Shingu, Japan Cruises

Shingu, Japan Cruise Port

Shingu, the sister city to Santa Cruz, California, is the commercial center of the Kumano Region and one of the largest cities in Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture. As the only external trading port in the southern part of Wakayama, it also acts as the trading hub for the Mie and Nara Prefectures. The translation for Shingu is “new Shrine” and refers to Hatayama Shrine, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Those three Shinto monuments enshrine the Kumano Mountains, which are all about 12 to 25 miles from each other and all located in the Wakayama Prefecture. They’re connected to each other by tracing the pilgrimage route known as the Kumano Kodo. Anyone wishing to partake in this pilgrimage can find serenity with the two Buddhist temples along the path. Shingu, Japan has a local dish called Nare-zushi, which is sushi’s original form and the main sushi, other than sashimi, that is popular today.

• Experience the essence of the Grand pilgrimage by exploring the Hayatama Shrine. Take in the exquisite views and witness the 800-year-old Nagi tree which is worshipped to ensure the safety of one’s family while traveling.
   
• Despite being torn down during the Meiji Restoration in the 19^th century, the ruins of Shingu Castle are still a prominent tourist destination with its strong foundation and various floral trees.
   
• Shingu is a land of many waterfalls, each quite impressive and unique in its own way; a couple of note include the Nonotaki and Kuwanoki Falls.
   
• At the Kamikura Shrine, don’t overlook the Soo-Ji Temple and its aged bell tower. It’s one of the oldest temples on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.