Japan Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

ByTravesía Pirenaica
Kumano Kodo, Wakayama, Japan / Photo: Tom Vining (unsplash)
Kumano Kodo, Wakayama, Japan / Photo: Tom Vining (unsplash)

Japan's Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails on the mountainous Kii Peninsula south of Osaka, running along the Nakahechi, Kohechi and Iseji trails, as well as Koyasan and the Choishimichi route.

The Kumano Kodo offers a different view of Japan: far from the modern cities, it is a world of forested hillsides, hidden valleys, waterfalls, traditional villages, moss-covered stone deities and tranquil oji shrines. There are opportunities to experience hot spring bathing and sample local cuisine as you follow in the footsteps of emperors, samurai, priests and ascetics traversing traditional flagstone paths and forest trails.

The pilgrimage routes focus on three Shinto-Buddhist shrines known as Kumano Sanzan, the ancient trails combine hiking and outstanding natural beauty with a unique insight into Japan's rich history, culture and spirituality. The guide covers the Nakahechi and the Kohechi in their entirety, as well as the Choishimichi to Koyasan route, the Iseji route and the highlights of the Iseji route.

The path is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kumano Kodo and the The Way of St. James are twinned.

Practical guide

When to go?

Spring and late autumn are the best times, although you can hike the Nakahechi all year round. Snow can be found in winter at higher elevations such as Koyasan. Summer is wet.

Cities & Services

Tanabe, Hongu, Shingu, Nachisan, Nachi-Katsuura, Koyasan, Owase, Kumano

Difficulty

The Kohechi is a mountain trail recommended only for experienced hikers.

No specialised equipment is required on any of these trails, however, sturdy hiking shoes/boots, trekking poles, wet or rainy weather gear and good physical condition are necessary.

Many of the trails feature moss-covered slippery slab paths, intricate tree roots and steep drops.

Not to be missed

  • The three great shrines of Kumano (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha).
  • The spiritual complex of Koyasan
  • The view of the coast from the rock of Gotobiki-iwa
  • The remains of Funami-chaya teahouse
  • The sea of Hyakken-gura mountains.
  • Obako-toge summit
  • Hatenashi settlement
  • The historic stone slab paths of ishitatami
  • Traditional Japanese inns, delicious local cuisine and hot springs.

Routes

  • Hongu Circuit (17 km) (including Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe) ////
  • NAKAHECHI Route (64 km) //// Stage 1 Takijiri-oji to Nonaka / Stage 2 Nonaka to Kumano Hongu Taisha / Stage 3: Kogumotori-goe route: Ferry from Ukegawa to Koguchi / Stage 4: Ogumotori-goe route: Ferry from Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha / Stage 4: Ogumotori-goe route: Ferry from Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha / Stage 5: Kogumotori-goe route: Ferry from Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha
  • Route KOYASAN to CHOISHIMICHI (20 km) ////
  • KOHECHI Route (63 km)/// Stage 1 Koyasan to Omata / Stage 2 Omata to Miura-guchi / Stage 3 Miura-guchi to Yanagimoto-bashi Suspension Bridge / Stage 4 Yanagimoto-bashi Suspension Bridge to Kumano Hongu Taisha / Stage 3 Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha / Stage 4 Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha / Stage 4 Yanagimoto-bashi Suspension Bridge to Kumano Hongu Taisha / Stage 5 Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha
  • ISEJI /// Magose-toge Route / Matsumoto-toge Pass Route /