⛩️Kumano Kotaijinja Shrine – Gunma (熊野皇大神社 – 群馬)
A rare shrine that stands on the border of two prefectures. Popular power spot protected by a sacred tree that is over 1000 years old.
🏞️ Kumano Kotaijinja Shrine is located at the top of Usui Pass at an altitude of 1200m, on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures. Therefore, it is characterized by the existence of two religious corporations, Kumano Kotaijinja Shrine (Nagano Prefecture) and Kumano Shrine (Gunma Prefecture).
Kumano Kotaijinja Shrine has been designated by the Shinto Shrine Agency as a special shrine, one of only four in the country, and you can enjoy special divine virtues.
🐕It is tolerant of pets, as it is home to the prefecture’s oldest “Touge no Komainu” (Guardian lion-dog statues.) Various pet-related amulets are sold, and very enjoyable for dog-lovers.
🌳🫶The sacred Shinano tree, which is over 1000 years old and quietly stands at the back of the shrine, is designated as a natural monument of Nagano Prefecture, and is very popular as one of the power spots in Karuizawa Town. It is said that the tree has the power to bring good luck in love fortune, as its leaves are heart-shaped and there is a heart-shaped hole in the trunk of the tree.
It is said that if you pray in front of the tree and walk around it once, your wish will come true, and there is also a saying that it will extend your life by one year, so make sure to try it when you visit.
📅Visited 23/Jan/2025
🚗About 14 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station
Address: 1 Togemachi, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Parking: Available (10 spaces)
🕐Opening hours: Free entry (Shrine office is open from 9:00 to 16:00)
🎧✨Hotaru “Declining Sun”
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