Photo: Zairon / CC BY 4.0Checked · Researched, not yet visited · times from official timetables and our estimates · Takumi Yamada
Kumano Hayatama Taisha is the Kumano grand shrine in Shingu itself: vermilion halls by the Kumano River, a sacred nagi tree, and nothing to climb. JR Shingu Station is 15 minutes on foot.
Kamikura Shrine, 1 km south, is where the Kumano gods are said to have first come down, on the Gotobiki-iwa rock. The way up is 538 steps of piled natural stone, said to have been given by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1193.
Four things the plaques won't tell you
- Who should not climb Kamikura’s main steps: anyone unsure of their legs. The shrine itself sends them to the gentler Onna-zaka path, and says praying from the torii at the foot is fine.
- The shrine asks for trainers, no photographs while walking, and no touching the Gotobiki-iwa rock; do not go past the gap in the rocks, where there is a cliff.
- Walking sticks are left at the foot of the steps: use one and put it back.
- The steps are wet stone after rain. Choose another day’s plan.
The way up is 538 steps of piled natural stone, said to have been given by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1193.
Questions people ask here
Can I walk from the ship to Kumano Hayatama Taisha?
No. The shrine is about 7 km from the berths. Take a taxi, about 15 minutes and about ¥3,000 by our estimate, or ask on board whether the ship runs a shuttle; none is published.
How hard are the Kamikura steps?
Hard. There are 538 of them, of rough natural stone, and the shrine’s own page calls them very steep. It tells people unsure of their legs to use the gentler path beside them or to pray from the torii at the foot.