16 Matsumoto-toge Pass

Edo Period Stone Path

This stone path, which red crabs scuttle across occasionally, is covered in moss. The stone path is reinforced by stately stone walls.

Matsumoto-toge Pass

On the day that this statue was erected, someone mistook it for a demon and fired at it. You can still see where the bullet grazed this statue.

Pavillion View

About a ten-minute walk east from the pass, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains and Shichiri Mihama Beach (which stretches 25km to Shingu, where Hayatama Grand Shrine is located).

Meiji Period Stone Path

In 1868, the fishermen in this area were arrested after getting into a fight over tuna fishing. Their punishment was to build this path as community service.

Onigajo

Onigajo has been designated as a National Natural Treasure for its scenic beauty. This tuff, formed from hardened volcanic ash was elevated by earthquakes and then eroded by the sea and wind to form this magnificent rock formation that stretches for 1km. Legend has it that a general, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, was sent here to drive out the pirates that terrorized this region, and that he shot an arrow from an island just off the coast to slay their leader. This is registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage of the Kii mountain range.

Hananoiwaya

This is said to be the resting place of Izanami, the goddess of creation. The 45 meter high rock here is said to house her spirit, and there is no shrine building. This site shows how people back then used to worship objects in nature. This is also registered as part of the Kii Mountain Range, as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lion Rock

This huge 25m high rock called "Shishi Iwa" (Lion Rock) is a designated National Natural Treasure for its scenic beauty and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. They say that this, along with another rock are the guardians of Kumano's Oma Shrine up in the mountains.

Ubuta Shrine

Ubuta Shrine is said to have been where the goddess Izanami gave birth to the god Kaguchi. This shrine offers services to pray for safe childbirth and the health of children.