I went to Michi-no-eki “Kumano Hana-no-Iwaya: Otsuna Chaya”! Detailed information on popular souvenirs, gourmet food, and surrounding information!

Hananokutsu Shrine is the tomb of Izanami no Mikoto, the mother of the gods, and is Japan's oldest shrine, which also appears in the Nihon Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine.
In front of the gate is the `` Michi-no-eki Kumano Hana-no-Iwaya (Otsuna Chaya),'' which stands as a teahouse where you can relieve the fatigue of your travels and convey the charms of Kumano.

A space surrounded by the warmth of wood that recreates the atmosphere of the Edo period. Surrounding the rest area are shops and information display corners.

The spacious rest space has tatami flooring, wooden flooring, chairs, and tables, so you can sit wherever you like and relax, or just take a break or eat and drink as you please.

If you sit on the porch, you'll feel like a traveler from the past.

In addition to udon and rice balls made with the ancient rice "Izanami rice," which is a local specialty, local specialties such as Sanma sushi Mehari-sushi are also famous.
We recommend their signature menu, the "Otsuna Chaya Set" (Izanami Udon + Izanami Rice Balls) for 550 yen (tax included). A limited edition item only available at Otsuna Chaya, made by mixing ancient rice "Izanami rice". You can fully enjoy Izanami rice.
The udon noodles are made with black rice and have just the right amount of elasticity. It goes perfectly with the Izanami rice rice balls in the set.

You can order ``Izanami Mitarashi Dango'' (100 yen (tax included) per bottle), which has the unique color of ancient black rice, and then have the dango grilled and eaten piping hot.
The mitarashi dango soaked in a sweet and salty soy sauce sauce is exquisite.

In addition, the souvenir and product sales corner inside the store carries a wide variety of products, mainly Kumano specialty products. Just experiencing and seeing the traditions of Kumano is exciting.

We will introduce some of the most popular and recommended ones.

Izanami rice large 550 yen (tax included) small 350 yen (tax included).
You can enjoy the Izanami rice you tasted at the store at home. The packaging is also perfect for souvenirs.

Otsuna mochi made with Izanami rice.
You can choose from two types: koshian and tsubuan. Kumano's black rice, which has an ancient flavor, is wrapped in elegantly sweet red bean paste.
The grains of black rice accentuate it, making it very delicious.

We have a wide selection of local sake that Kumano is proud of, including Kumano Sanzan, the region's traditional hand-made ginjo sake.

Kumano tenugui 1,350 yen (tax included).
Stylish black and white design. The color black is said to be associated with mysticism, and ``Kumano no Kuro'' is a hand towel designed based on mysticism and Kumano products.

Nachi black candy 380 yen (tax included).
Nachi black candy is a product of craftsmanship that has been passed down over 100 years. Nachi black candy shaped like a Go stone is also made with carefully selected brown sugar and is a popular souvenir.

Crafts using Nachi Kuroishi, a type of slate produced in Kamikawa-cho KumanoCity City, and Kumano cypress, as well as wild plants, persimmon tannin dyeing, and indigo dyeing are also on display.

Since December 2017, it has become possible to charge electric vehicles, making it even more convenient to use. You can also rent bicycles, so it's perfect if you want to explore the town.

I also found a panel showing the face of Hana-no-Iwaya. As a memento of your trip.

Tourist pamphlets for the area are lined up, and tourist information is also available.
You can also get stamp rallies and Michi-no-eki tickets. The beautiful wooden restroom has men's, women's, and multipurpose restrooms. Diaper changing stations are also available.

Go to the "Hana-no-Iwaya" in front of you.

●What is Hana-no-Iwaya, the oldest place in Japan where the gods sleep?
Hana-no-Iwaya is the tomb where Izanami no Mikoto, the mother of the gods, gave birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi no Mikoto and was buried after she was burned to death.

In July 2004, the ``Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountains,'' including Hana-no-Iwaya were registered as a World Heritage Site. Hanakutsu Shrine (Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine) is said to be the oldest shrine in Japan, as recorded in the Nihon Shoki, and as a sacred place since ancient times, it continues to be worshiped today and is visited by many worshipers from all over the country. .

The object of worship at Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine is a gigantic rock 70 meters high. The rocks are so large that they can't even fit in the camera frame, and they have an impressive impact that overwhelms the viewer.

Twice a year, the ``Tsuna-kake Shinto ritual'' is held in grand style, where the rope from the sacred object is changed. This ritual has been designated as a Mie Prefecture Intangible Cultural Property and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


【Related article】
○ I received a goshuin stamp at Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine! Introducing the charm of spiritual shrines and Otsuna Chaya at Japan's oldest power spot!?

How about visiting a spot where you can heal the fatigue of a leisurely trip along with Hana-no-Iwaya?

【basic information】
Address 137 KumanoCity 519-4325
Phone number 0597-88-1011
Parking lot: 30 regular cars, 3 buses
Business hours 10:00-17:00 [Dining room] 11:00-14:00
Closed: Open all year round
Toilet outside the facility, available 24 hours, barrier-free toilet available
EV charging facility available

Stamp Rally (with)
Michi-no-eki ticket (available)

*The information posted is as of March 2018.