Shingu

Shingu is home to one of the three great shrines of the Kumano Kodo, Hayatama-taisha (daily 9-4:30). One of the few north-south roads penetrating the Kii Peninsula begins in town and continues inland to Nara by way of Doro-kyo (Doro Gorge). A drive on this winding, steep, narrow road, especially on a bus, warrants motion-sickness pills. The mossy canyon walls outside your window and the rushing water far below inspire wonder, but frequent sharp curves provide plenty of anxiety. Continue north on the road past Doro-kyo to reach Hongu (daily 9-4:30), which has attractive wooden architecture and a thatched roof.