Funami-jaya Teahouse Remains

This shelter stands on the foundation stones of Funami-jaya, a teahouse that was known for its superb views of Nachi-Katsuura and the Pacific Ocean to the south. (The word funami means “ship-watching.”) For pilgrims walking the Ogumotori-goe route from the Hongu area to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Funami-jaya was where they caught the first glimpse of their destination. For those returning to Hongu, the teahouse was where they looked back to say their final farewell to Nachi. In either case, it was a place to rest their feet and enjoy the panorama from 800 meters as they collected their thoughts.