Jofuku Park: A Walk at the Foot of Mt. Horai | The Legend of Immortality and Asuka Shrine in Shingu

A story from across the sea, right in the heart of Shingu

Many people visit Shingu to see Kumano Hayatama Taisha or Kamikura Shrine, but there's another small doorway into legend tucked into the town itself: Jofuku Park (Jofuku Koen).

Xu Fu (Jofuku in Japanese) was a figure from China's Qin dynasty who, under orders from Emperor Qin Shi Huang, set out across the sea in search of the elixir of immortality. In Shingu, it has long been said that Xu Fu's final destination was Kumano.

A quick primer on the Xu Fu legend

The outline of the legend goes something like this:

• Under the emperor's command, Xu Fu sets sail eastward in search of Mt. Horai (Penglai), the mythical mountain of immortals said to lie in the eastern sea.
• He is said to have crossed the sea with a large group of people, along with technology and seeds, and landed in Kumano.
• In Kumano, he is said to have searched for medicinal herbs and eventually settled there.

Xu Fu legends can be found all over Japan, and Shingu is one such place. Rather than trying to pin down the "true landing point," I think the right distance is to visit with the mindset of savoring the stories that each place has carefully passed down through the generations.

Highlights of Jofuku Park

Stepping into the park, you're greeted by Chinese-style design, giving it a slightly different atmosphere from the ancient shrines of Kumano. The architecture evokes a sense of connection with lands across the sea, and you feel a mental shift: "Ah, this is the stage of a story from a foreign land."

Within the park there is also what is said to be Xu Fu's grave. Rather than trying to verify this as historical fact, take a quiet look at it as a place where people have joined their hands in prayer for a thousand years and more. Since it's not a large tourist facility, you can take your time without feeling rushed—another part of its charm.

*For details such as opening hours and admission, please check official information from Shingu City or similar sources before your visit.

Asuka Shrine and Mt. Horai: a perfect pair to walk together

Right next to Jofuku Park stands Asuka Shrine. The small hill behind it is called "Mt. Horai"—intriguingly, the same name as the land of immortals that Xu Fu was said to be seeking.

It is also said to be an ancient site of worship with deep ties to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and traces of ancient life have reportedly been found in the surrounding area. The feeling that legend and faith lie seamlessly connected here is something uniquely Shingu.

A sample walking route

1. From Shingu Station, walk through the town to Jofuku Park.
2. Visit the neighboring Asuka Shrine and take in the atmosphere at the foot of Mt. Horai.
3. If you have time, extend your walk to Kumano Hayatama Taisha.

Everything is within walking distance from the station, making it an easy route to fit into a train journey.

A story connected to Kumano's theme of "rebirth"

Since ancient times, Kumano has been called both "the land of the dead" and "the land of rebirth." It seems no coincidence that the story of Xu Fu, who sought immortality, took root in this land as well.

Just keeping Xu Fu's name in a corner of your mind before setting out on a Kumano journey can subtly change how you see the town of Shingu. It's not flashy, but it's a quiet little detour that deepens the lingering impression of your trip.

Summary

• Jofuku Park is a small landmark in Shingu that keeps the legend of immortality alive today.
• Walking it together with Asuka Shrine and Mt. Horai ties the backstory together.
• Rather than debating historical accuracy, savor the time the story has been passed down.

On the day you visit Shingu, try taking just half a step off the beaten path.

Image: 阿須賀神社　秋祭 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)