Hinokuma & Kunikakasu Shrines
日前神宮・國懸神宮
The Ichinomiya of Kii Province, where two shrines are enshrined within one grounds. Said to be linked to Ise Grand Shrine, it is one of the oldest shrines in Wakayama.
Hinokuma Shrine and Kunikakasu Shrine stand side by side in an ancient forest, each with its own symmetrical sanctuary building. They form the Ichinomiya (the highest-ranked shrine) of Kii Province, and are said to have a history of more than 2,000 years. According to legend, the first two of the mirrors cast by Amaterasu-Omikami’s retreat into the Ama-no-Iwato are enshrined here, which is why it has close ties to Ise Grand Shrine. The grounds are quiet and solemn, and visiting is free. It is about one minute’s walk from Hinokuma-mae Station on the Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line, and it can be combined with Kishi Station, Kamayama Shrine, and Itakiso Shrine to create a “Kishigawa Line Three Shrine Pilgrimage.”
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Wakayama Ramen (Ide Shoten)
- Wakayama Castle
- Kimii-dera
- Wakanoura & Tamatsushima Shrine
- Kishu Toshogu
- Yosuien Garden
- Saikazaki & Bandokoro Garden
- Kuroshio Market (Wakayama Marina City)