Tōkei Shrine, Shinto shrine in Tanabe, Japan.
Tōkei Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary in Tanabe located within the Kumano pilgrimage network in Wakayama Prefecture. Its red wooden structures stand among trees and form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the buildings and grounds open to visitors daily.
The shrine was founded in 419 as an extension of Kumano Hongu Taisha to protect imperial pilgrims journeying into Kumano. Over centuries it became established as an important station within the broader Kumano sanctuary network.
The shrine serves as a center for local religious practice where visitors watch people make offerings and pray for safe travels through the mountains. The space holds meaning for those who follow the Kumano pilgrimage routes, who stop here as part of their spiritual journey.
The shrine is centrally located in Tanabe and reachable on foot from town, with space to walk around the grounds at a relaxed pace. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the surrounding area, especially if planning to access nearby pilgrimage routes.
In 1185 a ritual cockfight held at the shrine influenced a major decision that affected a naval battle. The event reveals how the location served not only as a place of prayer but also held sway in significant historical moments.
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