665 Minato, Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥500
Tokei Shrine, also known as Toukei Jinja, is a historically significant shrine located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, just a 10-minute walk from Kii-Tanabe Station. This shrine is known for its connection to the legend of Musashibo Benkei's father, who used rooster fights to decide whether to support the Minamoto or Taira clan before the Battle of Dan-no-ura. Registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," it serves as a branch shrine of Kumano Sanzan. Visitors can explore the main hall, admire the statues of Benkei and his father, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this ancient site. The shrine is revered as a god of victory and is a must-visit for those interested in history and spirituality.