Cultural Assets－Temples and Shrines

Katsuragi Zao Gongen-sha Shrine is an ancient shrine located on Zao-toge Pass on the border between Katsuragi Town and Kawachinagano City. The approach to the shrine is lined with vermilion torii gates. The shrine’s precincts enshrine Katsuragi Zao Gongen, which is the principal focus of worship of Shugendo, as well as En no Gyoja, Fudo Myo-o, and the monk Shobo (known posthumously as Rigen Daishi). The shrine’s regular spring ritual, which attracts Shugendo practitioners from across Japan each year on April 18, includes a Goma fire ritual and the throwing of rice cakes.