Kumano Road and three Oji shrines

Nankaido running through Izumi district along the coastline became crowded with people at the entrance paying a visit from Kyoto to Kumano Sanzan (three major shrines, Kumano-Hongu Taisha, Kumano-Hayatama Taisha and Kumano-Nachi Taisha) since a great deal of people without distinction of rank from the retired emperor to the common folks, have come and gone, this road was named “Kumano Road”. Along the street dedicated division of a shrine’s tutelary deity of Kumano Sanzan called Kujuku Oji. Oji used to be a place to bow in the direction of the shrine and also an inn where people rest or eat.

The famous legend, “Ogurihangan” played in Kabuki drama in Edo period was set here and is also called “Oguri Road”.