japan pilgrimage kumano kodo

 

A self-guided tour … 14 Days | Pilgrimage Trekking in Japan. Hiking Japan’s Holy Pilgrimage, Kumano Kodo. The Nakahechi route leads into the rugged interior mountains toward Kumano Hongū Taisha, and the Ohechi continues south along the coast. This trail has virtually disappeared due to development and the construction of modern roads. A practical guide to walking the Kumano Kodo Trails by RAW Travel. The earliest records of this route dates from the early 10th century. This trail also has the best infrastructure and safest … Like Ohechi, much of Iseji's coastal trail has been covered by paved roads and towns. 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. The pilgrimage routes developed as a way for people to move between the sacred areas on the Kii Peninsula. Shirts to bring on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. Omine Okugake connects Kumano with Yoshino via Mount Omine. Kohechi was used mainly by Buddhist monks from the temple complex of Mount Koya. Jan 1st, 2021 (Completion of Campaign) WOW! [citation needed], The Kumano Kodō Dainichi-goe route links Kumano Hongū Taisha with Yunomine. The Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross the Kii Hantō, the largest peninsula of Japan. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route is one of the world's premier spiritual roads. In ancient times this was a sacred pilgrimage reserved for emperors and samurai. For over 1000 years, people from all levels of society, including retired emperors and aristocrats, have made the arduous pilgrimage to Kumano. 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 … [citation needed], The "Iseji" route links Ise Grand Shrine with the Kumano Sanzan. These pilgrims used a network of routes, now called the Kumano Kodo, which stretched across the mountainous Kii Peninsula. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes were registered as UNESCO World Heritage in 2004. 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. You will be hiking Japan’s most remote and rewarding journeys, the Kumano Kodō. 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 Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is one of Japan’s most enchanting walks. The tangible and intangible benefits of Japan’s Kumano Kodo pilgrimage experience to humanity is more important now than at any other time in history and must be preserved for future generations. 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). Part of the Kumano Kodō near Yunomine Onsen. 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. 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). Kami figure inside the small shrine at Inohana-oji. [2][citation needed]. Kumano has been the main centre of Japanese pilgrimage for over 1000 years. Kumano Kodo Food The wonderful regional cuisine in the traditional guesthouses is truly one of the highlights of hiking the Kumano Kodo. The Kodo ("old ways") are a key part of the region's UNESCO designation, and have been in use for over 1000 years. Most pilgrimages break the journey into a two-day walk. Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō) refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. 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. Some Camino de Santiago pilgrims even refer to the Kumano Kodo as the “Japanese Camino” or the “Camino Kumano”. The Chikatsuyu-oji is about halfway, and most pilgrims stay the night here at a minshuku. We strive to keep Japan Guide up-to-date and accurate, and we're always looking for ways to improve. August 1, 2016 rubymary Comments 31 comments. 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. 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. [citation needed], The UNESCO World Heritage registered section begins at Takijiri-oji, which is considered to be the point of entry to the sacred area of Kumano. Kumano Kodo’s UNESCO Status. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail became popular in the 11th century among Kyoto's nobility and who are we to argue with that. 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. Maybe it was the bizarre costume/pilgrimage … The Kumano Kodo is a 70km 5-day pilgrimage taking you through the most beautiful countryside in Wakayama. These trails connect three of the country’s most spectacular shrines: Kumano Hongū Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan. This route was used primarily by followers of the Shugendo mountain worship sect. This trek weaves through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. They are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site. The history of this trail dates back as far as the year 600, when Buddhism first arrived in Japan. Sign in and subscribe for the latest Japan travel news and updates. 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. Ohechi follows the coast from Tanabe to Nachi Taisha. 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. It’s where you can disconnect and feel at peace with the nature around you. 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. The coronavirus outbreak is having a large impact on travel to and within Japan. This route leads to Tengura-san with a huge stone at the tip. The Kumano Kodo describes a network of ancient paths that meander across Japan’s mountainous Kii peninsula. Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. The first and only authoritative, detailed and most complete English travel guide for 200km of trails, 16’000m of altitude and 60hrs of hiking. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage tour is a grounds-on fully-guided walking tour between the … Thank you very much to those that have taken an interest in our Kumano Kodo Preservation campaign. We will begin our pilgrimage with a visit to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. Kumano is the traditional name for the southern part of Japan’s Kii peninsula. [citation needed], The Kumano Kodō pilgrimage routes that lead to Kumano can be categorized into three sub-routes: Kiji; Kohechi; and Iseji. 20 to 30 min to Kumano Kodo & Nachi area by car. One of Japan's most remote and rewarding journeys, the Kumano Kodō hiking route weaves through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. Only short, isolated sections remain as stoned or earthen trails today. Walk Japan’s ancient pilgrimage routes along the Kumano Kodo. 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. It runs north to south and is 70 km long. If you have any updates, suggestions, corrections or opinions, please let us know: Copyright © 1996-2021 japan-guide.com All Rights Reserved. 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. [citation needed], In Hongū, pilgrims often did purification rites in Yunomine Onsen (Yunomine hot spring). This mountaintop route is long and challenging, and consequently should not be undertaken without careful preparation. Then you will enjoy reading this 376 pages book about the KUMANO KODO, thousand-year-old Pilgrimage trails in the Kii Mountains of Japan. How in God’s Name did I hear about this virtually unknown trail, the Kumano Kodo? 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 … And chances are you’ll be staying at a ryokan that will have laundry service. Iseji connects Kumano with Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. 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). The Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross the Kii Hantō, the largest peninsula of Japan. A resort style ryokan in Taiji Onsen. 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. Your reward for climbing 538 stairs: Truly stunning views. Millions have traveled this sacred pilgrimage over the centuries, using the same moss-covered pathways taken by samurai warriors and Japanese emperors. Koya and visits to Nara & Kyoto. 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. 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. 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). Among them, the Magose Pass in Owase City and Matsumoto Pass in Kumano City are some of the most picturesque. The Nakahechi route was the most popular for pilgrimages from Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Kohechi connects Kumano with Koyasan. Compared with other sacred sites in Japan, where women were banned, … The first pilgrims said to complete the pilgrimage of Kumano Kodo did so in the 800s. Visiting tips – Consider this 5-Day Osaka-Kumano-Wakayama area JR pass or this 7-day pass which covers a larger area. Inns are rarely found without zigzagging up and down the mountainsides into valley towns, greatly increasing the distance traveled. – If you are planning to hike one or several trails of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage is an indispensable guidebook with detailed maps, altitude charts, and tips. 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. 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. [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. Both durations are great seasons to embark on this pilgrimage as it’s spring and autumn respectively with cooling weathers and stunning views. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked with signs in both English and Japanese. They are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site. Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō) refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. Japan's Sacred Pilgrimage walk. The trails are as follows: Nakahechi is well preserved and relatively easy to walk, leading through hilly, forested landscapes and occasional villages. From the stone is a scenic view of Owase City. By the 12th century, the Kumano Sanzan were well known shrines in Japan, drawing pilgrims from Kyoto, Osaka and beyond. Magose-koen Park on the way down the pass is renowned for its cherry blossoms. Free Wi-Fi & shuttle from JR Kii Katsuura Sta. In Japan’s Kii Peninsula, the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodo weave through forested mountains and crisscross ancient villages. The trail ends with a descent into Hongu Taisha, offering a spectacular view of the shrine's massive torii gate. Those who hike the Kumano Kodo will follow in the footsteps of ancient emperors and samurai who made this journey in centuries past. Would you be interested to participate in a virtual guided tour to a tourist spot in Japan using video and a chat function? Self Guided & guided walks . From Takijiri the path climbs steadily to the ridge-top village of Takahara, and takes around two hours. At the center of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan. Here is a complete guide on how to hike Kumano Kodo in Japan. – See here for some of the best Japan tours available. It is lightweight, quick dry, and odor resistant. In my opinion, it’s Japan’s best-kept secret, but one that could easily blow up in future years – so go now! 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. This moderate walking trip focuses on beautiful scenery and nature, rural … It is 2 km long and is a steep climb, and descends over a small pass. 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. Most pilgrims take two days to complete this walk, staying overnight in the small town of Koguchi. 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". An old milestone for 1 ri — around 4 km, on Kumano Kodo. All rooms offer ocean view. [citation needed], The "Magose Toge" forms the boundary between Miyama, Kyoto and Owase, Mie. History. The Kumano Kodo is a series of pilgrimage trails that criss-cross the Kii Peninsula. Join Kirkland on one of the world’s most ancient pilgrimages. 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. [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. Already during the preparation period back home in Amsterdam for our one-month trip Japan, the 4-days trail through Japanese … These shrines (the parent shrines for thousands of Kumano shrines throughout Japan) house, or “enshrine” the local divinities of Kumano. Nara is full of ancient treasures, including some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples. In Wakayama, Japan, a highlight of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage is the Kamikura Shrine. 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. A moss-covered stone path stretches about 2 km into the beautiful cypress forest covered with ferns. Japan; Including walking the Kumano Kodo, a temple stay at Mt. Walk Japan invites you to join along their Kumano Pilgrimage tour which takes place between March and June and then in September and November. Our initial goal … [citation needed], The "Kohechi" route links Koyasan to the Kumano Sanzan. It is a shrine in the town of Takijiri-oji, a starting point for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. Japan’s Ancient Pilgrimage Network. More than just a means to reach the three shrines, the pilgrimage trails were designed to be a religious experience in themselves and often pass through difficult, even dangerous, mountain terrain. Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail is why you travel to Japan. 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. From here it is about 40 km of mountainous trail before one reaches the mystical Kumano Hongū Taisha. 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. [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". I always bring The North Face Women’s Flight Better Than Naked SS Top on hiking trips. An overland route links Kumano Hongū Taisha with Kumano Nachi Taisha. For the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage you’ll only need 3 to 4 shirts. 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. Today, most of the coastal trails have disappeared with development, but several mountain trails and passes remain. The bath was used for purification rites and its legendary healing effects. Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage offers a different view of Japan; far removed from the modern cities, this is a world of forested slopes, hidden valleys, waterfalls, traditional villages, mosscovered stone deities and tranquil oji shrines. The section between Hongū and Koguchi is called the Kogumotori-goe, and the section between Koguchi and Kumano Nachi Taisha is called Ogumotori-goe. Welcome to Japan. This is where your walk on the Nakahechi portion of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route begins. ; Kumano Hayatama Taisha — A sacred space, three deities of Shintoism are said to have come to Earth on a rock near the shrine. A small tunnel below the stone can be entered. However, the area has been regarded as being a sacred site since prehistoric times. Well, I first stumbled upon this off-the-beaten-path pilgrimage when I worked for the Japanese government and found this photo on a pamphlet: Something about it captivated me. This 40 km section of the Kumano Kodō is the only river pilgrimage route that is registered as a World Heritage site. 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. Tsuboyu is a small cabin on the creek that runs through this isolated village, featuring a small rocky bath that is the only World Heritage hot spring open to visitors.