Walk along the Kumano Kodo Iseji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating its 20th anniversary!
掲載日：2024.05.27
The Kumano Kodo Iseji is a cultural heritage that Mie Prefecture is proud of around the world. In July 2024, the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" will celebrate its 20th anniversary of registration. Various events that allow you to experience the Kumano Kodo Iseji are planned in the prefecture.
During the Edo period, visiting IseJingu and the Kumano Sanzan (three shrines in the Kumano region of Wakayama Prefecture) was a dream for ordinary people, and even today many people visit the Kumano Kodo Iseji, a path of prayer along which people traveled on their way from IseJingu to the Kumano Sanzan.
In this article, we will introduce some "recommended courses along the Iseji Route" that will allow you to experience the splendor of the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route, selected from a total of 17 courses.
Why not take advantage of this memorable year and walk the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route?
Kumano Kodo Magose-togePass Course (approx. 5km, approx. 2.5 hours)
Magose-togePass Pass Course
▶ Approximately 5km, about 2.5 hours (Miyama Michi-no-eki to JR Owase Station)
This is a course set in a beautiful forest where you can see some of the most solid stone paving on the Iseji Route. The moss-covered stone paving, bathed in sunlight filtering through the trees, is an indescribably beautiful sight, making it a popular course. The view from the top of the pass is spectacular, and from the pass there are hiking trails leading to Mt. Tengukura and Mt. Binshi.
Kumano Kodo TsuZurato-togePass Course (approx. 8km, approx. 2.5 hours)
TsuZurato-togePass Course
▶ Approximately 5km, about 2.5 hours (JR Umegatani Station to JR nagashima Station)
TsuZurato-togePass was once the border between the provinces of Ise and Kii. It is characterized by a mountain pass road with many successive curves, and was used as a daily route until the early Showa period. "Tsuzurato" means "ninety-nine bends," and this characteristic is evident on the mountain pass road, where the stone paving and stone walls are still well preserved, and the stone statues of the Thirty-three Kannon Temples of the Western Provinces are also enshrined along the route.
Model course: Walking the Kumano Kodo Iseji TsuZurato-togePass
Kumano Kodo Matsumoto Pass Course (approx. 4.1km, approx. 2 hours)
Matsumoto Pass Course
▶ Approximately 4.1km, about 2 hours (JR Otomari Station to JR KumanoCity Station)
Matsumoto Pass, with beautiful cobblestones remaining for most of the way, is a popular course that is relatively short and easy for beginners to walk. 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 it still watches over the people who come and go.
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.
The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route that reached its peak during the Edo period about 400 years ago and is still traveled by many people today.
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What is a "modern pilgrimage"?
Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route that reached its peak in the Edo period about 400 years ago and is still traveled by many people today. What was the purpose and thoughts of people who walked this rugged route? What exactly is a "modern pilgrimage"? Please read the first part of our report on walking the Kumano Kodo Iseji route.
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To Kumano, a sacred place known as the "land of resurrection"
Set foot into the sacred land of Kumano, known as the "Land of Resurrection," and walk the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route to explore its essence and charm. Walk, eat, pray, sleep... Click here to read the second part of the journey to discover a "new you" on the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route.
Experience the Kumano Kodo Iseji route to "reach your heart and soul"!
If you are planning to experience the Kumano Kodo Iseji route, please refer to the "Complete Kumano Kodo Tourist Guide," which is packed with information such as recommended travel courses, walking experience reports, and detailed transport access information.
It's the perfect season for walking, so please enjoy walking along the Kumano Kodo Iseji route!
【please note】
*When walking along the Kumano Kodo trails, you should prepare clothing and equipment similar to that for mountain hiking. It is dangerous to walk along the Kumano Kodo trails in light clothing.
○In addition to bringing a hat, a backpack, comfortable walking shoes or trekking shoes, and walking wear, you should also bring other equipment such as rain gear, a towel, insect repellent, some snacks, a watch, and gloves.
○Please prepare garbage bags so that you do not litter on-site.
Preparefirst aid supplies in case of an emergency such as an injury.