Kumano Hongu Taisha Yatagarasu Ritual

The Yatagarasu Post at Kumano Hongu Taisha Is More Fun When You Start with the Recipient

Among visitors to Kumano Hongu Taisha, the Yatagarasu Post has quietly become a talking point. The Yatagarasu is a three-legged crow said to serve as a messenger of the Kumano deities, long regarded as a symbol of guidance. Dropping a letter into a post box bearing its name somehow feels like entrusting your words to that guidance.

Still, plenty of visitors find themselves frozen in front of a postcard on site, wondering, "Who should I write to, and what should I say?" So in this article, rather than focusing on the location or mechanics of the post box, we'll zero in on one step earlier: how to decide who to write to.

Choose Your Recipient from Three Patterns

1. Write to Your Future Self

Kumano is often called a land of "rebirth," and many people come here to reset their feelings at a turning point in life. For that reason, a letter addressed to yourself tends to feel the most fitting.

You don't need to write at length. Even a few lines will bring the atmosphere of your trip rushing back when the postcard arrives at your home.

2. Write to Someone Important to You

It's perfect for sending words you're usually too shy to say out loud—to someone you want to thank, a friend you haven't seen lately, or family far away.

Unlike a message on your phone, handwritten characters and a postmark from your travel destination carry a special meaning all on their own. Note that details like how postmarks are handled and pickup times can change, so it's a good idea to check the on-site signage or ask at the post office.

3. Write to Your Family or Travel Companions

If you're traveling with children, parents, or your partner, you can also send a card to your own home address, written to the person you came with. The charm is being able to say, "Remember when we wrote this?" after you get back—and it's fun to have kids draw a picture, too.

Preparation So You Won't Scramble on the Day

To avoid rushing on site, deciding these three things before your trip will give you more peace of mind.

1. Jot down the recipient's address: Keep it in a planner or your phone's notes so you won't be stuck trying to remember it.
2. Bring something to write with: A smudge-resistant pen makes it easier to write outdoors.
3. Think about postcards and stamps in advance: Whether you can get them on site depends on the season and circumstances, so if you're unsure, it's safest to prepare your own ahead of time.

As for the Order: We Recommend Writing After You've Prayed

Personally, I recommend writing your letter after you've finished your shrine visit. Once you've walked the approach and offered your prayers at the main hall, the words tend to come more smoothly. Write beforehand, and you may end up putting pen to paper before your feelings have settled.

The shrine grounds are a place of worship, so when writing, choose a spot where you won't block foot traffic. When taking photos in front of the post box, be mindful of others waiting their turn. As a local, it's genuinely heartwarming to see the post box being used with such consideration.

In Closing

With the Yatagarasu Post at Kumano Hongu Taisha, the real value lies not so much in the act of mailing itself, but in the time you spend thinking about who to write to and what to say. If you've decided on the recipient in advance, you won't hesitate on the day, and you can pour the feelings of your journey directly into a single card. Along with the lingering mood of walking the Kumano Kodo, do try sending a one-of-a-kind letter of your own.

Image: 熊野本宮大社　八咫烏神事 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)