Wakayama Prefecture: A Desirable Destination for Power Spot Enthusiasts Introducing 5 Intense Power Spot Pilgrimage Locations

Wakayama Prefecture is home to Mount Kōya, established by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), which uniquely forms a religious city as the entire mountain is part of Kōya Town. Just this alone makes Wakayama Prefecture the ultimate power spot for enthusiasts, doesn’t it? However, there are many other power spots in the prefecture that rival Mount Kōya.

Additionally, when we think of Wakayama Prefecture, we often think of famous hot spring areas like Shirahama and Katsuura, but surprisingly, some of these hot springs are also considered power spots. This time, we will carefully introduce five intense power spots in Wakayama Prefecture, including those intriguing hot springs. How about going on a pilgrimage to these power spots while enjoying the sights of Wakayama?

1. Mount Kōya: A Collection of Intense Power Spots! Among Them, the Most Powerful is the "Okunoin"

Founded by Kūkai in 816, Kongōbōji Temple is the head temple of the Kōya Shingon sect. Mount Kōya itself is a power spot. Among them, the most intense power spot is undoubtedly Kongōbōji Temple, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Okunoin, where it is said that Kōbō Daishi continues his training, is certainly the strongest power spot in Wakayama Prefecture.

At Okunoin, where the mausoleum of Kōbō Daishi is located, even those without spiritual sensitivity can feel a mysterious power. Moreover, in Kōya Town, there are wonderful temples built everywhere, making it a recommended tourist spot in Wakayama Prefecture.

2. Kumano Nachi Taisha: An Intense Power Spot with Japan’s Tallest Waterfall as its Deity

While Kumano City is in Mie Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture is home to three shrines known as the Kumano Sanzan. One of these is Kumano Nachi Taisha. The main deity of Kumano Nachi Taisha is Kumano Fusuimi no Ōkami, but it is thought that the shrine was originally built to honor the deity of Nachi Falls. Nachi Falls is one of Japan's three great waterfalls, with a drop of 133 meters, making it the tallest in Japan.

It is certainly one of Wakayama Prefecture's top tourist destinations, but it is also an intense power spot. At the Hito Ha Shrine near Nachi Falls, visitors can receive blessings, and after that, receiving blessings at Nachi Taisha grants unparalleled divine virtue. Furthermore, receiving the Karasu-ushi Ō, considered Japan's oldest amulet, makes one truly invincible.

3. Kumano Hongū Taisha: The Intense Power Spot of the Land of Resurrection

Along with Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Hongū Taisha is one of the top power spots in Wakayama Prefecture. The land of Kumano has long been regarded as a mystical, deep mountain area, serving as an entrance to the Pure Land since ancient times during the Heian period. Returning from a pilgrimage to Kumano signifies resurrection, which is why it is also called the "Land of Resurrection." The main deity of Kumano Hongū Taisha is Ikatsumi no Mikoto.

In front of the shrine's office at Hongū Taisha, there is a Taraba tree, where it is said that in the past, characters were written on the underside of the leaves. There is also a post box located here. The Taraba tree is a sacred tree, and perched atop this post box is the Yatagarasu. The Yatagarasu is a divine messenger bird, making this location an intense power spot.

4. World Heritage Site! A Pilgrimage Site Before Visiting Mount Kōya: Niu Tsuhime Shrine, with the Strongest God as its Deity

Niu Tsuhime Shrine is part of a World Heritage Site. This shrine was historically visited before going to Mount Kōya and has a deep connection to it. The main deity, Niu Tsuhime no Ōkami, is said to be the sister of Amaterasu Ōmikami, who is enshrined at Ise Jingu, making her one of the strongest goddesses.

This shrine also has a long history, said to be around 1,700 years old, and is popular in Wakayama Prefecture for its benefits of longevity and immortality.

5. Yunomine Onsen: A Secret Hot Spring Power Spot Where Oguri Hangan is Resurrected

astly, let me introduce a power spot that is said to possess spiritual power through its hot spring: Yunomine Onsen. This hot spring is considered one of the oldest in Japan, where pilgrims would purify themselves before visiting the Kumano Sanzan. The most notable power spot at Yunomine Onsen is the Tsuboyu, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site. This small tub-like bath can only accommodate one person, and it's known for its strange ability to change the color of the water seven times a day.

Additionally, this hot spring is believed to have spiritual power. According to legend, Oguri Hangan, who lost his life due to poison, was resurrected through the power of this spring and the Kumano deities. The power of Wakayama’s hot springs is truly remarkable.

◎Summary

Wakayama Prefecture is overflowing with mysterious power, providing energy from mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs. Of course, being coastal, Wakayama also has many places filled with the mystical atmosphere of the sea. Benten Island, where you can only walk across at low tide to see the White Snake Benten, and Hashikui-iwa, lined with unique stones for 850 meters, are both powerful locations. The sacred site of Jingu Shrine, with the giant rock Koto-biki-iwa, and Osaijin, said to be the land where deities descended, are also intense power spots.

Moreover, there are numerous spots not covered here, like Kumano Hayatama Taisha, where the ancient Nara tree over 1,000 years old releases the power of the wind. Wakayama Prefecture is also a treasure trove of gourmet food, rich in both sea and mountain delicacies, so why not embark on a gourmet trip while exploring these power spots?

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Wakayama Prefecture: A Desirable Destination for Power Spot Enthusiasts Introducing 5 Intense Power Spot Pilgrimage Locations