Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine

Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine is said to have been built in 128 to enshrine the Kumano deities who descended to earth on the Gotobiki-Iwa rock in Kamikura Shrine. The vermillion-lacquered, beautiful pavilion reproduces the world of Kumano Mandala that depicts the Buddhist universe painted during the Kamakura period (1185-1336). On the shrine grounds stands Shinpokan, a museum that holds approximately 1,200 items designated as national treasure of Japan. There is also an ancient sacred Nagi tree believed to be about 1,000 years old, which is designated as a national natural monument. Since ancient times, people have worshiped the tree in prayer for a safe journey and good luck in matchmaking.

Held every year on February 6 at Kamikura Shrine, Oto Matsuri is Japan's oldest fire festival. Approximately 2,000 men dressed in white costumes tied with straw rope run down 538 steep steps from the top of the mountain holding a flaming torch lit from sacred fire. Participants, who are only males because no females are allowed to participate in the festival, go through a week-long purification period, and on the day of the event, they only eat white-colored foods. Tourists can also join, but since women are barred from entering the mountain on the day, they can watch men racing down the mountain from the path leading to the shrine.