Shishiiwa Rock

Shishi-iwa (Lion Rock), located about a 10-minute walk toward the sea from JR Kisei Main Line "Kumano-shi Station," was named because it looks like a giant lion roaring out toward the Kumano-nada Sea. Formed by ground uplift and erosion processes such as sea erosion and wind erosion acting on a soft sandstone base, this striking rock formation stands about 25 meters high and measures about 210 meters in circumference. Together with the nearby scenic site Onigajo, it is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, and in 2004 it was also registered as one component of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." Paired with the neighboring Jinmen-iwa at Shinsen-do Cave—called the "Un" rock (female rock)—Shishi-iwa is known as the "A" rock (male rock) and is revered as the guardian komainu lion-dog of Ouma Shrine, the chief guardian shrine of Kumano Province, which is enshrined upstream along the Idogawa River. For this reason, Ouma Shrine is said to have no komainu statues installed even today. It is also a prime photography spot for the annual Kumano Fireworks Festival held every year on August 17, when many photographers gather here.