Ever wonder what it felt like to step back in time? Here at Kumano Shrine, you almost can. Kumano Shrine stands on the northwest corner of Higashiyama and Marutamachi streets. It is in northeast Kyoto.
Let’s take a look at its history. Monk Nichiren founded Kumano Shrine in 811. He also founded Nichiren Buddhism. This shrine honors deities from Japan’s Kumano region. That region exists today as Wakayama and Mie prefectures. Kumano Shrine was built to protect the country.
Izanagi and Izanami are also enshrined here. They are deities from Japanese mythology. They birthed the islands of Japan according to the mythology. People come here to pray for safe childbirth. They also pray for success in marriage.
The Onin War caused heavy damage between 1467 and 1477. This occurred during the Muromachi Period. Kumano Jinja was restored in 1666 during the Edo Period. Buildings were moved from Shimogamo Shrine for another restoration. That restoration happened in 1835. The Imperial family has long supported Kumano Shrine. Their palace was nearby.
Kumano Shrine’s main festivals occur on April 29 and May 16. There are over 3,000 Kumano shrines throughout Japan. Three of them are in Kyoto. One is near Eikando Temple.
Did you know that “Kyoto San Kumano” refers to three Kumano shrines in Kyoto? They represent real Kumano’s important shrines. These shrines imitate Kumano’s sacred sites because visiting Kumano was very difficult. Mountain roads made the pilgrimage hard. Ex-Emperor Goshirakawa had Imakumano Shrine built in 1160. It’s south of Sanjusangendo.
Take a moment to appreciate the architecture. The present main shrine dates from 1663.
The Kumano Kodo routes have been used for over 1,000 years for Kumano worship. It flourished as Japan’s largest sacred site during the Middle Ages.
Notice the Yatagarasu symbol. Yatagarasu is a three-legged crow. It is a symbol of the Kumano region. This crow god guided Emperor Jimmu. Jimmu traveled from Shingu to Yamato.
As you leave Kumano Shrine, consider its long history. It has been a place of prayer. It has been a place of protection. It has been a place of imperial patronage. May your visit bring you safety and success.