A Kumano shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture dedicated to the powerful deities of the Kumano Sanzan, the three sacred mountains of the Kumano region. These shrines serve as regional branches of the famous pilgrimage sites in Wakayama Prefecture, bringing the spiritual power and blessings of Kumano closer to local communities.
- Denomination
- Kumano
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Kumano Sanzan deities
- Kami enshrined
- Kumano Hayatama no Okami, Kumano Fusumi no Okami, Kumano Musubi no Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.4528772, 139.2877817
Visitor tip
Look for the distinctive three-legged crow (Yatagarasu) symbol, which is closely associated with Kumano shrines.
Cultural notes
Kumano worship centers around the concept of rebirth and spiritual purification, with the three sacred mountains representing different aspects of Buddhist and Shinto syncretism that was prevalent before the Meiji period separation of religions.
Historical note
Kumano shrines spread throughout Japan as the Kumano faith gained popularity, particularly during the Heian and Kamakura periods when imperial pilgrimages to the main Kumano Sanzan sites made the tradition widely known. Regional Kumano shrines were established to serve those who could not make the arduous journey to the original sacred mountains.