Kamikura Jinja (Gotobiki Iwa)

Overview

The enshrined deities are Amaterasu Omikami and Takakurashimo no Mikoto. As a Sess<audio|> (auxiliary shrine) of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, it is also referred to as 'Kumano Konpon Shinzō Gongen' and 'Kumano Hayatama Taisha Okuin.' It is believed to be the origin of Kumano faith, where Kumano Gongen first descended. The Goshintai (sacred object) is a massive rock on the mountain called 'Gotobiki Iwa' (meaning 'toad' in the local Shingu dialect), situated at the end of 538 steps of steep Kamakura-style stone stairs, said to have been donated by Minamoto no Yoritomo. The 'Otō Matsuri' held every year on February 6th is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, known as the 'Men's Fire Festival Calling Spring to Kumano.'

Highlights

• ・Goshintai: Gotobiki Iwa (massive rock on the mountain)
• ・538 steep stone steps said to have been donated by Minamoto no Yoritomo
• ・Otō Matsuri (National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property)
• ・The origin of Kumano faith