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| The ancient roads mentioned on this monument are the Kumano Kodo, Okunohoso-michi and Nakasen-do. | It is said that the Heian Period poetess, Shikibu Izumi, kneeled down and prayed here. A memorial stands to the poetess (foreground). |
| *The Story of Shikibu Izumi While on pilgrimage to Kumano, Shikibu Izumi was nearing Fushiogami when suddenly night fell. Believing their no time to pray, she read a poem. "Clouds are all over in the sky, hiding the moonlight behind them, It' s sad not to be able to offer my prayers." That night, the Kumano Avatar appeared before her and warned,"Deities, for all believers and nonbelievers, clear the darkness for all people to go on." Shikibu was able to offer her prayers. This story was told by followers of the High Priest Ippen who use Shikibu Izumi to describe the Kumano Avatar as one which "does not question faith, wealth or rebuke the impurity of women." |