Celebrating Tradition and Devotion on the Sacred Path of Kumano

The Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival

Every year in mid-April, Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, one of Japan's most revered shrines, comes alive with the Spring Festival . Located in Wakayama Prefecture and part of the Kumano network of sacred shrines, this festival is a unique celebration of Japanese spirituality, combining nature, culture, and tradition in a series of ceremonies, processions, and rituals. It is an opportunity for both locals and pilgrims to connect with their spiritual roots and celebrate the rebirth that spring brings.

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Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the three great shrines of Kumano, collectively known as the "Kumano Sanzan" (the Three Great Shrines of Kumano), along with Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. These three shrines, located on the Kii Peninsula, are at the heart of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, one of the oldest sacred routes in Japan, dating back over a thousand years.

Considered a place of deep spirituality, Kumano Hongu Taisha is known for its serene atmosphere and its central role in Japanese Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The Kumano region is revered as a “Land of the Gods” and attracts both devotees and tourists seeking the peace and wisdom of the ancient paths. The Spring Festival celebrates this sacred heritage and gives thanks to the gods of Kumano for their protection and abundance.

The Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival takes place from April 13 to 15. Over three days, traditional rituals and processions offer an authentic glimpse into Japanese spirituality, in a festival that honors both nature and the shrine's guardian deities.

On April 13, parents and their young children purify themselves in the sacred waters of Yunomine Onsen before walking the Dainichi-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to Oyunohara, dressed in traditional costumes. Young children have the character "big" written on their foreheads and are forbidden from touching the ground.

On April 15, the deities of Kumano are invoked to temporarily take up residence in a portable shrine called a mikoshi and return to their original landing place, Oyunohara. It is carried with great pomp and solemnity on the shoulders of 20 to 30 people. It is an exciting event, as the mikoshi spins and is tossed into the air as it makes its journey, purifying the village. Various rituals and celebrations take place at Oyunohara, including fire rituals and mochi rice cake scrambling. The atmosphere is serene, traditional, authentic, and inspiring. The ascetics of the Yamabushi Mountains also perform a fire ritual. If you are interested in experiencing a traditional festival in the tranquil and spiritual Kumano Mountains, this is the festival for you.

Festival action

The Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival is a unique experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the mysticism and solemnity of Shinto traditions. The natural setting of the Kii Peninsula and the shrine's atmosphere make the festival a celebration not only of religion, but also of the harmony between humans and nature.

This annual event attracts both devotees and tourists interested in discovering Japanese culture from a spiritual and authentic perspective. Participating in the festival is an opportunity to walk the historic Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to take part in a festival that celebrates centuries of devotion and respect for natural forces.

The Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival is, at its core, a celebration of renewal, community, and faith in the protection of Kumano's deities. Each year, their return symbolizes the continuity of Japanese spirituality and allows visitors to participate in a tradition that has endured for centuries, remembering the beauty and serenity of this sacred path.