Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine in Karuizawa is a unique shrine with over 1900 years of history, situated on the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures.
Incredibly, a red prefectural border runs through the shrine grounds and even within the original Chikara Mochi shop. The Gunma and Nagano sides are managed by different religious corporations, meaning there are two separate shrines on the same grounds!
Such a shrine exists! (Amazing!)
Furthermore, it seems to be one of only four such special shrines recognized in Japan.
This article will introduce Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine, recommended ways to visit, and access information.
What kind of shrine is Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine?
There are many shrines called “Kumano Shrine” throughout Japan, but this is a general term for over 3,000-4,000 shrines nationwide that enshrine the divided spirits of the Kumano Sanzan (Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi) in Wakayama Prefecture.
Karuizawa’s Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine is one of these branch shrines. Furthermore, it has been designated a Special Shrine (one of only four nationwide) by the Association of Shinto Shrines*１, meaning you can receive special divine blessings!
When I visited, they were collecting donations for the repair of linden trees and aging copper plates. I made a donation and received chopsticks made from natural pine wood as a thank you gift. (They were surprisingly light!)
The wrapping paper had “Special Shrine” written on it, so there must be a reason!
(The Association of Shinto Shrines’ website doesn’t specifically mention this, but the Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine website clearly states it!)
*1 Association of Shinto Shrines: A religious corporation encompassing shrines throughout Japan.
Are there two shrines with different names?
I climbed the stairs and entered the shrine grounds, looking for the prefectural border, but couldn’t find it…
“Hmm, where could it be?” I wondered, and walked back a little towards the main gate.
I asked the head priest, who was writing the goshuin (shrine stamp),
“Excuse me, where is the prefectural border?”
He replied, “It’s right there.”
Looking down, I saw the prefectural border marker on the floor directly beneath the main gate! 🙂
I had walked right past it without noticing.
There are two shrines: the “Kumano Kōtaijinja” on the left (Nagano Prefecture) and the “Kumano Shrine” on the right (Gunma Prefecture). The sales offices and prayer services are all run by separate organizations.
Please note that the shrine introduced here is the Kumano Kōtaijinja on the Nagano Prefecture side!
After visiting the shrine, I recommend taking a break and enjoying some Chikara Mochi (rice cakes) at the tea shop, followed by a 10-minute walk to the observation deck for the view.
This set of three is highly recommended!
Located at an altitude of about 1,100m, the view is sure to be spectacular!
On the day I visited (May 1st, 2026), it was quite rainy, cold (8 degrees Celsius), and the tea shop was closed, so I only visited the shrine.
Because it was Golden Week, visitors were pouring in from the 9am opening time, and it was so popular that I wondered how crowded it would be if it hadn’t been raining…
Next time, I’d like to visit the tea shop and the observation deck!
Oh, the tea shop’s terrace seating with its great view is popular, and you can make reservations online, so I highly recommend making a reservation!
The linden tree at Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine is a power spot for matchmaking!
To see the linden tree, which is over 1,000 years old, you need to go through the shop selling amulets and goods and exit from the opposite side of the shop.
The linden tree at Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine is considered a sacred tree and is even designated as a “Nagano Prefecture Designated Natural Monument,” making it a truly precious tree.
Up close, perhaps due to the damp, gloomy weather, I felt a mystical atmosphere reminiscent of Princess Mononoke!
Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine is also famous as a power spot for matchmaking and good fortune.
On a sunny day, when sunlight shines just right between the roots, you can supposedly see a “heart shape,” but I couldn’t see it today…
As a shrine for matchmaking, heart shapes are scattered everywhere—on the sacred rope wrapped around the tree, the stepping stones, the lock on the offering box, and more!
Also, there was a “Doraemon’s Anywhere Door” installed.
When I asked the shrine maiden why, she explained, “The Anywhere Door, which can take you anywhere, symbolizes connecting you with good fortune no matter where you are, and it’s there for everyone to enjoy!”
The heart shape and the Anywhere Door made for a heartwarming sight!
Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine’s Goshuin (shrine stamp)
A limited edition Goshuin is distributed on the 11th of every month, so please bring your Goshuincho (stamp book) even though it’s heavy!
I apologize for not getting a Goshuin(shrine stamp) this time due to time constraints.
Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine is a shrine where you can visit with your dog.
Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine is a shrine where you can visit with your dog.
Traditionally, pets were generally not allowed on shrine grounds, but in recent years, with pets being considered “part of the family,” the number of shrines that allow pets has increased.
Megushi Shrine in Chiba Prefecture, which opened in 2009 as Japan’s first shrine exclusively for pets, is probably quite famous.
Here at Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine, you can have your senior dog’s health prayed for (approximately 20 mins), receive a special Goshuin (shrine stamp) only available for visitors with their dogs, and get a “Health Prayer Paw Print” where your dog’s paw is pressed into the stamp!
This is a wonderful shrine for dog lovers!
Points to check regarding your visit (parking, wheelchair access, etc.)
Here are some points to check for those considering visiting the shrine.
① Many stairs
There are narrow, steep stairs (40-50 steps), making it difficult to use carriers, strollers, or wheelchairs.
Wheelchair users should contact the shrine in advance for peace of mind.
② Weather and altitude
Because it is located at an altitude of about 1,100m, it is very cold in winter and snow accumulates, so snow tires are essential. Please also dress warmly.
Furthermore, the road becomes a narrow mountain road as you approach the shrine.
If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, we recommend visiting by public bus!
③ Parking
There are free parking spaces (about 8) and paid Times parking lots (P1-P3) around the shrine’s approach.
During peak seasons, the parking lots are often full, so
we recommend aiming to arrive right when it opens at 9:00 AM or taking a public bus.
Incidentally, visitors who purchase over 1,000 yen worth of amulets or other items will receive a 60-minute free parking ticket for Times parking. Don’t forget to bring your parking ticket with you when you visit!
That concludes our information on Kumano Kōtaijinja Shrine and recommended ways to visit! ☆彡
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