丹生神社

This ancient shrine is dedicated to Niu Myōjin, a powerful kami associated with cinnabar (mercury ore) and sacred mountains, who has been revered since pre-Buddhist times as a protector deity of the Kii Peninsula. The shrine holds particular significance in esoteric Buddhism and Shinto syncretism, as Niu Myōjin was believed to grant permission for Buddhist monks to practice in the sacred Kumano mountains. Visitors and pilgrims seek blessings for safe mountain travel, spiritual purification, and protection, especially those undertaking the traditional Kumano Kodō pilgrimage routes that have been walked for over a thousand years.