About Tamaki Shrine
Tamaki Shrine is an ancient shrine located near the summit of Mount Tamaki (1076m above sea level) in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It is said to have been founded in 37 BC and has been revered as the inner sanctuary of the Kumano Sanzan shrines.
The giant cedar trees surrounding the shrine grounds, including the Jindai Sugi (ancient cedar tree) said to be 3000 years old, accentuate the solemnity of the sacred area. As one of the “Nabiki” (sacred sites) of the Omine Okugake-michi, a holy site of Shugendo (mountain asceticism), it has long been a sacred mountain used as a training ground by Shugendo practitioners.
Points to Note When Visiting
Deities and Benefits
The main deities enshrined are Kunitokotachi-no-Mikoto, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu-Omikami, and Kamuyamato Iwarehiko-no-Mikoto. It is particularly known for the following blessings:
- Exorcism and Protection from Evil Spirits: Since ancient times, it has been believed to possess the spiritual power to ward off evil spirits and is worshipped as a guardian deity against misfortune.
- Family Safety and Good Fortune: Through the divine virtues of Kunitokotachi-no-Mikoto, the primordial deity of the land, it protects the peace and security of all aspects of life.
- Matchmaking: It is said to be so mystical that “you cannot reach it unless you are called,” and simply being able to visit is considered a sign of good fortune in love.
Must-See Highlights
Jindai-sugi (Ancient Cedar): A sacred tree said to be 3000 years old. With a trunk circumference of approximately 11m and a height of approximately 40m, its presence is overwhelming. Other giant cedars over 1000 years old, such as the “Meoto-sugi” (Married Couple Cedar) and the “Tokotachi-sugi” (Tokotachi Cedar), are scattered throughout the grounds.
Main Hall and Worship Hall: The main hall, rebuilt during the Edo period, stands quietly amidst a deep cedar grove. The shrine grounds, shrouded in morning mist, are particularly mystical, making early morning visits highly recommended.
Mihashira Shrine and Wakamiya Shrine
Don’t miss the subsidiary shrines within the grounds. Mihashira Shrine, in particular, enshrines Ukanomitama-no-kami and is revered for its blessings of abundant harvests.
Guidelines for Visiting
There is a legend that Tamaki Shrine can only be reached by those who are “called.”
- The mountain path is steep and may be closed depending on the weather.
- Cell phone reception is poor in the mountains, so check weather and road information beforehand.
- Due to the high altitude, prepare clothing that is 5-10 degrees Celsius cooler than in the lowlands.
- Take photographs in the sacred area with respect and strictly observe restricted areas.
Access Information
Access by Car
From Osaka
Take the Nishimeihan Expressway and Minami-Hanna Expressway, then head south on National Route 168 for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. From Totsukawa Village, ascend the Tamakiyama Forest Road (approximately 10km, a narrow mountain path).
From Nagoya: Take the Tomeihan Expressway and Ise Expressway, then National Routes 169 and 168; approximately 4 hours.
Parking: Free parking available (approximately 30 cars). It’s about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot to the main shrine.
Notes: – The Tamakiyama Forest Road is narrow and has many sharp curves. Caution is needed for oncoming traffic.
- During winter (December to March), road closures are possible due to snow and ice.
- After typhoons and heavy rains, there is a risk of landslides, so it is recommended to check with the Totsukawa Village Office (0746-62-0001) in advance.
Access by Public Transportation
From JR Wakayama Line Gojo Station or Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station, take the Nara Kotsu bus bound for Shingu Station and get off at “Totsukawa Onsen” (approximately 3 hours). From there, it’s about a 40-minute taxi ride (approximately 8000 yen).
Realistically, access by car is essential. Renting a car is strongly recommended.
Relationship with the Omine Okugake Trail
Tamaki Shrine is one of the important training grounds (namikoto) on the Omine Okugake Trail, a Shugendo training route connecting Yoshino and Kumano.
On the Mineokugake-michi route from Yoshino to Kumano Hongu Taisha, Mount Tamaki is designated as the tenth sacred site, and ascetic monks have crossed the treacherous mountain path to offer prayers at this shrine. It was registered as a component of the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” in 2004.
Even today, it maintains its spiritual significance as a sacred place visited by ascetic monks and mountain climbers walking the Okugake-michi route.
Visiting Information
- Address: 1 Tamakigawa, Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture 647-1582
- Phone: 0746-64-0500
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Shrine Office)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Goshuin (Shrine Seal): Available (at the shrine office)
- Temple Lodging: Tamaki Sanso (Reservations required, 1 night with 2 meals)
- Official Website: Check the latest information at the Totsukawa Village Tourism Association
Summary
Tamaki Shrine is a mystical sacred place said to be “only accessible to those who are called,” due to its difficult access. Surrounded by ancient cedar trees thousands of years old, the shrine grounds are filled with a tranquil atmosphere far removed from the secular world.
Tamaki Shrine continues to attract many visitors, serving as a training ground for ascetic monks walking the Mineokugake Trail and as the inner sanctuary of Kumano faith. If you visit with sufficient preparation and respect, you will surely feel an unforgettable spiritual presence.
