Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

Kumano Nachi Taisha (grand shrine) in Nachi Katsu-ura of southeast Wakayama, is the head shrine of some four thousand Kumano shrines around Japan. It is one of the three grand shrines of the Kumano region, along with Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Hongu Taisha. Kumano Nachi Taisha and other sites along the Kumano pilgrimage route were collectively registered as World Heritage sites in 2004.
The main deity is Kumano-fusumi-no-oh-kami, who is said to give blessings for maritime and traffic safety, matchmaking, and bring other good fortunes. The fourth chamber is dedicated to this deity. A main attraction of the shrines it its vermillion colored main chamber, which is referred to as the fifth chamber. Other highlights include a copper statue of a sacred crow, and a rock believed to be a resting crow in disguise.  Stop by the tea shop located on the stone steps leading up to the shrine. There, you can rent a kimono similar to those worn by women worshippers who scaled the pilgrimage trail centuries ago.
The shrine is also a great spot to shoot photos of the Nachi Falls, located about two kilometers away.