Takijiri-ōji, Shinto shrine in Japan
Takijiri-ōji is a Shinto shrine and the starting point of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Tanabe. The site sits where the Iwata River flows from north to south and meets the Ishiburi River coming from the east, creating a significant meeting place marked by stone steps and a simple wooden shrine structure.
This shrine has been regarded for centuries as a gateway to the Land of the Gods and serves as the traditional starting point for pilgrims on the Kumano Kodo route. This understanding has drawn generations of travelers who began their spiritual journey here, establishing its enduring importance as a pilgrimage landmark.
The name Takijiri-ōji refers to the meeting point of two sacred rivers where pilgrims begin their spiritual journey. Visitors leave small offerings and speak prayers for safe passage, showing how this place remains actively used for personal devotion and connection to the pilgrimage tradition.
The site is easily reached from the nearby town of Kii-Tanabe with daily bus service taking about 40 minutes. The octagonal Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Center provides visitor information and guidance, and a small shop nearby sells basic supplies and souvenirs for travelers.
The location is believed to be a gateway not only to the Land of the Gods but also to the Land of the Dead, a duality that often goes unnoticed by visitors. This double spiritual significance gives the place a hidden depth that extends beyond its role as simply a pilgrimage starting point.
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