Oyunohara in Wakayama Prefecture

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Facts & Figures

Oyunohara, a sandbank at the confluence of the Otonashi and Kumano Rivers, was until 1889 the location of the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine before the buildings got destroyed by a huge flood. It is still a very popular tourist spot, because of the construction of the largest Torii Gate (Otorii) in the world with a height of 33.9 meters and a width of 42 meters at the entrance to this sacred area. Otorii means big gate and it is made out of steel with a weight of 172 tons. Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.
 Get Your Pass Now and Save! > Since ancient times people have believed that this place is a mystical power spot and Oyunohara is an important part of the pilgrimage to sacred Kumano Sanzan (three Grand Shrines of Kumano). During special events throughout the year, like the Yata-no-Hi Matsuri Fire Festival (end of August) or the Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival (13th - 15th of April), the gate gets illuminated.

• Oyunohara:
• Open - always, 24/7
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the best parts of the Wakayama Prefecture with a local guide? For more details check out this page >

History

In 1889 a massive flood destroyed most of the huge Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, which consisted at that time of twelve shrines in five complexes, a Noh theater stage, a two-story high Romon gate, a Kagura-den dance stage, and many other structures. The complex covered an area of approximately 47000 square meters. The remaining four buildings were relocated to the top of a hill nearby (a 10-minute walk from Oyunohara) in 1891. Two small stone shrines can still be found at Oyunohara. In 2000 Otorii was built at the entrance of the sandbank. It took nearly 12 months to finish the project.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Oyunohara Otorii - The huge gate will make you feel small. The largest Torii Gate in the world is an impressive sight. In the middle of the gate, you will see the symbol of a three-legged crow (Yatagarasu). It is considered a messenger of the sun goddess Amaterasu in Japanese mythology and has a deep meaning in the Shinto religion. These days the symbol is used in the logo of the Japan Football Association. It stands for strength and giving direction for the victory.

Kumano Hongu Taisha - This is a Shinto Shrine that belongs to the three Kumano Sanzan shrines (Hayatama Taisha, Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha — Three Grand Shrines of Kumano) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site — Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Kumano Hongu Taisha is just 1km away from Oyunohara. Read more >

Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes - These paths connecting the other sacred UNESCO sites in the area - Koya-san, Hayatama Taisha, Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival (13th till 15th)
This traditional and spiritual festival is closely related to the pilgrimage to Kumano and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. On the 13th of April, fathers carry their young sons, after a purification ceremony held at the sacred waters of Yunomine Onsen, on the shoulders and walking over the Dainichi-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to Oyunohara. Everyone is wearing traditional costumes, which makes this festival so beautiful. On the 15th of April a portable mikoshi shrine is temporarily housing the invoked Kumano Deities and carried to the original location of descend, Oyunohara sandbank. Enjoy this peaceful festival in the Kumano Mountains.

August

Yata-no-Hi Matsuri Fire Festival (last Sat. in August)
The festival is held in Oyunohara (Hongu-cho). It honors the Yatagarasu crow (three-legged crow). Do not miss Taiko drum and dancing shows, great fireworks, and the parading of a fire mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine).