It is said that the Kumano Taisha shrine was rebuilt under Emperor Heijo’s imperial order in 806. After that, it benefited from the Emperor’s blessing to join the four groups of Tendai Buddhism, Shingon Buddhism, Haguro Shugen and Shinto to prosper as a sacred place for Kumano Shugen.

The deity of the Kumano shrine is the deity of “connection” as all living things, animals, plants and humans are born “connected” to this world.

It is also known as Izana Kinomikoto and Izana Minomikoto. “Izana”, which is common to both names, comes from the word “invitation” and expresses the word of love between men and women. Japan’s first festival for couples and encounters is held at this shrine known for fulfilling matchmaking wishes.