Hosshinmon Oji Shrine is a site of historic remains that is one part of the Kumano Pilgrimage Route, a National Historic Landmark of Japan. The shrine also marks the start of a roughly seven-kilometer walking course that connects it to Wakayama Prefecture’s famous Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. “Hosshinmon” in Japanese refers to a will to convert to Buddhism and undergo training, and the land from here to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is considered sacred ground; it can even be said that it is the gateway to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine’s sacred ground. Hosshinmon Oji Shrine is surrounded by a thick forest of 200- to 300-year old trees, allowing visitors to thoroughly feel the rich nature. Autumn brings a beautiful foliage of changing colors, making it a particularly popular time to visit.

Photographs provided by 公益社団法人和歌山県観光連盟