The Otsunakake Ritual at Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine: The Meaning of the Great Rope Draped over a Sacred Rock, and Tips for Visitors

What is the Otsunakake at Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine?

Along the Iseji route of the Kumano Kodo, on the coast of Kumano City in Mie Prefecture, stands Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine. It has no main hall; instead, the enormous rock face soaring toward the sky is itself the sacred body of the deity. Enshrined here is Izanami-no-Mikoto, the goddess of creation in Japanese mythology. The shrine is one of the component assets of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.'

The ritual of stretching a great rope across this rock face is known as the Otsunakake of Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine. It is the central event of the grand festivals held each February and October. Standing on the grounds, you cannot help but pause at the sight of a long rope being drawn from the top of the rock down toward the approach path.

The Meaning Woven into the Rope

Seasonal Flowers and the Name 'Hana-no-Iwaya'

Seasonal flowers, fans, and other decorations are tied to the rope. The name 'Hana-no-Iwaya' (Cavern of Flowers) is said to connect with an old text that reads, 'In the season of flowers, worship with flowers.' The feeling of offering nature's blessings to the gods has been passed down to this day, albeit in evolving forms.

A Ritual Carried on by the Local Community

The rope is prepared by hand through the efforts of local residents, and is hoisted up as participants look on. More than a tourist event, it is a ritual that extends from the prayers of this land. Being present and taking in that atmosphere, you begin to sense why Kumano has long been called 'the land of rebirth.'

Things to Know Before You Visit

• Dates: The ritual is typically held in February and October, though exact dates and the flow of the event may vary year to year. Please check the Kumano City tourism information or the shrine's official sources before visiting.
• Crowds: On festival days, worshippers and spectators gather in larger numbers. Arrive with time to spare, and follow the flow of the crowd and the guidance of staff.
• Clothing: The site is exposed to sea breezes, so dress warmly in winter, and prepare for sun and wind in autumn. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Etiquette: The sacred rock is an object of worship. When taking photos, please be considerate of other worshippers and avoid disrupting the ritual.

Hana-no-Iwaya Is Also Captivating on Non-Ritual Days

Even outside the Otsunakake day, simply gazing up at the rock in the quiet precinct is enough to settle the heart. The Shichiri Mihama coast stretches just beyond, where you may see worshippers picking up stones along the shore. The scenery where the sea, the rock, and ancient faith overlap is something unique to the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula.

How to Incorporate It into Your Kumano Journey

Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine is located on the Kumano City side, slightly apart from the Kumano Sanzan. If you plan to combine it with a tour of the three grand shrines, we recommend allowing plenty of time for travel. Pair it with a walk along the Iseji Kodo to savor the depth of Kumano, which stretches back to the age of myths.

The single rope draped over the rock is a sign of prayer connecting people, nature, and the gods. On your Kumano journey, we hope you'll have the chance to experience this atmosphere for yourself.

Image: 和歌山フォトライブラリー (via 和歌山フォトライブラリー)