Top›Report Article›Walk through Kumano's treasure `` Onigajo'', which is registered as a World Heritage Site! ～Approaching huge rocks, crashing waves, ocean as far as the eye can see...～

Walk through Onigajo, Kumano's treasure registered as a World Heritage Site! ～Approaching huge rocks, crashing waves, ocean as far as the eye can see...～

掲載日：2020.10.26

Onigajo is a must-see spot when sightseeing in KumanoCity.
The magnificent beauty created by the harsh natural environment over many years simply overwhelms the viewer. It occupies part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
We would like to introduce you to Onigajo, which is now attracting attention not only from outside the prefecture but also from all over the world!

From the Kisei Expressway, take the Kumano Owase Road, get off at the Kumano Odomari IC, which is the last stop, and drive for about 30 seconds, and you will see Onigajo signboard.

It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from IseJingu, and about 3 hours from Nagoya or Osaka. Around the summer of 2021, a high-speed section connecting the Owase-Kita IC and Owase-Minami IC, which is currently under construction, is scheduled to open, making access to Kumano even more convenient.

Onigajo became a national natural monument as early as 1935 (Showa 10). It has been designated as a national scenic spot under the Cultural Properties Protection Act, and has also been selected as one of Japan's 100 Scenic Spots, making it kachiji that represents Japan in both name and reality.
In July 2004, the long-awaited registration as a World Heritage Site was realized! This has led to an increase in the number of tourists visiting not only from Japan but also from overseas.

Park your car in the free parking lot and head to the east exit, which is the starting point of the 1.2km long promenade, passing in front of Onigajo Center. It is also worth noting that the main scenic spots have unique names that express their characteristics, such as ``Sarumodoshi'', ``Oni no Furo-oke'', and ``Oni no Watchtower''.
Even though it is one of the most kachiji in Japan, it is also great that there are no entrance fees or admission fees.

Senjojiki is one of the biggest attractions. The large cave, which is said to have risen every time a large-scale earthquake occurred, is divided into upper and lower levels, and is approximately 15 meters high and approximately 1,500 square meters in area, making it the most impressive cave in Onigajo area.
According to the legend of Onigajo, Senjojiki is said to have been the home of Tayamaru, a pirate who was defeated by Sakanoue Tamuramaro, known as the Great Shogun.

When you climb the stairs to the upper level, a majestic view spreads out in front of you. The blue sky and blue sea seen from this location are truly spectacular!
The hanging looming tips of quartz trachytes provide a nice accent, making it a perfect space for commemorative photos.

When looking from the upper tier of Senjojiki, what you can see right in front of you is Mamigashima. A small uninhabited island located approximately 1.5 km off the coast, it is known by the locals as Mavrika, and is a popular spot for rock fishing and diving.
It is also famous for the legend that Sakanoue Tamuramaro, the Great Shogun of the Great Conqueror, killed off the demon living in Onigajo with a single arrow.

At the end of Senjojiki is Oku no Kido.
Up until this point, the road is relatively wide, and there is enough space for adults to walk side by side, but from here on, as you climb the stairs and go deeper, the road gets narrower and becomes a difficult road with puddles. To go. There is a risk of falling or falling, so it is best to avoid wearing shoes with high heels or geta.

"Saru Return". As the name suggests, it is a rocky area so steep that even a monkey would give up and turn back.
The cliffs, which are tens of meters high, continue for more than 100 meters. It's so impactful that you'll want to check your step and walk slowly!
There are fissures and fissures running through the rocks, and you can feel the enormity of the power of nature.

When you look down, you can see the waves crashing violently against the rocks, turning into white spray. It is often referred to as the ``demon's bathtub,'' and it may be that the seawater that accumulates in the depressions of the rock as waves wash over it makes it look like a gigantic bathtub.
But when you imagine a demon taking a bath and relaxing... it's interesting.

Waniiwa is named after its appearance. The total length is about 50 meters or more, and it looks like a gigantic shiny black crocodile that has emerged from the sea.
Even so, the sight of the seawater flowing in and colliding with a huge rock, creating waves, is said to be a ferocious sound that echoes, and the water is spraying with such force that it almost hits your body, making for a truly impressive sight. You can

Although the area is smaller than Senjojiki, ``Oni no Lookout'' has a wide panoramic view from east to west. This would have been the perfect place to watch ships passing by at sea.
We started from the east exit and are now nearing the end of the course, but first let's relax and enjoy the view to calm our minds.

From “Nakiri Fudo” to “Beehive”. We are finally approaching the final stage of the journey.
You can clearly see that different rocks are sticking out from Onigajo 's bedrock, which is made of quartz trachyte. Nakiri Fudo was given its name because of its resemblance to Fudoson, and because it looks like it is chewing on rocks during high waves. In addition, countless depressions can be seen on the ceiling of the cave near this area, and due to their shape, they are called "bee hives".

Arrived at the final stop, the west exit. Of course, there are individual differences, but the time required is approximately 40 to 50 minutes. There is a legend that demons lived there, and there are a series of spectacular and strange views that will make you wonder. If you have time, be sure to walk all the way to the end. There will be many discoveries and surprises.
From here, you can climb along the Saigo River, go through Onigajo pedestrian tunnel, and return to the parking lot in front of Onigajo Center.

name

Onigajo (KumanoCity)

address

Kimotocho, Kumano KumanoCity 519-4323

telephone number

0597-89-0100

Official URL

http://onigajyo.jp/

parking

Yes 72 units
10 large buses
18 large buses (Onigajo Center 2nd parking lot)

Access by public transportation

・About 5 minutes by bus bound for Omata Okubo from KumanoCity Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, and get off at Onigajo Higashiguchi.

Access by car

・Approximately 1 minute drive south from Kumano Owase Road "Kumano Odomari IC"

Click here for details!

"Onigajo Center" is adjacent to Onigajo. “Know,” “Feel,” and “Taste” Kumano, a World Heritage Site
With this concept, you can enjoy local gourmet food and purchase a wide variety of specialty products.
There is also a space where various information about Kumano can be disseminated, including introducing sightseeing spots using a large monitor.

The recommended menu at the restaurant ``Ristorante Marina'' on the second floor is this ``Kumanonada red sea bream and tuna red and white bowl'' (1,100 yen/tax included).
This is a popular gourmet dish that about half of the people who visit order it. The sea bream and tuna marinated in a special sauce, as well as the brightly colored green onions, are all caught in Kumano. The rice is also packed with Iga rice, a specialty of Mie Prefecture.
There is also outdoor terrace seating, so on sunny days, one of the best parts of traveling is being able to relax and enjoy the Kumano sea breeze.

If you don't go to Kumano, you won't be able to try the "Nihime soft serve ice cream" (350 yen/tax included), which is sold at the takeout corner on the first floor. Contains the juice of Niihime, a locally produced citrus fruit, and the refreshing sweetness with a slightly sour taste that is different from vanilla will fill your mouth. It has a refreshing aftertaste, so it sells well even during the hot summer months.
Don't miss out on Kumano's exclusive local sweets!

There are many other products that take advantage of the aroma and sourness of Niihime, a citrus fruit that can only be harvested in Kumano! From the left: Niihime Cider (220 yen/tax included). Niihime drink (154 yen/tax included). Niihime Candy (206 yen/tax included). We also have dressings and aroma oils.
Not only can you buy it as a souvenir, but you can also buy it for yourself and enjoy the unique sweet and sour taste of Niihime at home. At that moment, the memories of the fun trip to Kumano will come back to you.

“Onigajo Retro T-shirt” (2,000 yen/tax included), available only at Onigajo Center. Local T-shirts with Kumano motifs such as the Kumano Fireworks and Shishiiwa are popular items among foreign tourists.
In addition, "Kumano ga Suki" (CD on sale now, 800 yen/tax included) sung by Nobu-chan BAND, which is mainly active in the local area, is always played as background music in the hall. I love Kumano, I love you ♪ I love you ♪ The unique lyrics repeated in my head over and over again, and I couldn't help but hum them.

name

Onigajo Center

address

1835-7 KumanoCity Kumano 519-4323

telephone number

0597-89-1502

Official URL

http://www.onigajyo.mie.jp/

business hours

(Weekdays) 10:00-17:00
(Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) 9:00-17:00 *Business hours may be subject to change

holiday

Open all year round

Access by car

Kumano Oodomari IC exit R42 towards Shingu

Click here for details!

If you drive from Onigajo Center, you will arrive at Hotel Nami in less than 1 minute. With a total of 76 guest rooms in the main building and annex, it is one of the largest accommodation facilities in HigashiKishu region.
With a great location that allows you to walk not only to Onigajo, but also to Kumano Kodo Matsumoto Pass, Shishiiwa, and Shichirimihama, it is a representative hotel that serves as a base for Kumano sightseeing for families, groups, and friends.

Rooms facing the sea offer a panoramic view of the magnificent Kumano Sea, and you can also enjoy ocean views from the in-house restaurant and terrace.
As you gaze at the scenery created by the ocean day and night, you will feel as though your entire body is enveloped in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

*Information as of October 2020. Prices and other information may have changed, so please check with your contact information before making your trip.

name

Hotel Nami

address

772-1 KumanoCity 519-4322

telephone number

0597-88-1800

Official URL

http://www.hotel-nami.com/

parking

60 cars (Bus etc. also available)

Click here for details!