Hananoiwaya Shrine, located in Arimacho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, enshrines Izanami-no-mikoto and Kagutsuchi-no-mikoto. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, mentioned in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). The approximately 45-meter-high giant rock that serves as the sacred object is called "Inseki" (Yin Stone), and it is considered a pair with the Gotobiki Rock, the sacred object of Kamikura Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, which is called "Yoseki" (Yang Stone).
Hananoiwaya Shrine has been a sacred site attracting people's faith since ancient times, with a history dating back to the mythological era. Besides the giant rock, the shrine grounds include a depression called "hotoana," believed to be Izanami-no-mikoto's burial place. This depression is paved with white stones, surrounded by a tamagaki (sacred fence), and carefully preserved as a sacred space. Opposite the giant rock stands an 18-meter-high rock, considered Kagutsuchi-no-mikoto's burial place.
At Hananoiwaya Shrine, the "Otsunagake Shinji" (Great Rope Hanging Ceremony) is held annually on February 2nd and October 2nd. In this traditional ceremony, priests pass a rope approximately 170 meters long from the top of the giant rock to a sacred pine tree at the southern end of the shrine grounds. The large rope used in the ceremony is made of seven thin straw ropes representing Izanami-no-mikoto's children, the nature gods: Shinatobe-no-mikoto (god of wind), Wawatsumi-no-mikoto (god of the sea), Kukunochi (god of trees), Kayanohime (god of grass), Kagutsuchi-no-mikoto (god of fire), Haniyasu-no-kami (god of earth), and Mitsunano-me (god of water). Three Minagare-no-hata (flowing banners) and fans are also hung, creating a sacred atmosphere.
Due to its history and sacred atmosphere, Hananoiwaya Shrine has not only gathered people's faith since ancient times but has also recently gained attention as a power spot. If you want to feel the power of the giant rock and be enveloped in a sacred atmosphere for a mental and physical refresh, please visit.
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