Top 12 things to do in Kumano according to TripAdvisor

The small Town of Kumano with the population of only 4,500 people is surrounded by mountains located at the Hiroshima prefecture. You might not have heard of the city cause of its size but it has many amazing sights to see, one of these is the world heritage site of Nachi Taisha others include the Nachi falls, the forest path of Kumano kodo and the relaxing out door hot spring of Kawayu onsen. The side trip on your travels to the peaceful town of Kumano might be more worth it than you know.

Kumano Nachi Taisha

Nachi Taisha is one of the red lacquer-painted temples that glisten among the trees. It appears out of the forest along the beautiful stone steps of the Kumano Kodo route. Here, close to Nachi Falls, you will experience the impressive nature of Kumano.

Kumano Kodo Path

During the medieval period of Japan, people used to walk the Kumano Kodo path to reach the sacred Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine. This gorgeous trail through the forest still retains the atmosphere of those days and has been listed as a World Heritage site. Hiking the Kumano Kodo path is a truly special experience.

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hongu Taisha is a gracious shrine with “hinoki” (Japanese cypress) bark thatching. The shrine possesses the largest “torii” gate in Japan. Located near the shrine is a hot springs area listed as a World Heritage site and a hot springs bath in the river, one of Japan’s largest open air baths.

Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Kumano Hayatama Taisha is one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines, and the head shrine of the many thousands of Kumano shrines throughout the country. The highlights include the massive evergreen trees and the sacred National Treasures. We also recommend visiting Kamikura Jinja, a detached precinct of the main temple, located on a steep cliff.

Nachi Falls

The nature surrounding Kumano Kodo and Nachi is carefully protected as an object of worship. Nachi Falls is registered as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.

Daimonzaka Tea House

Try wear clothing of the Heian period and imagine going on the Kumano pilgrimage said to have started in the 10th century. There are 2 courses; the Model Course in which you can enjoy taking photos while in costume and the Experience Course where you can go to Nachi Grand Shrine. ＊Participants can take their own photos (there is no photographer provided).

Kawayu Onsen

You can create your own “onsen” by mixing the hot water that bubbles up from the river bottom with the river water to make the temperature just right.. This is a hot springs spot where you can enjoy an open air bath surrounded by nature, under a clear blue or starry sky.

Daimonzaka Slope

An ancient road beautifully preserved in its original state. Daimonzaka is a series of stone steps leading to the holy mountain of Nachi, extending over a distance of 600m and 100m vertically within a mystical cedar forest.

The Former Site of Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine at Ōyunohara

Until its partial destruction in 1889 from floods, Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine was located in Ōyunohara. The area has retained its mysterious atmosphere and is also a popular tourist spot for seeing cherry blossoms.

Tsubo-yu

Tsubo-yu is a famous mountain hot springs spot and Japan’s oldest “onsen”. The natural hot springs’ small rock bath can accommodate 2 or 3 people. The water will gradually change from one color to the next, showing 7 colors in just one day.

Tafukeoji Shrine

One of the many subsidiary Oji shrines remaining in Kumano, it is said to be the last such shrine. When visiting Kumano Grand Shrine, the small Tafukeoji Shrine located alongside the road was the place to pray or give thanks for safety during travel in the area.

Nachi Seiganto-ji Temple

Seiganto-ji Temple has been registered as a World Heritage site as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. From the temple grounds, you can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery of the bright vermillion three-floor pagoda soaring into the sky with Nachi Falls in the background.

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