Kamikura Shrine is known as the holy place where the great Kumano deity first descended to earth before being enshrined as Kumano Sanzan. The shrine and the sacred Gotobiki Rock are located at the top of 538 steep stone steps starting from the foot of Mt. Gongen. It is said that the ancient people believed that the giant rock "Gotobiki Iwa" on top of the cliff was believed to be the home of the gods. The plaza below the shrine is a great view point from which you can see the city of Shingu and the sea.
As a regent shrine of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, it is also registered as a World Heritage Site.
The oldest fire festival in Japan, the "Oto Matsuri" (Sacred Fire Torch Festival) is held every year on February 6. Men dressed in white and carrying torches run down steep stone steps in the dark, praying for peace for the year. The festival is designated as a national important folk cultural asset.
For your information, you can receive the sacred fuda and red seal of Kamikura Shrine at Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine. In addition to various kinds of charms, they also offer special red seals that are only available in 2021.
Highlights
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The shrine's main body, Gotobiki Rock, is located at the top of 538 stone steps made of natural stone.
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From the plaza below the shrine, you can see Shingu City and the sea.
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The stone steps are steep, so if you are worried about your physical strength, take it easy and worship at the lower torii gate.
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Do not drink alcohol or wear high-heeled shoes when you climb.
