Top most beautiful temples and shrines in Wakayama

The sanctuary Okunoin Temple has been a place of comfort and support not only for the common people, but also for samurai warriors from 200 years ago. The road to the temple is 2 km long, surrounded by a mystic grove of Japanese cedar trees, which leaves you with a lasting impression. It is a power spot that cleanses your soul.

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.

Kongobuji temple is the headquarters of Mount Koya Shingon Buddhism. This is the place to experience Japanese culture through your five senses. Encounter the beauty of Japan by walking through the great variety of rooms, listening to the Buddhist sermons given by the monks, and participating in a meditation session.

1,200 years have passed since the opening of Mount Koya. There are many highlights to see at Mount Koya Danjo Garan, including the Chumon Gate now being reconstructed and the special unveiling of Buddhist relics.

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 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.

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.

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.

Established in 770, this is the ancient No. 2 temple along the pilgrimage of the Saigoku-Sanjūsansho (33 temples in the Kinki region). The 500 cherry trees within the temple grounds go into bloom earlier than anywhere else so that the temple has been called “the temple that beckons spring to the Kinki region”. Inside the new Buddha Hall is enshrined Japan’s largest gold-leafed Thousand-Armed Kannon with a height of 11m. At the top of the 231 steps leading to the temple, the view of Wakanoura Bay is stunning.