Kumano Hongu Taisha Otorii — Attraction in Tanabe

The Otorii Gate is one of the most striking sights in Kumano. It stands on the grounds of Oyunohara, where the main sanctuary of Kumano Hongu Taisha once stood before it was destroyed by a flood in 1889. Today it is the tallest torii gate in Japan—about 34 meters high—and impossible to mistake for anything else. The place itself feels like a threshold between worlds: a wide plain framed by mountains and forests, with an air of silence and solemnity.

Taking photos inside the former sacred precinct, where the shrine once stood, is generally discouraged. This custom preserves a sense of respect for the site’s history and sanctity. The gate itself, however, is open for viewing and leaves a powerful impression—standing as a reminder of the shrine that once stood there.

At the entrance to the site there is a stone pillar with inscriptions in several languages, including Russian, which pleasantly surprised me: «May peace prevail on Earth». This phrase captures the spirit of Kumano, a place that has long been seen not only as a site of personal purification, but also as a symbol of universal reconciliation. In the 20th century, local priests chose to express this message in multiple languages, emphasizing that the sacred mountains of Kumano are not only for the Japanese people, but carry meaning for all of humanity. That is why the words appear in different tongues—a reminder that peace and harmony should unite people across every country and...

Came by here after the hike to collect yet another stamp and enjoy the view of this massive tori amidst paddy fields. Easily accessible from town and you can walk up alongside the river for a different view back to the bus station. From the different pictures by others, the area will provide amazing views at different...

Largest torii gate in … the world? That's what "they" say. Who is they? The powers that be. And who might those powers be? No one knows. Seriously. "They" are unknown, and their powers that may or may not be, also unknown. What we do know is the torii is 33.9m tall....