Kumano Hongu Taisha Ootorii, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
Worthy of a weekend trip southwest out of Nagoya to the Wakayama World Heritage Site will bring you to the place where gods descended from the heavens to the birthplace of Japan’s Shinto religion. The center of attention in this 3.6 hectare sacred land is the Kumano Hongu Taisha Ootorii, Japan’s tallest Ootorii, or first shrine gate. Standing at 34 meters tall and stretching 42 meters across, the dark grey concrete gate is an imposing structure set against the gentle white petals of the cherry trees at its base. The Heritage Site Center and the nearby quaint town combined with the surrounding beautiful nature makes this a kind of mecca for cherry blossom lovers. Spending the weekend driving along the coastline of Wakayama and Mie Prefectures is a great way to enjoy and learn about the birthplace of Japan’s Shinto religion with recommended stops at Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, to the old pirate hang out Oni ga Jo, and of course Ise Shrine, the mecca of Shinto followers for thousands of years.
Access to the area is easiest by a 3.5 hour drive from Nagoya using Nagoya-Kameya Route / Higashi Meihan Expressway continuing onto the Ise Expressway, changing at Taki Junction for the Kisei Expressway, then onto the Kumano-Owase Highway and exiting for Route 311 and following signs for Tanabe City / Kumano Hongu-cho. If going by train, be prepared for a 4.5 hour ride if using the comfort and speed of express trains out of JR Nagoya Station. Best route would be taking a JR West Nanki Line Limited Express bound for Kii-Katsuura, changing at Shingu Station and boarding a Kawatake Line train to Hongu Taisha-Mae Station. The Wakayama World Heritage Center isa a 10-minute walk.
Inuyama Castle, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture
Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s smallest castles but that adds to its charm especially when visiting during the cherry blossom season. Its unique history as having been the last castle to be kept private in family ownership until being sold by the Naruse family to a private corporation in 2004. The castle’s top floor has an outdoor balcony that visitors can walk on for a 360 degree view of the area. balcony is slightly slanted downwards to assist rain drainage, only a knee height railing, and visitors cannot wear shoes into the castle, so take caution if one is afraid of heights or has stability issues. Walking through castle town of Jokamachi, or “town below the castle” is quite scenic with its historic buildings, easy to walk streets and tempting treats. Kimono shops also offer rentals if one wanted to try authentic clothing for the stroll about the town.
Access: by train from Nagoya Meitetsu Railroad takes about 45 minutes. Board a Limited Express train bound for Shin-Unuma and exit at Inuyama Station. Driving by car can take a lot longer than train owing the likely hood of traffic jams.
