Jul 7, 2020
Kamishikimi Kumano-imasu Shrine by itsyourjapan
seen from Russia
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Hong Kong SAR China
seen from Russia
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Canada
seen from Taiwan
seen from United Kingdom
seen from United States
Kamishikimi Kumano-imasu Shrine by itsyourjapan
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine by ramumi8
The stairs lead you up through the tall cedar trees where you are transported to a green and sacred space. Along the path 50 pairs of stone lanterns are placed giving the shrine its mystical atmosphere, which inspired an animator into making the anime, Hotarubi no Mori e or Into the Forest of the Fireflies.
According to Japanese mythology, the shrine is dedicated to the first female and male deities, Izanami and Izanagi. They were the first Shinto kami to marry and so the shrine often attract people praying for good relationships. There is also the legend of a demon called Kihachi which dwells in the nearby mountain.
It’s interesting to know that behind every shrines and temples, there are some histories and legends behind it, which you can read more here.
Kamishikimi Kumano-imasu Shrine (上色见熊野座神社) by monkichi_gram_