Kumano koudai jinja

Kumano Kotai Shrine is located at the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, at Usui Pass. Of the three shrine buildings, only Shingu is in Gunma Prefecture, while Hongu and Nachi Shrine are in Nagano Prefecture. There is no dedicated parking lot for the shrine at the Usui Pass summit.

Situated at the Summit
The shrine can be reached by passing through a concrete torii gate and climbing stone steps. The shrine, located at the summit of Usui Pass, offers a panoramic view towards Gunma Prefecture, providing enjoyment beyond the shrine itself.

Three Gabled Shrine Buildings
Climbing the stairs, you are greeted by three shrine buildings. From left to right are Nachi Shrine, Hongu, and Shingu, retaining the architectural style of the late Edo period. All have a serene, unpainted wood construction with gabled front halls.

The main hall of Hongu features carvings on the brackets, middle supports, and side screens, retaining the style of the late Edo period. It is believed to be from 1846. Both the main hall and the front hall have carvings, indicating they are from the same period.

Nachi Shrine also shares similar characteristics with the main hall of Hongu and is considered to be from the same period. The carvings on the middle supports of the front hall are considered more archaic than those of Hongu's front hall.

The shrine grounds contain several auxiliary shrines and cultural properties and stone pagodas along the approach, offering cultural experiences beyond the shrine architecture itself.