Shingu Kumano Shrine Nagatoko

【The winds of Heian blow through】 44 giant pillars and a golden ginkgo tree. The "Shingu Kumano Shrine Nagatoko" conveys the breath of ascetics.

The "Shingu Kumano Shrine" enveloped in a quiet forest on the outskirts of Kitakata City. The worship hall "Nagatoko" that towers in its precincts is an important cultural property of the country that conveys the architectural style of the late Heian period. Its completely open structure, with no walls or doors, is extremely rare nationwide and exudes an overwhelming presence at first glance.

■ The architectural beauty calculated by 44 round pillars 
The must-see point for enthusiasts is the 44 thick pillars supporting the thatched roof. The sight of cylindrical pillars with a diameter of about 45 cm arranged at equal intervals is robust yet imbued with geometric beauty. This place was once a rigorous training ground for Yamabushi and ascetics based on Kumano faith. Without walls, you can directly feel the presence of nature, such as the wind blowing through and the chirping of birds, allowing you to re-experience the same scenery and spirituality that the ancient practitioners must have gazed upon.

■ The "golden carpet" laid by the 800-year-old ginkgo tree 
If you visit in autumn, another breathtaking view awaits. The sacred 800-year-old ginkgo tree, about 30 meters tall, towers in front of Nagatoko. As late autumn arrives and countless leaves flutter down, the area around Nagatoko is covered in a dazzling "golden carpet." The contrast between the heavy texture of the aged wood of Nagatoko and the vibrant ginkgo is truly breathtaking. Please fully enjoy the essence of Heian architecture harmonizing beautifully with nature.