Hongu

The Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine

Hongu (本宮町 Hongū-chō) is a mountain village in Wakayama Prefecture. It belongs to the city of Tanabe but is 60 km distant from the city center, so it is covered here as a separate destination.

Understand

It was a town located in Wakayama prefecture. On May 1, 2005 Hongū, along with the village of Ryūjin, from Hidaka District, the town of Nakahechi, and the village of Ōtō, both from Nishimuro District, was merged into the expanded city of Tanabe.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is the main destination of this area. It is one of the Kumano Sanzan and is a holy place that has been visited by many people since the Heian period.

Tourist information site

The local tourist association has a bilingual guide site.

Get in

90 minutes by bus from Shingu Station.

Get around

See

Do

  • 🌍 Tsuboyu (つぼ湯). A 1300 year old hot spring, considered to be one of the oldest in the nation, it is listed as part of the World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route as it was frequented by pilgrims traveling on the Old Kumano Road (Kumano Kodo). To access the bath, you must get a timed usage ticket from the ticket office and be ready to enter from the time on your ticket. (updated Jan 2025)

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Kawayu Onsen

Yunomine Onsen

Yunomine Onsen was discovered about 1,800 years ago, and it is thought to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan.

Wataze Onsen

Connect

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