Kumano Hongu Taisha — Grand Shrine at Sacred Rivers' Confluence

Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社) is the head shrine of the Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines) and spiritual terminus of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. Originally located on a sandbar at the confluence of the Kumano River and Otonashi River, the shrine was moved to higher ground after catastrophic flooding in 1889, but the original site — Oyunohara (大斎原) — remains a sacred power spot marked by Japan's largest torii gate (33.9 meters tall, black steel construction erected in 2000).

The current shrine complex features hinoki cypress buildings with traditional black timber and copper-roof architecture, housing four kami deities associated with creation, nature, and healing. The main hall cannot be entered (viewing from the worship hall), but the atmosphere is serene — ancient cedar trees shade the grounds, and the sound of the nearby rivers creates a constant murmur. Oyunohara, a 10-minute walk from the main shrine, is where pilgrims gather at the massive torii gate standing in an open field of river stones — the original shrine's foundation stones are still visible, and the site radiates spiritual energy intensified by its natural setting. The juxtaposition of the human-scale original shrine site and the modern colossal torii creates a powerful meditation on impermanence and devotion. Kumano Hongu Taisha is the emotional climax of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage — reaching this shrine after days of mountain walking fulfills centuries of pilgrim tradition.