Place of worship • Miroku, Kimino, Kaiso District, Wakayama 640-1232, Japan
Situated in the mountains of Kimino Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Minoro Benzaiten Shrine is a truly deserving hidden sanctuary. With a long history, it has been revered and protected by locals. Due to the challenging access, few people visit, preserving its mystical atmosphere.
The approach is covered in moss, giving the impression of wandering into a Ghibli movie. The stone steps are wrapped in greenery, evoking the passage of time. The road to the main hall is nearly crumbling, as if it's returning to nature. Here, visitors keenly feel they are guests in the natural world.
While the grounds are wrapped in silence, the presence and calls of animals remind us that the true residents here are the wildlife. When visiting, be prepared to encounter wildlife and take proper precautions.
Getting to Minoro Benzaiten Shrine is an adventure in itself. One must veer off Prefectural Route 19 and navigate narrow mountain roads not shown on maps. The road width fits barely a small car, with caution needed for fallen rocks, leaves, and branches. Since some paths may be dead ends, proceed carefully.
Finding Minoro Benzaiten Shrine with a map alone is difficult, but using the “Gakujin” bakery as a landmark makes it easier. Once past the bakery, go through the settlement and head further up the mountain to reach the shrine that feels like another world.
Visitors report feeling a strong energy at Minoro Benzaiten Shrine. Its remote location and natural surroundings create a unique mystical atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for those who wish to escape daily life and calm their minds.
Visiting Minoro Benzaiten Shrine requires one to take responsibility due to the difficult access. Prepare thoroughly and stay alert, as there may be hazards en route and areas without cell phone reception. Nonetheless, the sense of awe upon arrival makes the effort worthwhile.
Minoro Benzaiten Shrine is a rare place where one can detach from modern society and become one with nature. Visit well-prepared, show respect for this sacred site, and enjoy the mystical experience.