Hiro Shrine — Local services in Nachikatsuura

One of the 3 grand shrines on Kumano Kodo complex network of trails. It's a large site nestled on the hillside so be prepared for stairs. The pagoda was recently unveiled after being refurbished. I was there on weekend so very busy with locals, general tourists and tail walkers. The bus back was extremely busy and many couldn't get on so if you using public bus to go back to kii katsura go to stand early to get in queue or you will have to wait another hr etc. They could provide more buses during peak periods. People further down had no chance...

It was the final of the Kumano Sanzan for us to visit on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage to earn our stamp and completion of the journey.

It was a rainy day during golden week. There were quite a few visitors, in stark comparison to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. The setting is beautiful, sitting on top of Nachikatsuura. There is a statue of the 3 legged crow here, and a base of an old tree that you can go through. Lots of omomori to buy.

It's close by other shrines and temples. Make sure you...

Stunning beauty in a big compound with multiple temples to pray. Many parking lots spread out along the different sites with mostly 500 yen for each car. Parking nearer to the shrine is sometimes cheaper than near the waterfall.

One of the most popular taisha, sitting nx to the tallest waterfall Nachi,...