What is Kumano Kodo? Explanation of recommended routes and sights to see | Access methods, clothing, etc.

What is Kumano Kodo/Kumano Sanzan?

The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route that has been followed by our ancestors since ancient times, and refers to the pilgrimage route that connects to the three major shrines known as the Kumano Sanzan. ``Kumano Sanzan'' refers to these three shrines: ``Kumano Hongu Taisha,'' ``Kumano Hayatama Taisha,'' and ``Kumano Nachi Taisha,'' and is the headquarters of the many Kumano shrines that exist throughout Japan. First, let me introduce each of the Kumano Sanzan.

①Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

Kumano Hongu Taisha is located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture and has the largest torii gate in Japan with a height of 34 meters. The shrine is said to have been built in 33 BC, and Susanoo no Mikoto is enshrined as the main deity.

②Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

At Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, the couple deities Kumano Hayatama Okami and Kumano Fusumi Okami are enshrined as the main deities. This is a shrine where a huge Nagi tree, which is a national natural monument, is enshrined.

③Kumano Nachi Shrine

A three-storied pagoda dyed vermilion against the backdrop of Nachi Otaki in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture. This is "Kumano Nachi Taisha". It is a shrine where 13 gods are enshrined, including the main deity, Kumano Fusumi Okami, and a large tree several hundred years old towers over daimon.

Visiting these three mountains is called ``Kumano Pilgrimage,'' and our ancestors have walked this route since ancient times. The sight of people coming to Kumano in large numbers, regardless of gender, rank, or status, was compared to the procession of ants, and was nicknamed the ``Ants' Pilgrimage to Kumano.''

In 2004, the sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountains were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Why not visit this place to purify your heart and revive yourself as a new person?

5 routes leading to Kumano Kodo

The Kumano Kodo has five routes: Nakahechi, Iseji, Kohechi, Kiiji, and Ohechi. A brief explanation of each

Nakahechi

The route starts from Tanabe and heads to Kumano Hongu Taisha. It is said that Emperor Go-Toba, Fujiwara Teika, and Izumi Shikibu also walked this path that cuts through the mountains.

Iseji

The route starts from IseJingu and goes to each of the Kumano Sanzan shrines. This road passes over many mountain passes, allowing you to experience a variety of scenery and history.

Kohechi

A pilgrimage route of approximately 70km that connects Mt. Koya and Kumano Hongu Taisha. It is considered to be a highly difficult route as it traverses the mountain range from the depths of Mt. Koya.

Kiiji

This route starts at Jonangu Shrine in Kyoto and connects to the Kumano Sanzan via Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture and Kiitanabe. It is characterized by the fact that there are many historic temples and quaint buildings lined up along the line.

Ohechi

This route runs south along the coast from Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, via Nachikatsuura Town. It is a pilgrimage route where you can enjoy not only the temples and shrines along the line, but also the scenery unique to the seaside.

Kumano Kodo Iseji, a cultural heritage that Mie Prefecture is proud of to the world

In the Edo period, visiting Ise Grand IseJingu and Kumano Sanzan was a dream of the common people, so much so that it was said to be ``visiting Ise seven times and visiting Kumano three times.''

``Iseji'' refers to the pilgrimage route that connects `` IseJingu'' and ``Kumano Sanzan,'' which are admired by the common people.

This road, which has been steeped in culture since ancient times as a ``path of prayer,'' has become an important place that tens of millions of travelers have walked, and now it is not just a road, but a cultural heritage that Mie Prefecture is proud of around the world. .

Recommended courses on Iseji

There are a total of 24 courses on Iseji Route, which are still enjoyed by many people today, but the following three courses are popular courses that even beginners can walk with relative peace of mind. It is recommended as the first step on a journey to cleanse your heart and soul while admiring the scenery and historic sites.

①Magose Magose-togePass Course (approximately 5 km, approximately 2 and a half hours, difficulty level ★★★)

This course is set in a beautiful forest and offers some of the best cobblestone pavements on the Iseji Route. The view from the top of the pass is spectacular, and Magoshi Park at the bottom of the pass is also famous for its cherry blossoms, making it a popular course that many people visit in the spring.

Interview report: Magose-togePass is famous for the most beautiful stone pavement on the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route. The mountain climbing course that continues from Magose-togePass also includes Mt. Tengukura, a scenic spot with a panoramic view of Owase! Introducing how to get there and how to enjoy it

② TsuZurato-togePass Course (approximately 8km, approximately 2 and a half hours, difficulty level ★)

TsuZurato-togePass is characterized by a mountain pass with many curves. ``Tsudurato'' refers to ``ninety-nine folds,'' and it truly represents the characteristics of this road. The stone pavement and stone walls are still in good condition, and the Saigoku Sanjusansho Kannon stone statue group is also enshrined along the line.

Model course: Walking the Kumano Kodo Iseji TsuZurato-togePass

③ Matsumoto Pass Course (approx. 5km, about 3 hours, difficulty level ★★)

Matsumoto Pass is a popular course that is relatively short and easy to walk, with most of the path paved with cobblestones. Along the way, there is a Jizo statue that was mistaken for a monster and shot with a gun on the day it was built, and still watches over the people who pass by.

Interview report: Enjoy a walking tour of world heritage sites such as Kumano Kodo Iseji and Matsumoto Pass, Shichirimihama Beach and Onigajo in the surrounding area! Introducing spots and ways to enjoy mountain climbing that you can safely visit even if you are new to mountain climbing or bring your children with you.

Highlights around Kumano Kodo Iseji Route

There are many interesting spots along the Kumano Kodo Iseji route. There are a wide variety of spots, from spiritual spots based on myths to scenic spots where beautiful scenery spreads across your field of vision!

This time, we will introduce four spots that you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Kumano Kodo! Why not have an unforgettable experience while purifying your mind?

①Hana no Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine

`` Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine'' is described in the Nihon Shoki as ``Japan's oldest shrine,'' and is the shrine where Izanami no Mikoto is said to be buried.

It is believed to be a place that touches the land of the underworld, and is still popular as a power spot for resurrection. There are many sacred objects within the precincts, and many people from all over the country visit this spot as a place where myths are buried.

Interview report: I received a goshuin stamp at Hananoiwaya-jinjaShrine! Japan's oldest power spot!?

②Shichirimihama

Shichirimihama is the longest gravel beach in Japan, stretching approximately 22km from KumanoCity to KihoTown. The beautiful scenery, which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 beaches, is widely loved by those who visit Kumano, and loggerhead sea turtles also come ashore from spring to summer.

*This photo was taken from Matsumoto Pass.

Interview report: Run along Shichirimihama Beach and enjoy the delicious food of Kumano!

Shishiiwa

A huge rock that appeared along the coast of Kumano.
The rock's shape resembles a roaring lion, which is why it was called "Shishiiwa."

This 25m-high Shishiiwa is designated as a guardian dog of Ouma Shrine, which is located upstream of the nearby Ido River, and its scenery has also been designated as a national natural monument.

④Maruyama MaruyamaSenmaida (Maruyama Senmaida)

The Maruyama district in KumanoCity is an area lined with countless small rice paddies. There are a whopping 1,340 paddy fields lined up on the mountain slope. It is named `` MaruyamaSenmaida'' because of its appearance, and it is a popular spot worthy of being called a spectacular view.

Every June, an agricultural event called ``Mushi Okuri'' is held, and in the evening, the light of torches and the sound of drums are used to drive away pests. The sight of countless torches shining in MaruyamaSenmaida is very magical.
*The 2023 “Mushi Okuri” has not yet been determined. Please check KumanoCity 's official website for details.

Interview report: `` MaruyamaSenmaida'' is a spectacular view that retains the original scenery of Japan. Why not go out with your camera?

Kumano Kodo surrounding information

Kumano Kodo has many attractions. Because it is a place filled with miraculous experiences, people tend to focus on shrines and power spots, but there are many tourist attractions other than power spots that you should know about.

Kumano is also famous for its hot springs. After a long walk, soaking in a hot spring will feel so good. When traveling to Kumano Kodo, why not include a hot spring in your plans?

Kumano is actually a famous place for hot springs.

Kumano is actually famous for its hot springs, and in the Iseji area, Kumano Club and Yunoguchi Onsen are famous.

How about soaking in hot springs that are filled with the unique charm of the area, imagining the travelers of old, and thinking about its long history?
It will not only melt away the fatigue from walking the Kumano Kodo from the core of your body, but it will also fill your body with the hidden energy of the area.

Interview report: Would you like to spend a luxurious time at the world heritage resort Kumano Club, a gourmet all-inclusive resort facility?

Access to Kumano Kodo Iseji

Kumano Kodo Iseji is easily accessible by train.

If you are coming from Tokyo or Nagoya, take the JR Limited Express Wide View Nanki at Nagoya Station and head towards KumanoCity Station. It takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to arrive at KumanoCity Station from Nagoya Station. Also, depending on your route and schedule, it might be a good idea to head to Shingu Station.

We recommend getting off at Kii nagashima Station if you want to take a walk along the TsuZurato-togePass Road, Magose-togePass Station if you want to take a walk along the Magose Pass Road, and KumanoCity Pass Road. Each pass has different features and highlights, so it's a good idea to decide in advance which pass you want to climb.

If you are coming from Osaka, take the Kintetsu Limited Express and get off at Matsusaka Station, then board the JR Wide View train and head towards KumanoCity Station.

Clothes/Equipment

There are a variety of courses, from easy courses for beginners to courses that cross multiple mountains for advanced climbers, but walking on the Kumano Kodo generally spans long distances, so it is recommended that you prepare the same clothing and equipment as for hiking. let's.

It's a good idea to prepare a hat, backpack, walking shoes, trekking shoes, and walking wear, as well as other equipment such as rain gear, towels, insect repellent, food, a watch, and gloves.

It is also advisable to prepare garbage bags to avoid littering on site. In addition, we recommend that you prepare first aid supplies in case of an emergency such as an injury.

It is dangerous to walk the Kumano Kodo trail wearing light clothing. You may have to climb stone steps in the mountains, and you can expect to be bitten by centipedes and other pests. Be careful not to enter a difficult route with a casual outfit.

hotel

Kumano Kodo is visited by people from all over Japan. There are many accommodations such as hotels and inns in the surrounding area. We have a variety of rooms, from single rooms perfect for solo travelers to cottages where you can spend time with your family.

There are not many restaurants, so it is recommended that you choose a plan that includes a meal at a hotel or inn. Enjoy local specialties and replenish your energy for the next day!

You can search for nearby accommodations using the link below. You can search according to your favorite conditions such as area, budget, room type, etc., so please use it when traveling to Kumano Kodo.

Find accommodation in Kumano/Owase

summary

Kumano Kodo Iseji has a variety of sightseeing spots, and there are many places you can enjoy other than just walking around the ancient road. This is an area that you can enjoy not only when traveling alone, but also as a couple, with your family, or with friends. Why not experience Kumano Kodo, a trip that will leave you with memories of a lifetime? Maybe an unexpected encounter is waiting for you.


★There are many other articles that tell you about the charms of Kumano!
Below, we will introduce 7 recommended articles, so please take a look!

・ Hatasu-no-michi, the oldest of the Kumano Kodo Iseji routes, is easy to walk and perfect for beginners. Introducing how to get to and enjoy Hatasu, which is full of charm, including an unexplored station with a view of the ocean and scenic spots.
・ A trip where scenic producer Shiho encounters the spectacular scenery of HigashiKishu, including the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route, Mt. Binishiyama Elephant's Back, and glamping facilities! [First part]
・ A trip where the spectacular scenery producer Shiho encounters the spectacular scenery of Tsuenomine, such as the "sea of clouds" and "blue cave" of HigashiKishu! [Part 2]
· now! KumanoCity is hot! ! A treasure trove of world-class sightseeing spots! Kumano special feature! !
・ A journey to the “land where the gods dwell” that will shake your soul
・ Stars twinkling in the clear night sky... Stargazing in a "world heritage town"!
-Kumano Kodo, a road that connects the past and the present. I experienced the power of a world heritage site full of history and nature!