Kounosé-sekkai-doukutsu cave and Iwato-kumanoza-jinja shrine [Kumamoto]

【Kounosé-sekkai-doukutsu cave and Iwato-kumanoza-jinja shrine summary】

The Kamise Lime Cave and Iwato-Kumanoza Shrine are two of the National Scenic Spots (designated by the Japanese government as places of scenic beauty). Kumanoza Shrine was already a sacred site in the Muromachi period (1336-1573), when a temple called Genryuji Temple was located in the cave. After the temple was closed, Iwato Kumanoza Shrine was built in 1578. The shrine was painted as a scenic spot even in the Edo period (1603-1867), indicating that it has been known as a familiar scenic spot since ancient times. Kumanoza Shrine enshrines Izami-no-Mikoto, Hayatama-no-Mikoto, and Kotokotachi-no-Mikoto, and is also known as a god of easy childbirth, fertility, and good marriage.

The shrine was damaged by the 7.4 Kumamoto torrential rain disaster, and as of 2023, the walkway leading to the shrine has collapsed due to a landslide, making it inaccessible. It is not recommended to go there because of the danger.

【Kounosé-sekkai-doukutsu cave and Iwato-kumanoza-jinja shrine precincts】

I climbed up the crumbling cliff at my own risk, wearing climbing shoes and such. A little further up the hill, a large mouth suddenly appears that seems to swallow you up. It is the entrance to a very large cave, in which the Kumanoza Shrine sits. The entrance is covered with moss, and the air is otherworldly only inside the cave. The limestone caves inside the cave are said to be a natural monument.

In the back cave of the main shrine, there is a pond and a prayer hall where people can make their wishes come true by throwing wish stones (nageishi) into the pond and if they make a sound, their wishes will come true.

【Kounosé-sekkai-doukutsu cave and Iwato-kumanoza-jinja shrine scenery】

Nearby is Chomeisui, one of the best 100 Kumamoto waters, and a very clean mountain river flows through it, making us feel that it was a beautiful place before the earthquake. I hope that the area will be restored.

【Kounosé-sekkai-doukutsu cave and Iwato-kumanoza-jinja shrine Nearby attractions】

Sagara Gokoku Shrine and Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins, Aoi Aso Shrine, Tamachi Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine

Sagara Gokoku Shrine and Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins [Kumamoto]

Aoi Aso Shrine [Kumamoto]

Tamachi Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine [Kumamoto]

【Kounosé-sekkai-doukutsu cave and Iwato-kumanoza-jinja shrine Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Okadome Kumanoza Shrine (Happiness Shrine) [Kumamoto] Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine [Kumamoto] Aoi Aso Shrine [Kumamoto] Sagara Gokoku Shrine and Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins [Kumamoto]