Guide
Tokei Jinja is located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.' It serves as a secondary shrine to the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha) and has been a significant site of worship for centuries. The layout of the shrine buildings preserves the traditional style of the Kumano Hongu Taisha as it existed before being lost to river flooding, maintaining a highly significant historical landscape.
According to legend, the shrine was founded in the 8th year of Emperor Konyo's reign (419 AD). During the era of Emperor Shirakawa, it functioned as a place to pray for the fulfillment of wishes during Kumano pilgrimages. The site is also famous for its connection to the Genpei War. The name 'Tokei' (meaning 'Chicken Fight') comes from the legend where a fight between red and white chickens was held to determine divine will—whether to support the Taira or Minamoto clan. The result of this ritual signaled the mobilization of the Kumano Navy to support the Minamoto clan.
Within the shrine grounds, you can see statues of 'Tanzou and Benkei,' recreating the legendary scenes of the Genpei War. The shrine office also houses historical treasures, including a flute (named Hakuryu) said to have been offered by Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a kettle used for Benkei's birth ritual, and iron hats and fans used by Tanzou. These artifacts highlight the deep connection between this land and the history of famous Japanese warriors. The backdrop of Mount Kario also reflects the area's long history of nature worship.
While the shrine is open for worship year-round, there are spectacular seasonal festivals. The 'Tanabe Festival' held every July 24th and 25th features colorful floats called 'Okasa' decorated with intricate dolls and rice-cake flowers. Additionally, the 'Benkei Festival,' which reenacts the drama of the Genpei War, offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in historical atmosphere. Checking the seasonal festival schedule in advance can greatly enrich your cultural experience.
Visitors can engage deeply with history by observing artifacts related to famous warriors or walking through the spaces that served as the stage for legendary tales. Furthermore, the shrine offers a virtual tour using advanced digital technology, allowing you to explore the sacred space digitally before or after your physical visit.
Mount Kario stands directly behind the shrine. This mountain is also known as a site of research for the world-renowned naturalist Kumagusu Minakata. His studies of the local dense forests and his personal history with his wife Matsueda are closely tied to this area, making the surrounding landscape a place of both natural and academic interest.
