This is said to be the oldest shrine in Japan and the gravesite of Izanami-no-Mikoto, a female deity of Japanese mythology.

It communicates the face of nature worship in Kumano to the present day.

From here, the Iseji splits into the Hamakaido, which follows Shichirimihama to Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and the Hongudo, which heads to Kumano Hongu Taisha inland.

You can enjoy local specialties, mochi rice cakes made using ancient rice varieties, udon noodles and other goods at the adjacent Michi-no-Eki rest area.

Maruyama Senmaida is one of the top 100 terraced rice field spots in Japan, with 1,340 large and small paddies lying on top of each other on the mountainside. There were more than 2,000 paddies here in 1601, but that number had declined to 530 in 1992 due to depopulation. Consequently, local people started conservation activities and restored the rice paddies to the current number.

There is a unique ownership system that allows people who donate 30,000 yen a year to have their own rice paddy for that year, and it is also possible to participate in planting and harvesting.

In addition, there is an event known as mushiokuri that takes place in June each year to drive away crop-eating insects. Farmers walk through the rice terraces carrying torches, drums and bells to drive away insects and because those lights are so fantastical, it has become a seasonal summer tradition, with many people coming to visit.

It is said that Yoji Yakushi-do was built in 1411, and its official name is Joyaku-ji. It is a temple with ties to Cloistered Emperor Goshirakawa and the Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto. Many worshippers visit as it is supposed to be beneficial for head illnesses. In addition, there was a place for crossing the Kumanogawa River at Yoji in the Edo Period, but people currently cross using the Miwa-ohashi Bridge.

Ubuta-jinja is believed to be where Izanami gave birth to Kagutsuchi, the fire deity, and is worshipped as the shrine for safe childbirth. Also, because sanmazushi has been used at festivals here since ancient times, this is believed to be the birthplace of this local dish.

Another dramatic rock formation is located south along the coast called Shishiiwa. It is 25 m high and looks like a lion or beast with its mouth open in a roar. This is said to be the guardian deity of the Oma-jinja shrine located inland near the mouth of the river.

Onigajo is unique landform of hardened volcanic ash that has been eroded by the sea and wind. The name Onigajo is appropriate and means demon castle. There is a walking trail around the coast in and amongst these dramatic formations.

Hongudo is the mountain trail shortcut from Hana-no-Iwaya to Kumano Hongu Taisha, that joins up with the Nakahechi route after passing the Yokogaki-toge Pass, Fuden-toge Pass and Banzetoge pass.

This is the trail that heads to Odomari from Hadasu, and the Tomari Kannon statue that was at Seisui-ji is thought to be the origin of its name. Seisui-ji Temple was closed in 1964 and the statue was moved to Seitai-ji at the foot of the mountain.33 Kannon statues line the trail climbed from the foot of the mountain. This trail was also used along with Obuki-toge Pass in the Edo Period.