Seiganto-ji (青岸渡寺, Seiganto-ji) is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple located on Mt. Nachi in Wakayama Prefecture. It is known as the first temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.
According to legend, during the reign of Emperor Nintoku (4th century), a monk named Ragyo Shonin, who came from India, discovered a statue of Kannon in the basin of Nachi Falls and built a hermitage there. This marked the beginning of Seiganto-ji. Until the early Meiji period (19th century), the temple was part of a syncretic religious site that combined Shinto and Buddhism, centered around the worship of Nachi Falls, along with the adjacent Kumano Nachi Taisha. This legacy remains visible today, and the temple continues to attract a steady stream of pilgrims.
One of the highlights of Seiganto-ji is its vivid vermilion three-story pagoda, which stands proudly within the temple grounds. The bright red color stands out beautifully against the deep green of the surrounding mountains. The dynamic white stream of Nachi Falls cascading beside it creates a breathtaking and powerful scene, making it a popular photo spot for travelers.
The current main hall (Nyoirin-do) was rebuilt in 1590 by Toyotomi Hidenaga under the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Inside the hall is Japan’s largest temple gong, donated by Hideyoshi. In 2004, the temple was registered as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”
This temple was once the site of a unique religious practice called "Fudaraku Tokai", in which monks set out on a sea voyage in search of the Pure Land of Kannon. These monks would board small boats with minimal provisions and allow themselves to drift out to sea, aiming to reach paradise while still alive.
Dozens of such voyages are recorded in history, and the practice is depicted in the “Nachi Sankei Mandala.”
Although the practice ceased in the early modern period, the graves of the monks who undertook these voyages remain on the mountain behind the temple grounds. Wooden plaques and boat materials from that time still exist, offering a tangible sense of history.
Kumano Shugendo at Seiganto-ji
Kumano Shugen
"Kumano Shugendo" is a form of mountain asceticism that blends nature worship, Shinto, and Buddhism. Practitioners known as "yamabushi" have long guided pilgrims and engaged in rigorous training in the mountains. While many sacred mountains across Japan serve as training grounds for Shugendo, the Kumano Sanzan area flourished especially due to pilgrimages by emperors and nobles.
The "Omine Okugake-michi", a challenging route connecting the Kumano Sanzan with Mt. Yoshino in Nara, is known as a Shugendo training path. This route declined after the Meiji era due to religious policy changes, but thanks to the dedication of the current head priest of Seiganto-ji, the tradition was revived in 1988 and training resumed.
However, this tradition, which had been lost for many years, was revived in 1988 through the enthusiasm and efforts of the current head priest of Seiganto-ji Temple, and training is once again being carried out. *Nachi’s 48 waterfalls are located within a sacred and hazardous area of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park and are not normally accessible.
Through ascetic training in the great nature of Kumano, pilgrims can purify their minds and bodies, rediscover gratitude and compassion, and experience the spiritual essence of Kumano faith.
The Kumano Shugen Nachisan Gyojado Hall was rebuilt within the grounds of Seiganto-ji Temple in 2023. Here, a special Goma offering prayer (wishes are written on a piece of wood which is then burned as an offering) is held once a month (on the fourth Saturday of every month).
Anyone can participate, and the tour includes a visit to the sacred inner sanctuary, allowing you to experience the deep religious culture of Kumano.
When visiting Seiganto-ji, be sure to also visit the other two Kumano Sanzan shrines-- Kumano Nachi Taisha, Kumano Hongu Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. Experiencing the unique form of prayer rooted in nature worship that is central to Kumano will make your journey even more profound.
The Nanto Kanazawa Line (operated by Kaetsuno Bus) operates six buses daily from bus stop number 2 at the west exit of Kanazawa Station. *Some buses may not pass through Johana. [Kanazawa Station West Exit → Johana Station] Fare: 870 yen
10:30 Depart from the bus stop in front of Johana Station on the World Heritage Bus
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To get from Kanazawa to Gokayama, you will need to change buses at Johana. Once you arrive at the bus stop in front of Johana Station, change onto the "World Heritage Bus" (operated by Kaetsuno Bus) and head towards Gokayama. The World Heritage Bus also runs every day. [Johana Station → Ainokura Exit] Fare: 740 yen
[place_master_id=2427 ImageChange=242609 DescriptionChange="{ JR Johana Station is a small terminal station that serves as the gateway to tourism in Nanto City. Buses depart here to major tourist destinations in Nanto City, such as the World Heritage Site of Gokayama Gassho-style Village and the woodcarving town of Inami, making it the perfect base for your trip. The station building has a nostalgic atmosphere, and is also equipped with a tourist information center and bicycle rentals. Be sure to stop by as the starting point for your stroll around Johana's townscape and sightseeing. }" show_photos embed id="goQNXX2uTR"]
11:00 Arrive at Gokayama Ainokura Gassho-style Village
Ainokura Gassho-style Village is a World Heritage Site that sits quietly in the mountains. Over 20 steeply sloping thatched-roof Gassho-style houses remain, and traditional Japanese lifestyles and the original Japanese landscape still thrive. The scenery changes with the seasons, making for excellent photos. Take a stroll and experience the wisdom and culture that has been passed down in the snow country.
Recommended Spot ① Matsuya Teahouse
This set meal is packed with the delights of Gokayama cuisine, including tempura made with fresh locally harvested mountain vegetables.
[place_master_id=17080 DescriptionChange="{ JR Johana Station is a small terminal station that serves as the gateway to tourism in Nanto City. Buses depart here to major tourist destinations in Nanto City, such as the World Heritage Site of Gokayama Gassho-style Village and Inami, the town of wood carving, making it the perfect base for your trip. The station building has a nostalgic atmosphere, and it also houses a tourist information center and bicycle rentals. Be sure to stop by as the starting point for your stroll around Johana's townscape and sightseeing. }" show_photos embed id="n2XHt4WhIC"]
Recommended Spot ② Yusuke Exhibition Hall
The museum provides an easy-to-understand display of what the sericulture industry was like back then. Reproductions of silkworms made from Gokayama washi paper are also on display, along with tools and implements that evoke the days of the time.
There are many photos that convey the atmosphere of that time, taken by the owner himself, a former photographer.
Recommended Spot 3: Gokayama Washi Papermaking Experience Center
You can experiencetraditional papermaking in a charming Gassho-style house.
Gokayama washi paper is a traditional craft with a history of approximately 500 years. It is made by hand and carefully crafted from materials such as kozo (paper mulberry) grown in the snowy mountain villages.
Its durability and beautiful texture make it popular for a wide range of uses, including lighting, letter paper, and interior decoration, and its simple yet elegant appearance is highly acclaimed both at home and abroad.
They sell a variety of dolls made from washi paper. Each one is handmade. They're all adorable and make perfect souvenirs!
12:30 Depart from Ainokuraguchi bus stop on the World Heritage bus to Johana
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The Ainokuraguchi bus stop is about a 5-minute walk from the Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village. Get off in front of Johana Station and transfer to the Nanto-Kanazawa Line bus heading towards Inami. [Ainokura → Johana] Fare: 870 yen
13:00 Arrive at Johana Station (11 minutes until transfer)
13:11 Depart from the bus stop in front of Jōhana Station on the Nanto-Kanazawa Line towards Inami
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It takes about 20 minutes from Jōhana Station to the Zuisenjiguchi Kotsu Hiroba bus stop. [Johana Station → Zuisenjiguchi Transportation Plaza] Fare: 200 yen
13:29 Arrive at Zuisenjiguchi Kotsu Hiroba bus stop
There is a tourist information center right next to the bus stop, so stop by and pick up a pamphlet.
Inami Yokamachi Street
Inami Yokamachi Street is a historic street that flourished as a temple town for Zuisenji Temple during the Edo period. Woodcarvers who gathered here to rebuild Zuisenji Temple took root in the area, and it eventually became known as " Japan's No. 1 woodcarving village ." Even today, woodcarving workshops and townhouses line the cobblestone streets, and the sounds of craftsmen wielding chisels and mallets echo through the air, strongly retaining the atmosphere of the past. Cafes and souvenir shops are scattered throughout, making this a spot where you can experience traditional crafts and local life while strolling through the historic streets.
You can see the sculptors at work up close, so feel free to take a peek inside the workshop.
Have fun searching for wooden cats!
We will search for wooden cats hiding in the shops along Yokamachi Street from Inami Transportation Plaza to Zuisenji Temple. There are 31 cats in total, including cats sleeping, cats reading newspapers, and cats serving alcohol. Let's try to find the expressive wooden cats. We also recommend making use of the "Map to Find Wooden Cats in Front of Zuisenji Temple," which can be obtained at the Inami Tourist Information Center.
[place_master_id=400 DescriptionChange="{ Yokamachi Street is a symbolic street of Inami, the temple town of Zuisenji Temple, boasting a 600-year history. It has also been selected as one of the "Top 100 Soundscapes of Japan to Preserve" by the Ministry of the Environment. Numerous Inami carving workshops line the street, and the scent of wood and the numerous carvings delight the eyes. As you walk down the street, you can almost hear the sounds of artisans hammering away with their hammers and chisels. You can see beautiful Inami carvings made using traditional techniques everywhere, such as wooden nameplates. There are also an astonishing 31 wooden carved cats hiding along the street. We hope you can find them! }" show_photos embed id="wDWtDbljHO"]
Recommended Spot 1: Wakakoma Brewery
Wakakoma Sake Brewery, located on Yokamachi Street, was founded in 1889. Its flagship brand, "Wakakoma," was named so that Wakakoma sake would be widely loved and familiar, just like Tenkoma, a mountain that soars up to the heavens.
Making use of tradition and techniques, this sake is handcrafted using underground water from the upper Shogawa River. Currently, the brewery is committed to using locally-sourced rice. The sake, painstakingly crafted with each and every paddle, has many loyal fans, and the small-batch production that only a small brewery can offer, with meticulous management and lovingly cultivated sake, has delighted the palates of connoisseurs for many years. In addition to purchasing local sake, you can also sample it in a sake cup that you have carved yourself.
Zuisenji Temple was built approximately 600 years ago. Its gorgeous mountain gate and main hall are filled with beautifully detailed carvings, making it a tourist attraction representative of Inami, a town of artisans. You can enjoy the historic building and the scenery that changes with the seasons, making it a must-see spot when you come to Inami.
Inami carving combines advanced techniques to create three-dimensional expressions with depth, resulting in impressive figures that look as if they could come to life at any moment.
Carving from both sides of the material creates a contrast between light and shadow, resulting in a delicate and beautiful piece.
Admission fee: Adults (high school students and above) 500 yen
[place_master_id=1892 DescriptionChange="{ Zuisenji Temple is the temple where Inami carving originated. The spacious temple grounds are home to beautiful cherry blossoms and wisteria, as well as intricate yet lavish and impressive carvings that draw many visitors from across Japan. The carvings on the beautiful Zuisenji temple buildings are handcrafted by Inami carving artisans. Inami carving, said to boast the best carving techniques in Japan, is said to have originated when a Kyoto carver was sent to rebuild Zuisenji temple after it was destroyed by fire, and passed on his techniques to Inami carpenters. Among the magnificent carvings found throughout Zuisenji temple, the carvings in the Taishido Hall are particularly eye-catching. The Taishido Hall is famous as a building that embodies the finest Inami carving techniques. Crafted using 200 chisels and the traditional Inami carving technique, each piece is carved from a single piece of wood. The intricate and beautiful carvings are a sight to behold, and you will be amazed at the achievements of our ancestors.
Inami, a town of woodcarving, has been designated a Japan Heritage Site. The approach to Zuisenji Temple is lined with many workshops filled with the scent of wood, and the sounds of carvers' mallets and chisels reverberate. The beautiful sounds of chisels echoing through the streets have been designated one of the "Top 100 Soundscapes of Japan." Enjoy the delicate yet powerful traditional techniques of Inami's carvers and the largest historic temple in the Hokuriku region to your heart's content. }" show_photos embed id="DZuNK4lN59"]
15:22 Depart from Zuisenjiguchi Kotsu Hiroba bus stop towards Kanazawa
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Return to Kanazawa by bus on the Nanto-Kanazawa Line. [Zuisenji Exit Transportation Plaza → Kanazawa Station West Exit] Fare: 870 yen
16:45 Arrive at Kanazawa Station West Exit
The simple, unspoiled scenery of Gokayama and the beautiful townscape of Inami, where craftsmanship is alive and well. Why not take a bus ride on your next day off and spend some time experiencing the "real Japanese atmosphere"?
Use the Nanto Kanazawa Free Pass to enjoy great deals on sightseeing!
If you're planning on sightseeing using the Nanto-Kanazawa Line bus, we recommend the convenient and economical "Nanto-Kanazawa Free Pass." The "Nanto-Kanazawa World Heritage Bus Free Pass" also allows unlimited rides on the World Heritage Bus, making it even more economical!
Can be used on all sections of the Nanto-Kanazawa Line bus
●Valid for 2 days from the date of issue
Adults: 1,600 yen (tax included) [Children: half price]
Can be used on all sections of the Nanto-Kanazawa Line bus and World Heritage Bus
●Valid for 3 days from the date of issue
Adults: 3,800 yen (tax included) [Children: half price]
COCOSHUKU Asakusa Kuramae is a hotel located just one minute by train from Asakusa Station. All rooms have kitchens and can accommodate multiple guests in one room.
This time, I had the opportunity to try on a rental kimono, perfect for sightseeing in Asakusa, so I would like to share it with you.
A unique kimono rental shop with a wide selection of vintage kimonos and yukatas
There are now many kimono rental shops in Asakusa.
Among them, the kimono rental shop "shim" has a wide selection of stylish, high-quality kimonos that are hard to find elsewhere, such as vintage kimonos with beautiful patterns and cute retro yukatas, all selected by staff with excellent taste. You can rent kimonos, yukatas, and even formal kimonos such as black tomesode, houmongi, tsukesage, and furisode . There is a wide variety to choose from.
Start by choosing the items you want to rent
The kimono dressing experience starts with choosing your items.
1. Kimono
First, choose your favorite kimono from a selection of approximately 150 types. I don't have any knowledge about kimonos so I was a little unsure at first, but when I told the store staff what color and style I wanted, they kindly gave me advice and I was able to decide after consulting with them.
All the kimonos are so cute it's hard to choose!
I've narrowed down the candidates quite a bit, but I'm still not sure, so I'll try them out and decide.
I decided on this kimono!
2. Obi
Next is choosing the obi. The interesting thing about kimonos is that they can surprisingly combine patterns and colors that would be hard to imagine with Western clothing!
The staff also encourages us, saying, "There is no right answer, so just choose what you like."
3. Obijime
Next, choose your obijime. It seems that the thickness of obijime in the past was thicker than it is today. Apparently, thin kimonos are the norm these days. It's a lot of fun talking about these kinds of kimonos with the friendly and helpful staff at "shim."
4. Obiage
Next, choose your obiage. The obiage is only visible on top of the obi, but the impression it gives can change greatly depending on what you choose!
5. Obi decoration
Next, choose the "obi decoration." There are so many to choose from, but that's one of the joys of kimono! The model who tried it said, "It's fun to see the things you choose take shape."
6. Half-collar
Finally, choose the "haneri" (half-collar). (The order of choosing may change.) They also carry things you won't find anywhere else, like polka dots and lace. The atmosphere changes depending on the combination.
Hair arrangement experience
Once you have selected the items you wish to rent, you will be asked to arrange your hair. At "shim" you can also add hair styling as an option (additional charge). There is also a wide selection of hair accessories.
Finally, dressing
Once your hair is set, it's time to get dressed. This time, the obi will be tied in the "Ginza knot." The name is also stylish and cool.
This is the "Ginza"
Once you're dressed, head to Asakusa
Once dressed, it's time to head out into the streets of Asakusa. Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate are just a 3-minute walk away from shim. The weather was unfortunate, but we were given a Japanese umbrella. We also rent out tabi socks, sandals, and bags, so you can come to the store empty-handed.
Perfect for a date or a girls' trip to Asakusa! Retro and cute "shim" kimono rental and dressing
Through this experience, I felt that it was beautiful to see how a kimono or obi, which at first glance appears to be a single, straight piece of cloth, takes shape, and that this is a Japanese culture that should be cherished. One of the joys of renting is being able to try out a variety of kimonos with patterns and colors that would be a little difficult to buy. shim also offers a dressing service for customers who bring their own kimono. The shop also has English-speaking staff.
Another great thing is that you can return your rental kimono or yukata until 8pm, so you can enjoy the nightlife in Asakusa or sightseeing in Tokyo!
Why not make your stroll through Asakusa even more stylish and wonderful? Reservations for dressing can be made through the official "shim" website.
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