Gods of Kumano by Shinichi Nagai
US: Kodansha International, 1968
ISBN: 0870110926 from $20.00
This is a small picture book with an introduction of some 35 pages.
This gives a subjective account of the author’s impressions of a trip
to the old Kumano shrines in Wakayama prefecture. On the way one
learns of the old imperial pilgrimages from Kyoto which took a month
over tough mountain terrain, and of the attractions in the area. There
is a guided tour round the three major shrines, and the highlight is
the visit to Nachi waterfall, one of the most impressive in Japan and a
place of ascetism for the yamabushi. One also learns a bit of the
area’s connection with Emperor Jimmu, who may have landed here from
Kyushu on his way to Yamato. But this is no book for the serious
student of the past, but rather a pictorial tourist guide.
Summary: Of interest only to anyone planning a trip to Kumano, an area
of ancient myth and pilgrimage.
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