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Access to Kumano Hayatama Taisha: The Option of "Walking In"
Among the three Kumano shrines (Kumano Sanzan), Kumano Hayatama Taisha stands close to the station. Unlike Hongu, deep in the mountains, or Nachi, perched on a seaside height, this shrine sits right in the heart of Shingu town. That gives you the pleasure of choosing how you arrive.
This article focuses on the route of "walking from Shingu Station," while also organizing how to combine this with bus or car options.
The Gateway: JR Shingu Station
If you come by train, your gateway is JR Shingu Station on the Kisei Main Line. Many travelers arrive via limited express from Osaka or Nagoya, and the station also serves as a base for touring the three Kumano shrines. Once you arrive, it's a good idea to first check the direction of the shrine on a map app.
From the station to the shrine, the walk is often said to take about fifteen minutes or so. However, this varies depending on your pace and whether you stop along the way, so allow plenty of time.
How to Think About the Walk
From the Station Area into Town
After leaving the station, you pass through the calm townscape typical of a regional city. This isn't a touristy approach road, but one where everyday life is still present. Slowing your pace a little here helps shift your traveler's mindset from "transit" to "pilgrimage."
Sensing the River Along the Way
Shingu is a town that opens out at the mouth of the Kumano River. As you draw closer to the shrine, the atmosphere of the town gradually shifts. If you keep the direction of the river in mind as you walk, it becomes easier to imagine how the Kumano River itself was once used as a pilgrimage route.
Arriving at the Vermilion Shrine
Passing through the torii gate, the vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings come into view. When you arrive on foot, you can savor the contrast of stepping from the heart of town into the quiet precincts. Once you've made it this far, first purify your hands and mouth at the chozuya, take a deep breath, and then head to pay your respects.
By Bus, Taxi, or Car
On hot days, rainy days, or when you have a lot of luggage, bus and taxi are also good options. Buses depart from Shingu Station, but the frequency and stop names may change. Please check the latest information from the operating company before you set out.
If you're driving, the common route is to exit the Kisei Expressway and head into the city center. Some streets in town are a bit tangled, so look up the parking lot location in advance to avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Decide Your Return Route in Advance Too
On a day when you walk to the shrine from the station, you might use a different means of transport on the way back. For example, you could stroll back to the station through town after your visit, or call a taxi if you get tired. Rather than sticking to the same method for both legs, choosing based on your energy and the weather creates a bit of breathing room in your trip.
In Closing
The appeal of accessing Kumano Hayatama Taisha is how easily you can walk there from Shingu Station. Walking through town lets you take in the atmosphere of Shingu itself. Once you reach the shrine, be sure to take your time exploring the sights within the precincts and considering its connection to Kamikura Shrine.
Image: 御船祭 (via 熊野速玉大社例大祭）（(公社)和歌山県観光連盟)
