1/3

Show All Image

Kumano Taisha

山形県

4.4

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Tohoku's Ise, also known as a power spot.

Kumano Taisha is one of the three Kumano shrines and is considered to be one of Yamagata Prefecture's foremost power spots, with blessings for matchmaking. It is said that if you find all three rabbits in the sculpture behind the main hall, your wish will come true. If you get tired of searching, enjoy tea time at "icho cafe".

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic History

Highlights

Point 1

A Power Spot where You Can Receive the Blessing of Matchmaking

Kumano Taisha Shrine is widely known as a matchmaking shrine, as it enshrines a god who is said to have been the first to propose in Japan. Many people visit the shrine with hopes of marriage or partnership. Its popularity as a matchmaking shrine also makes it a popular spot for dates. The beautiful grounds and charming buildings create a romantic atmosphere for couples. Especially during seasons when flowers and scenery can be enjoyed, many couples visit. Despite being a sacred place, Kumano Taisha Shrine has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel at ease. It is visited not only by those praying for good marriage prospects or partnerships, but also by those wishing for everyday happiness and family harmony. The matchmaking power and romantic atmosphere of Kumano Taisha Shrine are loved by many. It is a special place for those considering marriage or wanting to deepen their bond with their partner!

Point 2

A Large Shrine with Few Similarities Nationwide!

The main hall of Kumano Taisha Shrine is a large building with few similarities nationwide. When it was rebuilt in 1787, the first form was well preserved, and the closed hall also has elements of Shugendo. This is a unique form that reflects the faith of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, and is a valuable example that is not often seen in other regions. The main hall has a large thatched roof and a unique form of Mukae-bi, showing the regional characteristics unique to the Tohoku region. As a building from the late Edo period, it is an excellent presence nationwide. As a central presence in shrine architecture from the Muromachi period to the Edo period, it has become historically and culturally valuable. The main hall of Kumano Taisha Shrine conveys important elements of the region's history and faith through its architectural style and unique form. Its existence is also an important material for research on Japanese architectural history and culture, and its historical and cultural value is extremely high!

Point 3

Find the "Three Rabbits" and Your Wishes Will Come True

Behind the main hall of Kumano Shrine, there is a sculpture called the "Three Rabbits." According to legend, if you find all three rabbits, your wishes will come true. However, finding the rabbits is not easy. At the reception desk, you can only get information on the location of the first two rabbits. You have to find the rest on your own. It's said that if you hear about the rabbits' location from others, the rabbits' blessings will disappear. Therefore, you need to use your own power and insight to find the third rabbit. Searching for the "Three Rabbits" can be seen as a kind of adventure for visitors. There is a sense of joy and accomplishment in finding them on your own. Additionally, through the search for the rabbits, you can face your own wishes and calm your mind in a sacred space.

Point 4

"Kanade" Festival: Entrusting Visitors' Wishes to Wind Chimes

At Kumano Taisha Shrine, the "Kanade" prayer festival is held from June to the end of September. During this festival, there is a custom of entrusting visitors' wishes to wind chimes and praying. Many wind chimes are decorated around the main shrine, welcoming visitors with their cool and refreshing sound. Wind chimes are a symbol of Japanese summer, and their sound provides a sense of coolness and healing. At Kumano Taisha Shrine, the sound of these wind chimes plays a role in delivering visitors' wishes to the sacred space and enhancing the power of prayer. During the Kanade Festival, visitors can express their wishes and prayers through the wind chimes and entrust them to the shrine's gods. The sound of the wind chimes calms visitors' hearts and provides an experience enveloped in a sacred atmosphere. The Kanade Festival at Kumano Taisha Shrine is a special time to offer prayers quietly while enjoying the beauty and sound of wind chimes. Through this festival, visitors can convey the voice of their hearts and seek new hopes and happiness.

Point 5

Tower Over the Wide Grounds - The Great Ginkgo Tree!

In the vast grounds of Kumano Taisha Shrine stands a magnificent ginkgo tree with a root circumference of 8 meters and an age of 900 years. This great ginkgo tree has been designated as a natural monument of Yamagata Prefecture and plays an important role in welcoming visitors to the shrine. You can feel the greatness of the tree from the lushness of its branches and the thickness of its trunk. Having grown over many years, this tree has a deep connection to the region's history and culture. The 900-year-old ginkgo tree, along with the sacred atmosphere that surrounds it, gives healing and respect to many visitors. Along with the scenery of the four seasons, the presence of this great ginkgo tree is a special value for the people and tourists of the region as part of Kumano Taisha Shrine. As a symbol of the greatness and immutability of nature, the ginkgo tree gives many people inspiration and respect. Its beautiful appearance and historical value will surely be a special experience for those who visit Kumano Taisha Shrine!

Sightseeing

One of the Three Kumano Shrines, also known as the Ise of the Tohoku Region

Kumano Taisha Shrine, also known as the Ise of the Tohoku region, is one of the Three Kumano Shrines. It's a famous power spot for matchmaking and is also gaining attention in Yamagata prefecture. At the entrance of the approach stands a large torii gate, and along the approach stands a proud 850-year-old ginkgo tree. Climbing up the 46 stone steps, you'll see the solemn haiden and the elegant main hall. Behind the main hall is a sculpture called "Three Rabbits," and it's said that your wish will come true if you find all three rabbits. You can learn the location of the first two rabbits at the reception desk, but you'll need to find the third one on your own. It's said that there will be no benefit if you tell others the location of the third rabbit, so try to find it by yourself. Kumano Taisha Shrine is revered by many people for its dignified buildings and sacred atmosphere, and many worshippers visit. Many people visit to pray for matchmaking and wishes to come true, and you can feel the peace of mind in the quiet shrine. Kumano Taisha Shrine is an important cultural property in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, and conveys the depth of history and faith!

Access

Access by a 20-minute Walk from Miyauchi Station!

If you're using public transportation to access Kumano Taisha, first head to Miyauchi Station on the Yamagata Railway. From there, it's about a 20-minute walk to the shrine. You can follow the road signs and guideposts from Miyauchi Station to reach Kumano Taisha. If you're using a private car, take the Tohoku Expressway and exit at Fukushima-Iizaka IC. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Kumano Taisha. There are guide signs along the way, and you can access the shrine smoothly by using the road. Additionally, there are parking lots around Kumano Taisha, so consider using them if you're visiting by car.

Basic Information

	Address	3476-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo-shi, Yamagata 992-0472
	Business Hours	Open Monday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
	TEL	0238-47-7777
	Web Site	http://kumano-taisha.or.jp/

Better Visit Together

Recommended Spots

上杉謙信を祭神とするパワースポット神社！