Japan's Sacred Pilgrimage walk. One of Japan's most remote and rewarding journeys, the Kumano Kodō hiking route weaves through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know: Copyright © 1996-2021 japan-guide.com All Rights Reserved. The trails are as follows: Nakahechi is well preserved and relatively easy to walk, leading through hilly, forested landscapes and occasional villages. Kumano is the traditional name for the southern part of Japan’s Kii peninsula. [citation needed], From Kumano Hongū Taisha, most pilgrims went by boat on the Kumano River to Kumano Hayatama Taisha in the coastal town of Shingū. Winding through the mountains of Honshu's Kii Peninsula, an area straddling Wakayama, Nara, Osaka and Mie prefectures, it's been walked by pilgrims on their quest for enlightenment for over a millennium. Kumano Kodo is the name of the ancient pilgrimage routes crossing Kii peninsula: Kumano (熊野) is Kii peninsula’s former name;; Kodo (古道) literally means "the ancient routes". At the center of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan. [citation needed], In Hongū, pilgrims often did purification rites in Yunomine Onsen (Yunomine hot spring). Most pilgrims take two days to complete this walk, staying overnight in the small town of Koguchi. It is lightweight, quick dry, and odor resistant. Stay tonight in a small, Japanese-style hotel in the tiny village of Takahara, or in a Japanese Minshuku in the nearby village of Kurisugawa. Omine Okugake connects Kumano with Yoshino via Mount Omine. The section between Takijiri Oji (outside central Tanabe) and Hongu is about 30 kilometers, and can be done in a comfortable two days' walk with an overnight stop in Chikatsuya Oji, where there are a few minshuku. In ancient times this was a sacred pilgrimage reserved for emperors and samurai. While Japan has more than 3,000 Kumano shrines, what makes Kumano Sanzan unique is they are the sohonsha , or "head shrines" from which all other Kumano shrines trace their origins, making them some of Japan's oldest and most important religious sites. Like Kohechi, Omine Okugake is a long, difficult and dangerous route that follows high mountain ridges and barely passes any towns for much of its duration. They are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site. They are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes were registered as UNESCO World Heritage in 2004. An old milestone for 1 ri — around 4 km, on Kumano Kodo. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route is one of the world's premier spiritual roads. The Kumano Kodo describes a network of ancient paths that meander across Japan’s mountainous Kii peninsula. The coronavirus outbreak is having a large impact on travel to and within Japan. Here is a complete guide on how to hike Kumano Kodo in Japan. Nara is full of ancient treasures, including some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples. This route leads to Tengura-san with a huge stone at the tip. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range", Kumano Kodo, from The Official Nara Travel Guide, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kumano_Kodō&oldid=1001519942, Tourist attractions in Wakayama Prefecture, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from October 2019, Articles needing additional references from October 2007, All articles needing additional references, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2019, Wakayama Prefecture articles missing geocoordinate data, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 20 January 2021, at 01:44. The earliest records of this route dates from the early 10th century. How in God’s Name did I hear about this virtually unknown trail, the Kumano Kodo? It is a shrine in the town of Takijiri-oji, a starting point for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. I didn’t realise this before I trekked the Kumano Kodo myself, but there are only two hiking routes that have UNESCO World Heritage status – this one and the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) in Spain. It is 2 km long and is a steep climb, and descends over a small pass. Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. Compared with other sacred sites in Japan, where women were banned, … Most pilgrimages break the journey into a two-day walk. The Kumano Kodo refers to a set of four pilgrimage routes that lead to the Kumano Sanzan, or the three grand shrines of the Kumano sect of Shinto. This trail also has the best infrastructure and safest … It’s where you can disconnect and feel at peace with the nature around you. I always bring The North Face Women’s Flight Better Than Naked SS Top on hiking trips. Day 2 - Takahara to Chikatsuyu, 10 km / 6.5 miles 480m ascent and 520m descent today as you follow a mountain trail that winds its … Would you be interested to participate in a virtual guided tour to a tourist spot in Japan using video and a chat function? [citation needed], On 7 July 2004 the Kumano Kodō and Kumano Sanzan, along with Koyasan and Yoshino and Omine, were registered as World Heritage sites together as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". The first and only authoritative, detailed and most complete English travel guide for 200km of trails, 16’000m of altitude and 60hrs of hiking. Visiting tips – Consider this 5-Day Osaka-Kumano-Wakayama area JR pass or this 7-day pass which covers a larger area. Earth and stone paths traverse this remote, mountainous region of the Kii peninsula, passing by small farming villages and mossy stone monuments along the way. For over 1000 years, people from all levels of society, including retired emperors and aristocrats, have made the arduous pilgrimage to Kumano. Already during the preparation period back home in Amsterdam for our one-month trip Japan, the 4-days trail through Japanese … The trail has a long history of use by people with diverse belief backgrounds leading to mixed religious symbolism overlaid and incorporated into the setting and stages of the pilgrimage itself. This is where your walk on the Nakahechi portion of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route begins. In Japan’s Kii Peninsula, the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodo weave through forested mountains and crisscross ancient villages. This moderate walking trip focuses on beautiful scenery and nature, rural … Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō) refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. Self Guided & guided walks . Located nearly 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Osaka on Japan’s Kii Peninsula, the Kumano Kodo is a network of pilgrimage routes that have been in use for more than 1,000 years. The history of this trail dates back as far as the year 600, when Buddhism first arrived in Japan. Both durations are great seasons to embark on this pilgrimage as it’s spring and autumn respectively with cooling weathers and stunning views. Kumano Hongu Taisha — Found at the center of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and serving as the lead shrine to over three thousand shrines across Japan, this sacred complex can be reached by climbing up 580 stone steps. Welcome to Japan. Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō) refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. 14 Days | Pilgrimage Trekking in Japan. It is the shortest route connecting Koyasan to Kumano but is a tough walk that traverses three passes of over 1,000 meters elevation gain. The Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross the Kii Hantō, the largest peninsula of Japan. Koya and visits to Nara & Kyoto. Those who hike the Kumano Kodo will follow in the footsteps of ancient emperors and samurai who made this journey in centuries past. Iseji connects Kumano with Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. Thank you very much to those that have taken an interest in our Kumano Kodo Preservation campaign. [citation needed], The Kumano Kodō Dainichi-goe route links Kumano Hongū Taisha with Yunomine. It runs north to south and is 70 km long. Sign in and subscribe for the latest Japan travel news and updates. [citation needed], The Kumano Kodō pilgrimage routes that lead to Kumano can be categorized into three sub-routes: Kiji; Kohechi; and Iseji. The first pilgrims said to complete the pilgrimage of Kumano Kodo did so in the 800s. Maybe it was the bizarre costume/pilgrimage … These trails were used by pilgrims to "Kumano Sanzan" (熊野三山) or the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hongū Taisha (熊野本宮大社), Kumano Nachi Taisha (熊野那智大社) and Kumano Hayatama Taisha (熊野速玉大社). Free Wi-Fi & shuttle from JR Kii Katsuura Sta. The trail ends with a descent into Hongu Taisha, offering a spectacular view of the shrine's massive torii gate. Once a sacred pilgrimage trail reserved for emperors and samurai, the ‘Kumano Old Road’ is today open to all seekers and wanderers, with plenty of intensely photogenic shrines and natural beauty along the way. Inns are rarely found without zigzagging up and down the mountainsides into valley towns, greatly increasing the distance traveled. It was not until the 17th century that this route became part of the Saikogu pilgrimage, the first temple being Seiganto-ji, which is closely related to the Kumano Nachi Taisha. From Takijiri the path climbs steadily to the ridge-top village of Takahara, and takes around two hours. [1], The "Kiji" route runs along the west coast of the peninsula to the city of Tanabe, where it forks into two more routes: Nakahechi; and Ohechi. For the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage you’ll only need 3 to 4 shirts. We will begin our pilgrimage with a visit to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. The pilgrimage route is not an easy one through isolated mountains but it affords the pilgrim an opportunity to commune with nature, including large forests and clear rivers, and indeed many of the natural features along the way are considered to be deities. O ur Gay Couple Pilgrimage Japan Kumano Kodo Part 1 – After our first days in Tokyo, we seriously wanted to go to our limits when making a Pilgrimage in Japan on the famous traditional Kumano Kodo route from Ki Tanabe to Nachi through the Wakayama mountains. The three main shrines of the Kumano Kodo, which led to the network of trails being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, date back more than 1000 … Located on the Kii Peninsula Wakayama prefecture around 100 km from Osaka, the Kumano Kodo is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that have become popular among hikers from Japan – and all over the world – in modern times. Deep in rural Wakayama Prefecture – but just a few hours south of Kyoto and Osaka – the UNESCO-recognized Kumano region is filled with spirituality and history, as well as beautiful landscapes, charming villages, hiking, and onsen (hot springs). Among them, the Magose Pass in Owase City and Matsumoto Pass in Kumano City are some of the most picturesque. These shrines (the parent shrines for thousands of Kumano shrines throughout Japan) house, or “enshrine” the local divinities of Kumano. The Kodo ("old ways") are a key part of the region's UNESCO designation, and have been in use for over 1000 years. We strive to keep Japan Guide up-to-date and accurate, and we're always looking for ways to improve. You will be hiking Japan’s most remote and rewarding journeys, the Kumano Kodō. The Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross the Kii Hantō, the largest peninsula of Japan. [2][citation needed]. Kami figure inside the small shrine at Inohana-oji. The Kumano Kodo is a series of pilgrimage trails that criss-cross the Kii Peninsula. Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. The Chikatsuyu-oji is about halfway, and most pilgrims stay the night here at a minshuku. Ohechi follows the coast from Tanabe to Nachi Taisha. Like Ohechi, much of Iseji's coastal trail has been covered by paved roads and towns. This trek weaves through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. Today, most of the coastal trails have disappeared with development, but several mountain trails and passes remain. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage tour is a grounds-on fully-guided walking tour between the … In Wakayama, Japan, a highlight of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage is the Kamikura Shrine. Kumano has been the main centre of Japanese pilgrimage for over 1000 years. For over 1,000 years everyone from samurai warriors and aristocrats to priests and commoners have made the trek between the region’s Three Grand Shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. The bath was used for purification rites and its legendary healing effects. A practical guide to walking the Kumano Kodo Trails by RAW Travel. Our initial goal … Your reward for climbing 538 stairs: Truly stunning views. Hiking Japan’s Holy Pilgrimage, Kumano Kodo. Shirts to bring on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. The Nakahechi route was the most popular for pilgrimages from Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Jan 1st, 2021 (Completion of Campaign) WOW! A resort style ryokan in Taiji Onsen. The Kumano Kodo (kodo means “ancient path”) is a network of pilgrimage trails that link the three grand shrines of Kumano (Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha and Hayatama Taisha) which are together known as the Kumano Sanzan. A self-guided tour … An overland route links Kumano Hongū Taisha with Kumano Nachi Taisha. In addition to linking the shrines to one another, the Kodo pilgrimage trails link the Kumano area to Kyoto, Koyasan (the headquarter of Shingon Buddhism), Yoshino and Omine (centers of mountain worship) and Ise (Japan's most important shrine). This 40 km section of the Kumano Kodō is the only river pilgrimage route that is registered as a World Heritage site. The section between Hongū and Koguchi is called the Kogumotori-goe, and the section between Koguchi and Kumano Nachi Taisha is called Ogumotori-goe. This is where your walk on the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage begins with a 3-hour hike to the hill village of Takahara. The Nakahechi is the core trail of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network, along which you will encounter the three famous Kumano shrines that make up the Kumano Sanzan: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. Walk Japan’s ancient pilgrimage routes along the Kumano Kodo. History. This trail has virtually disappeared due to development and the construction of modern roads. After uncovering Kyoto’s most ancient shrines and pathways, we head off the beaten track to the Kumano Kodo region; one of Japan’s most remote and rewarding pilgrimage routes. In my opinion, it’s Japan’s best-kept secret, but one that could easily blow up in future years – so go now! ; Kumano Hayatama Taisha — A sacred space, three deities of Shintoism are said to have come to Earth on a rock near the shrine. The Kumano Kodo and the Camino de Santiago are the only two pilgrimage routes in the world that are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in 2015 a dual pilgrim program was created for pilgrims who walk both routes. Only short, isolated sections remain as stoned or earthen trails today. We did it and then some! The Kodo ("old ways") are a key part of the region's UNESCO designation, and have been in use for over 1000 years. Kohechi was used mainly by Buddhist monks from the temple complex of Mount Koya. Walk Japan invites you to join along their Kumano Pilgrimage tour which takes place between March and June and then in September and November. At the height of its use between the 10th and 15th centuries, Ohechi, along with Nakahechi and Kohechi, is estimated to have seen the passage of over 30,000 people each year. Kumano Kodo Food The wonderful regional cuisine in the traditional guesthouses is truly one of the highlights of hiking the Kumano Kodo. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail is why you travel to Japan. Japan; Including walking the Kumano Kodo, a temple stay at Mt. All rooms offer ocean view. This route was used primarily by followers of the Shugendo mountain worship sect.
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