Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine, located in Arima-cho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, is a mysterious sacred place where nature and mystery intersect.
In this article, we will explore Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine’s history, characteristics, festivals, and why it is worth a visit.
Surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, this shrine is loved by many people as a place where you can experience Kumano’s natural beliefs and traditions.
Overview of “Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine”
Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine is a shrine located in Arima-cho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, and is a mysterious place where Izanami no Mikoto and Kagutsuchi no Mikoto are enshrined.
The origin of this shrine is shrouded in legend.According to the Nihon Shoki, Izanari was burned to death by the god of fire, and after that, the nearby residents offered seasonal flowers to the shrine. It is said that the shrine enshrines the god Concubine.
Therefore, the name of the shrine also has the meaning of “Iwaya where flowers are worshiped”.
The distinctive object of worship at this shrine is a gigantic rock 45 meters high, which is called “Iwakura“.
This Iwaza is said to be a “shadow stone” and is a symbol of nature worship in Kumano.
In addition, an important ritual called the Onawake Shinto ritual is held, in which seasonal flowers and seven straw ropes are tied together and a large rope is drawn from the top of Iwaza to the shore.
This shrine was given the status of a shrine during the Meiji period, but even now there is no shrine building, and the mystery still exists in nature.
Characteristics and mystery of shrines
The most distinctive feature of Hana no Iwaya Shrine is its sacred object, Iwaza (giant rock).
This huge rock is a symbol of Kumano’s natural faith and mystery, and the fact that its rock is a in stone means that it is the “yoseki” of Gotobiki Rock, which is the object of worship at Kamikura Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture. It is also said that they are a pair of contrasts.
Kumano’s belief in nature is expressed through these giant rocks, providing a mystical experience for visitors.
It is said that the sacred object fell from Iwakura, the sacred object of worship.
Shrine festivals and events
Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine’s noteworthy “Onawakake ritual” is held in the spring and autumn festivals, and these festivals are important events at the shrine.
Seasonal flowers and seven straw ropes are tied together and a rope is pulled from the top of Iwaza to the coast.
These ceremonies show respect for Kumano’s nature and gods, and provide emotional moments for visitors.
Third-rate flag (Minagare no Hata)
“Minagare no Hata” are three flags woven from rope that are hung from a rope hanging from a flower cave.
“Minagare no Hata” is an important element related to the Onawake Shinto ritual held at Hana no Kutsu Shrine. In this ritual, seven straw ropes are tied to seasonal flowers.
A large rope is drawn from the top of Iwaza (giant rock) to the coast, and three rope hats called “Minagare no Hatata’‘ are hung.
The third-class flag represents the three gods who are said to be the children of Izanari no Mikoto. These three gods are
Amaterasu Omikami: God of the Sun
Tsukuyomi no Mikoto: God of the moon
Susanoo no Mikoto: God of darkness
This element is part of the festival and tradition of Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine and provides a mystical experience for visitors.
Basic information about “Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine”
| Info | Hana-no-Iwaya Shrine ■Location 130 Arimacho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture ■Business hours 9:00～16:00 ■Parking lot Parking available ■Inquiry Tel:0597-89-2881 ■Website hananoiwaya.com |
| Map |
Restaurant search/reservation
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