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The First Thing to Know About the Kumano Nachi Taisha Goshuin: 'There's a Temple Right Next Door'
When going around Nachisan collecting goshuin, a surprisingly common moment of confusion is, "Where do I go to receive what?" Even if you visit with the Kumano Nachi Taisha goshuin in mind, right next door stands Seiganto-ji — known as the first of the 33 temples on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage — with the shrine and temple sitting shoulder to shoulder.
This is a remnant of shinbutsu-shugo, the tradition of enshrining Shinto kami and Buddhist deities together without separating them. In the sacred sites of Kumano, shrines and temples once drew worshippers as a single unified faith. Nachisan is a place where you can still feel that atmosphere today.
Shrine and Temple Goshuin Are Received Separately
The basic idea is simple: shrine goshuin are received at the shrine, and temple goshuin at the temple. The Kumano Nachi Taisha goshuin and the Seiganto-ji goshuin are issued at separate locations as separate items.
Some visitors receive both in the same goshuin book, while others keep separate books for shrines and temples. There's no single right answer — choose based on your own preference. If you're unsure, feel free to ask at the reception counter.
Three Points of Etiquette Before Receiving a Goshuin
1. Worship First, Goshuin After
A goshuin is proof of your visit and worship. First, offer your prayers before the deity, then head to the reception counter. Just being mindful of this order helps settle your heart as a traveler.
2. Check On-Site for How It's Issued — Hand-Written, Pre-Written, and So On
How goshuin are issued and reception conditions can change depending on the season or crowds. For specific details such as opening hours and offering fees, please check the official website or on-site information for the latest updates. Things can get busy on the day, so it's best to allow plenty of time.
3. Bring Small Change and Have Your Book Ready
Having small change on hand makes the offering smooth. For your goshuin book, remove any bookmarks or covers so it opens easily, and have it ready to hand over — this is a kind gesture to the staff at the counter.
A Relaxed Route for Receiving Goshuin on Nachisan
Kumano Nachi Taisha sits partway up the mountain, with stone steps leading to the shrine grounds. Whether you walk up the stone pavement from Daimonzaka or come close by bus or car, moving in the order of worship → goshuin → rest keeps things stress-free.
- Pay your respects before the deity at Kumano Nachi Taisha
- Also offer prayers at the neighboring Seiganto-ji
- Receive the goshuin at each reception counter
- Head down toward Nachi Falls and wrap up by taking in the view
With this flow, there's no need to rush around searching for goshuin counters, and you can slowly savor the scenery and atmosphere of the grounds.
Your Goshuin Book as a 'Travel Record'
The goshuin you receive on Nachisan will bring back memories — the tiredness in your legs from the stone pavement, even the sound of the waterfall. For those visiting all three Kumano Sanzan shrines, gathering the Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi goshuin in a single book makes for a wonderful travel record to look back on.
The Kumano Nachi Taisha goshuin isn't about collecting stamps — it's a punctuation mark in your pilgrimage. Try offering prayers at both the neighboring shrine and temple, and feel the scenery of prayer that is unique to Nachisan.
Image: 熊野那智大社 那智の扇祭り (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)
