Visit Wakayama

Nezu-oji is about 400 meters uphill from Takijiri-oji, along the trail toward Mount Tsurugi.

The name “Nezu-oji” does not appear in medieval records. It is mentioned only in a record from 1689, which refers to the remains of a small shrine called Nezu-oji. Because of this, it is uncertain whether Nezu-oji actually existed as an oji shrine.

This is considered the oldest surviving shrine along the Kumano Kodo.

The main hall is a small, traditional Japanese shrine building with a roof covered in cypress bark. The shrine grounds are also home to a large camphor tree said to be about 1,000 years old.

Daimon-oji is mentioned in the Kumano Gokoki, a travel diary written by Fujiwara no Teika, who accompanied Retired Emperor Go-Toba on his pilgrimage to Kumano.

Records show that, at that time, there was a temporary lodging facility near Daimon-oji where pilgrims could rest or stay overnight.

A fragment of a stone Buddhist pagoda dating from the Muromachi period, around 600–700 years ago, remains at Jujo-oji.

Some old records also write the name of Jujo-oji using different kanji, such as “重點” and “重照.” This shows that the name was written with different characters in the past.  

Osakamoto-oji is located at the foot of a mountain pass. The trail to the pass climbs a very steep hill. That is why this place came to be called “Osaka,” which means “a large hill.”

A stone kasa-toba pagoda can be seen at the site of the former shrine.

After crossing the pass, it is less than 1 km to the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Roadside Station, where you can take a break.

This statue, which stands about 50 cm tall, is said to represent Retired Emperor Kazan during his pilgrimage to Kumano. He was the 65th emperor of Japan. After stepping down from the throne, he became a Buddhist monk and traveled to Kumano in search of spiritual peace.

With its simple and charming appearance, the statue has become a symbol of the Nakahechi route.

The stone statue standing next to it is said to represent En no Gyoja, an important figure in Japan’s mountain ascetic tradition.

At Chikatsuyu-oji, pilgrims purified their bodies and minds before worshipping at the shrine. When traveling to Kumano, pilgrims are said to have first performed mizugori, a purification ritual involving bathing in the river, before praying at Chikatsuyu-oji. 

At that time, Chikatsuyu was a prosperous settlement and the last place to stay before reaching Kumano Hongu. Today, you can still find a variety of accommodation here, including traditional Japanese minshuku and guesthouses. 

Please see the accommodations around Chikatsuyu-oji  here. Some accommodations also offer shuttle services.