⛩️ Niu Tohime Shrine

The Danjō-ji Shrine, with a history of 1,700 years, is an ancient shrine listed as a World Heritage site, part of the heritage known as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," alongside places like Mount Koya, Kumano, and Yoshino. It is not only the ichinomiya (first shrine) of Kii Province but also the head shrine of approximately 180 Danjō-ji Shrines across Japan. The deity enshrined here, the Danjō-ji Daikami, is revered for granting the land to Kōbō Daishi, who established Kongōbu-ji Temple, and is also respected as the protector of Mount Koya. The main hall, featuring four Kasuga-style shrines standing side by side, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country and enshrines the Danjō-ji Daikami along with three other deities. Restoration work was carried out in 2014, using the same color scheme as in the early Edo period. Additionally, the gate standing in front of the main hall is also an important cultural property designated by the state. A bridge called the Wana-bashi spans the Kagami Pond in the shrine's inner precincts, donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's concubine, Yodo-dono. Originally intended for the passage of deities, the bridge is also open for visitors. Due to its semi-circular shape and steep slope, access is prohibited in winter. According to legend, the messengers of Kōbō Daishi, who guided him to Mount Koya, were a pair of black and white dogs, which is why rare divine dogs are enshrined in the shrine. These divine dogs are open for viewing during the monthly ritual held on the 16th.

With a history of 1,700 years, this ancient shrine is listed as a World Heritage site. It enshrines four deities, including the great deity Niu-tobime, bestowed upon Kōbō Daishi by Mount Kōya. The main hall and the tower gate are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The circular bridge within the precincts is open for visitors to walk across. The "divine dog," related to the shrine's legends, is open for viewing on the 16th of each month.