丹生神社

This ancient shrine is dedicated to Niu-tsu-hime-no-mikoto, the Shinto deity of cinnabar (mercury ore) and divine protection, who played a crucial role in the spiritual foundation of nearby Koyasan. As one of the guardian shrines of the sacred Buddhist mountain, it serves as a bridge between Shinto and Buddhist traditions, where pilgrims seek purification and divine guidance before ascending to the holy temples. Worshippers come here to pray for safe travels, spiritual protection, and to honor the kami who is believed to have guided Kobo Daishi in establishing the monastic center on Mount Koya.