ABOUT
About this spot
Niutsuhime Shrine lies in the Amano basin of Katsuragi, Wakayama Prefecture, northwest of Mount Koya. It is known as the shrine of the local guardian deity of Mount Koya, claims the rank of ichinomiya of Kii Province, and was inscribed in 2004 as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Four deities are enshrined: Niutsuhime, Takano-miko, Ogetsuhime and Ichikishimahime. According to legend, Kukai received the shrine's land when he founded Kongobu-ji, and in the era of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism pilgrims to Mount Koya visited this shrine first. The main attractions are the two-story gate (Muromachi period) and the four vermilion main halls in the kasuga-zukuri style, all Important Cultural Properties. The arched Wa-bashi bridge over Kagami Pond is said to have been donated by Yodo-dono. The Futatsu-torii marks the start of the Koyasan Choishi-michi pilgrimage path. The shrine's guardian dogs are shown on the 16th of each month. From Kasada Station on the JR Wakayama Line, take the Katsuragi community bus (Amano course) for about 30 minutes to the terminus. Services are limited, so check the timetable first.
Last updated October 23, 2026