View Point
An outstanding unobstructed view (The Gotobiki-iwa Rock of Mt. Kamikura)
Index
The origin of Kumano Sanzan, the three sanctuaries inhabited by the gods
Gotobiki-iwa Rock is a sacred place where the god Kumano Okami, who is worshipped at Kumano Sanzan shrines, is said to have descended. Climb the 538 steep stone steps to visit the 11 m high Gotobiki-iwa Rock. Looking back, you will feel a sensation of purity as you gaze out over the city of Shingu and the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon.
The stage of the magnificent fire festival
Gotobiki-iwa rock comprises rhyolite that was formed around 15 million years ago by volcanic activity in the Kumano Region. Nihon Shoki records concerning Emperor Jinmu state that “he climbed Amanoiwatate,” and this sentence is thought to refer to the steep rock surface and the Gotobiki-iwa rock at the top. This place has long been well known as a place where practitioners of the Shugendo religion gathered, and the “Oto Festival” that was born out of this long history has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Every year on February 6th, men(called “Agari-ko”) dressed in white robes run down the mountain with torches in han.
Spectacular view points of The Gotobiki-iwa Rock of Mt. Kamikurasan
| Address | 〒647-0081 1-13-8 Kamikura, Shingu-shi, Wakayama, Japan |
|---|---|
| Traffic Access |
By public transportation：From “Shingu Station” on the JR Kinokuni-line, walk for around 20 minutes. By car：From Osaka/Wakayama, around 90 to 120 minutes’ drive from Kamitonda IC. |
| Parking | Available（ free ） |
| Supported Language | Explanatory signboard in English. |
| Contact | Kumano Hayatama-taisha shrine TEL：0735-22-2533 Web：https://kumanohayatama.jp |
* Information is subject to change. Please be sure to check with the site/facility before heading out.
