About “Usagi”

Maruyama Senmaida, located in Kiiwa-cho, Kumano City, features 1,340 small terraced rice fields, making it one of Japan’s most beautiful examples of traditional terraced landscapes. These rice paddies have been cultivated for hundreds of years, beginning around the mid-17th century, and have been carefully preserved through traditional farming methods and the dedication of local residents. The fields stretch along the mountainside in gentle steps, changing their appearance with the seasons: fresh green in spring, reflective waters in summer, golden hues in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter. The intricate scenery of the terraces is perfect for photography, offering visitors a vivid sense of the harmony between Japan’s rural life and natural beauty. This is a unique scenic spot in Kumano, where you can experience the traditional landscape preserved by the local community up close.

Kumano, surrounded by lush forests and clear waters, is known as a “sacred land of waterfalls.” The region’s steep terrain and abundant rainfall create a variety of falls, from majestic straight drops to gentle, soothing cascades. Each waterfall shows a unique expression, offering new discoveries with every visit.
Among them, Nunobiki Falls stands out as a representative waterfall of Kumano. Nestled in primeval forest, its 53-meter-tall single stream of water flows straight down, earning its name, which means “a white cloth being drawn.” With its graceful and delicate beauty, it quietly soothes visitors’ hearts.
In 1990, Nunobiki Falls was selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls” for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere. Historically, it was also used as a training site for Shugendo, where purification rituals and prayers were performed at the waterfall. Here, visitors can experience the raw power of nature and feel the mysterious atmosphere unique to Kumano.

Kumano Sanzan Pilgrimage

Kumano Sanzan,—Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hongu Taisha—has long been revered as the “Land of Spiritual Rebirth.” These three sacred sites, deeply rooted in nature and worship, were the destination for countless pilgrims seeking healing and renewal. Today, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage, they continue to attract travelers from around the world.
Kumano Hayatama Taisha, located near the mouth of the Kumano River, serves as the gateway to Kumano. Its vivid vermilion shrine buildings create a striking impression. Within the grounds, the Shinpōkan Treasure Hall houses sacred artifacts, including National Treasures, offering insight into the long history of Kumano worship. Nearby, visitors can explore highlights such as Kamigura Shrine, believed to be the place where the gods first descended, and the massive Nagi sacred tree, a living symbol of ancient nature worship.
Kumano Nachi Taisha preserves strong traces of Shinbutsu-shūgō, the traditional fusion of Shinto and Buddhism. Together with Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi Waterfall, it forms a grand sacred landscape unique to Kumano. The vermilion shrine buildings perched on the mountainside are breathtaking, and the view of the temple and the falls harmonizing together evokes a deep sense of sanctity. With a drop of 133 meters, Nachi Waterfall is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Japan and has long been revered as the dwelling place of a water deity, overwhelming visitors with its power.
Kumano Hongu Taisha, the head shrine of more than 4,000 Kumano shrines across Japan, stands at the spiritual center of Kumano worship. The tranquil shrine grounds are filled with a solemn and sacred atmosphere. The original shrine once stood on a river delta known as Oyunohara, where a massive torii gate now marks the sacred former site. This iconic gate symbolizes the heart of Kumano faith and radiates an otherworldly presence.