"Kumano Goyuki" 11 shrines and temples start touring the red seal - from Kyoto to Kumano, a limited edition red seal book is also available

The Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation will start an event to enjoy visiting shrines and temples from Saturday, September 21, 2024. The organizer is the Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation. (Photo: Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine / Courtesy of Wakayama Tourism Federation)

The event will be held in cooperation with 11 shrines and temples located on the pilgrimage route from Kyoto to Kumano, in reference to the historical event "Kumano Goyuki," a historical event in which emperors and aristocrats made pilgrimages to the Kumano Three Mountains from the Heian to Kamakura periods.

At the 11 shrines and temples that are targeted, a special red seal book "Kumano Goyuki's Associated Red Seal Tour Book" will be distributed in a limited edition of 1,000 copies, and you can collect the red seals. There is no order or designated course for the shrines and temples to visit, so you can find your preferred method and participate.

11 shrines and temples

• Kyoto Prefecture : Jonan Palace, Ishishimizu Hachimangu Shrine
• Osaka Prefecture : Washu Sohonzan Shitennoji Temple, Sumitomo 𠮷 Taisha
• Wakayama : Mae Jingu Shrine, Kokukasu Shrine, Fujishiro Shrine, Ozuma Shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine,
  Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Mt. Nachi Aoganto Temple

In addition, participants who obtain a Goshu seal book will also receive special commemorative stickers featuring the individuality of each temple at five specific shrines and temples, such as Jonan Shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine.

The organizers stated, "We hope that you will experience the Kumano Kodo and the areas related to Kumano Goyuki through the Goshu Seal Tour, and deepen your understanding of Kumano Goyuki." This year marks the 20th anniversary of the registration of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains" as a World Heritage Site, and since last year, events have been held in the Kumano area under the theme of "Kumano Pilgrimage in Reiwa".