Kumano Hongu Shrine Spring Festival

The Kumano Hongu Shrine Spring Festival, held every year from April 13 to 15, is one of the most important Shinto events in Wakayama Prefecture. It takes place at Kumano Hongu Shrine, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano and a key site along the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Unlike large-scale festivals in urban areas, this is a smaller, community-based event with fewer tourists. Visitors can take part in traditional Shinto rituals passed down through generations. The festival honors the deities of Kumano and marks the arrival of spring through purification ceremonies, processions and spiritual performances. It’s the perfect reason to venture off the beaten path into Wakayama’s mystical mountains.

Kumano Hongu Shrine Spring Festival

Photo by: PIXTA/ ピカ Procession from Yunomine Onsen to Oyunohara

On April 13, the festival begins with Yunobori Shinji, a traditional pilgrimage and purification ritual. Fathers and their sons gather at Yunomine Onsen to cleanse themselves in its sacred waters. Dressed in white robes, they walk together along the Dainichi-goe, a steep section of the Kumano Kodo. The young boys are carried for the entire route since their feet are not allowed to touch the ground. The procession ends at Oyunohara, the original site of Kumano Hongu Shrine.

On April 15, the main event takes place. A mikoshi (portable shrine) houses the deities of Kumano Hongu Shrine. Local participants carry the mikoshi from the shrine to Oyunohara, making their way through the town in a lively procession. Along the route, the shrine shaken and spun at certain points to purify the surroundings. Once it arrives at Oyunohara, a series of Shinto rituals are performed.

Festival Highlights

Photo by: iStock/ Studio Driehoek Watch traditional Shinto ceremonies at Kumano Hongu Shrine

During the festival, visitors can watch a variety of traditional Shinto ceremonies at both Kumano Hongu Shrine and Oyunohara. These include purification rituals, prayers and offerings, all carried out by priests in formal robes.

On the final day, one of the most memorable events is the fire ritual at Oyunohara. This is led by Yamabushi, mountain monks who practice a mix of Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The ritual features fire, chanting and carefully timed movements. It is a rare opportunity to see this spiritual practice in person. After the fire ritual, rice cakes are thrown into the crowd to bring good luck.

Visitors who want a more active experience can walk the Dainichi-goe trail, a short but steep path that connects Yunomine Onsen to Kumano Hongu Shrine. This is the same trail used during the Yunobori Shinji ritual and forms part of the larger Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network, which offers a range of hiking options for different fitness levels.