Kumano Taisha Shrine – 熊野大社

Located 15km south of central Matsue, this beautiful and very old shrine is dedicated to the god Susanoo who defeated Yamata-no-Orochi, the legendary eight-headed serpent which appears in the Kojiki [See Matsue, the Chief City of Gods]. It is also known as the first shrine in which fire was created. Next to the impressive main shrine building is a shrine dedicated to Susanoo’s wife,Inata-hime, whom he saved from the hungry serpent, and another shrine dedicated to Izanami, mother of Susanoo and goddess of creation.

The shrine precincts feature many other buildings of interest, such as the dance performance hall Mai-den or Sanka-den Hall, which is a unique structure with a thatched roof and walls covered in cypress bark. It is an important building used in the annual Sanka-sai Fire Festival, held every October 15th. Learn more about this shrine on the Kumano Taisha English website. Yuai Kumanokan Onsen is located outside the entrance to the shrine.

Yuai Kumanokan Onsen – ゆうあい熊野温泉
Admission Fee	Adult ¥530, Children ¥260
Access to bath	From 10:00 to 21:00 Last admission at 20:30 Closed every Tuesday
Lodging	http://www.kumanokan.jp/price/index.html (Japanese)
URL	www.kumanokan.jp (Japanese)
Tel	0852-54-0140
Access	Ichibata Bus from JR Matsue Station (Line 20/21/22 bound for Yakumo, Platform 4), get off at “Yakumo Shako” terminus, where Yakumo Bus Terminal is. Change for the Yakumo Community Bus bound for Kumano Taisha Shrine. If you like cycling, you can also rent bikes in the area.