Niutsuhime Shrine

Niu Tsuhime Shrine is the head shrine of roughly 180 shrines nationwide that enshrine Niu Tsuhime-no-Kami. It is also a component asset of the World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" and is registered as a World Cultural Heritage site. It is said to have been founded 1,700 years ago in the Amano basin at an elevation of about 450 meters. The precincts feature many points of interest. The "Naka-torii" (middle torii gate) was rebuilt in 2010 (Heisei 22) after the previous one burned down in 1917 (Taisho 6), and its fresh, vivid vermilion color is striking. The "Romон" gate, built in the Muromachi period, is designated an Important Cultural Property. The "Rinbashi" bridge, said to be a sacred bridge for the gods to cross, can make visitors feel a special sense of holiness. Access: from JR Wakayama Line "Kasada Station," take the Katsuragi Town Community Bus for about 30 minutes to "Niu Tsuhime Jinja-mae." It’s also recommended to stop by the natural hot spring "Happu no Yu," about 5 minutes from "Kasada Station." It’s an onsen inn with Japanese cuisine, where you can dine, enjoy an open-air bath, or even stay overnight. Their specialty "sakura mochi" is also sold there.