Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails
Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō), a network of ancient pilgrimage trails in the southern Kansai region, has been in use for over 1000 years. These historic paths are a UNESCO World Heritage site, making them one of the only pilgrimage routes, alongside the Camino de Santiago, to hold this prestigious title. The trails were created to connect the sacred sites of the Kii Peninsula, specifically the three famous Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan. By the 12th century, these shrines were popular destinations, attracting pilgrims from across Japan.
The pilgrimage trails of Kumano Kodo not only link the Kumano shrines but also connect sacred places like Kyoto, Koyasan, Yoshino, Omine, and Ise Shima, which are important to Japan’s religious history. Although most of the coastal trails have been lost to modern development, many mountain paths and passes still remain, allowing visitors to experience the rugged, spiritual journey through the mountains just as ancient pilgrims did. The Kumano Kodo is a unique destination for those seeking history, culture, and a spiritual experience.
Hiking Trails
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Nakahechi is a well-preserved and easy-to-walk trail that goes through hilly, forested areas and small villages. The part of the trail between Takijiri Oji (just outside central Tanabe) and Hongu is about 30 kilometers long. It can be walked comfortably in two days, with an overnight stay in Chikatsuya Oji, where a few minshuku (guesthouses) are available. The trail ends with a beautiful view of Hongu Taisha and its giant torii gate as you descend into the shrine.
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- Length
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38 kilometers (23.6 miles)
- Duration
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2 days
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Ohechi is a trail that runs along the coast from Tanabe to Nachi Taisha. Most of the trail has disappeared because of development and new roads. During its peak use, between the 10th and 15th centuries, Ohechi, along with Nakahechi and Kohechi, saw over 30,000 people traveling on it every year.
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- Length
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40 kilometers (about 25 miles)
- Duration
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2 days
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Iseji is a trail that connects Kumano with Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. Like Ohechi, most of Iseji's coastal route has been replaced by roads and towns. Only small, quiet sections of the original stone or dirt trails remain today. Some of the most beautiful parts are the Magose Pass in Owase City and the Matsumoto Pass in Kumano City.
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- Length
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40 kilometers (about 25 miles)
- Duration
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2 days
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Kohechi is a mountain route that connects Kumano with Koyasan. It is long and tough, so it requires careful planning before taking it on. There are few inns along the way, and you’ll need to zigzag up and down the mountains, which makes the journey even longer. Kohechi was mainly used by monks from the Mount Koya temple complex.
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- Length
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70 kilometers (about 43 miles)
- Duration
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4 days
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Omine Okugake is a tough, long, and risky trail that connects Kumano with Yoshino through Mount Omine. Similar to Kohechi, it goes along high mountain ridges and doesn’t pass through many towns. This route was mainly used by people practicing Shugendo, a form of mountain worship.
- Length
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70 kilometers (about 43 miles)
- Duration
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4-5 days
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