours: None Fee: Free ✨Summary Kamikura Shrine is a power spot where you can enjoy the sacred atmosphere and spectacular views! Please visit once and feel its power. We are providing information on tourist spots all over the country! Please check out our other articles! #DomesticTravelStrategy #DomesticTravel