Kumano Kodo Travel Guide: Embark on a Journey Through Japan's History and Spiritual Heritage

As the Kumano faith gained popularity, members of the imperial family and nobility made pilgrimages along the Kumano Kodo, a tradition that eventually spread to the common people.
Kumano Mode, or pilgrimage to the Kumano Sanzan, became a significant religious practice.
Kumano faith, a form of traditional Japanese spirituality, is considered one of Japan’s most sacred beliefs, along with Ise faith.
The expression “seven visits to Ise and three to Kumano” illustrates the reverence that Japanese people have held for these two spiritual centers, Ise and Kumano.
Many notable figures, including Fujiwara no Teika, a compiler of the classic poetry anthology Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, also visited these sacred paths.

Ketsumi-mikono-okami is enshrined here. The shrine was built during the era of Japan’s 10th emperor, Sujin. Designated as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2004. Since ancient times, not only upper class, but also samurais and common people worshipped here. There were so many headed for this shrine in lines, it was likened to “the ants’ Kumano pilgrimage.”　

Having been called the "land of resurrection," it is a shrine with the never-ceasing worshipers who are seeking the courage and readiness to take a new step in the passages of life. Along with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, it is called Kumano Sanzan and is the oldest shrine, the head shrine of 5,000 Kumano shrines nationwide. In 2004, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage.

In 662 BC, Kamuyamato-iware-hikonomikoto (became Emperor Jinmu) dedicated Nachi Waterfall as a god in this shrine. It is the head shrine of Kumano Shrines all over in Japan, known as one of the three major Kumano Shrines. It has another name, “Musubi no Miya” which means the shrine to bring a marriage and wishes to come true.

Located within the sacred grounds of Nachi Taisha, the head shrine of over 4,000 Kumano shrines nationwide, Nachi Falls is one of Japan’s largest waterfalls.
With a height of 133 meters, a mouth width of 13 meters, and a basin depth of 10 meters, its flow exceeds one ton of water per second.
Not only is it a famous scenic spot representing Wakayama, but it is also a symbolic location for Nachi-san worship, which reveres water as the mother of life.

Daimon-zaka Slope is a historic stone staircase in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama, leading up to Nachi Taisha.
Part of the Nakahechi route, this 640-meter stone-paved path has been preserved since the Kamakura period (1185–1333), offering a glimpse into the ancient atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo.
Surrounded by towering cedar trees over 800 years old, Daimon-zaka Slope exudes a serene, sacred ambiance.
As one of the trail's most popular photo spots, be sure to capture a memorable shot here.

The Tanise Suspension Bridge has a unique history, built by villagers in 1954 during the post-war recovery period for daily use.
Surrounded by the majestic mountains of untouched nature, this is one of Japan’s longest wire suspension bridges.
Spanning 297 meters in length and reaching 54 meters in height, it connects the villages of Uenoji and Tanise.
Today, it stands as a prominent sightseeing attraction in Totsukawa Village.

Seiganto-ji Temple, located on Mt. Nachi, is adjacent to Nachi Taisha, one of the three main shrines of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.
As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” the temple is admired for its stately, historical architecture.
Behind the main hall, the striking vermillion three-story pagoda set against Nachi Falls provides a perfect photo spot.

Doro-kyo Gorge, part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, is an impressive canyon located near the Hongu Taisha along the Iseji route.
Designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, this breathtaking spot features towering rock formations ranging from 20 to 50 meters in height. The sheer scale of the gorge is sure to leave visitors in awe.

The Nakahechi route covers approximately 84 kilometers, running from Tanabe City in Wakayama through the mountains to Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha, and finally to Hayatama Taisha.
While there are some challenging sections, the route’s overall difficulty is moderate, making it suitable for beginners.
Well-maintained paths and sections that run parallel to bus-accessible roads allow travelers to switch to a bus if necessary, adding convenience.
This is the most popular and classic route of the Kumano Kodo.

The Iseji route starts at Ise Jingu in Ise City, Mie, and stretches 170 kilometers to the Kumano Sanzan, ending at Hayatama Taisha.
It is said that Taira no Kiyomori, a prominent samurai of the Heian period (794–1185), used this route on his pilgrimage to Kumano.
With many mountain passes offering stunning ocean views, the Iseji route allows travelers to enjoy a diverse range of scenery.
While certain sections are well-maintained and easy to walk, the route’s total distance makes it quite challenging.
Completing the full route requires at least one week.

The Kohechi route connects Mount Koya with Kumano Hongu Taisha, traversing the Kii Peninsula from north to south over a 70-kilometer distance.
While it is the shortest route, it crosses rugged mountain passes, making it one of the most challenging paths. Completing this route requires mountaineering experience and skills.
Due to its high altitude, the Kohechi route offers excellent visibility with many scenic viewpoints along the way.
If you have the time, be sure to pause at these spots to enjoy the breathtaking views.

The Kiiji route begins at Jonan-gu Shrine in Kyoto, follows the Yodo River, and extends to Tanabe City, where it splits into the Ohechi and Nakahechi routes.
At the northern edge of Tanabe’s Kitashin-machi, you’ll find the Michiwake Stone, a historic marker indicating the route division, so be sure to check it out.
The Kiiji route is rich in temples and shrines, allowing travelers to experience historical and cultural sites along the way.
Although the journey is lengthy, most of the path is paved, making it relatively easy to walk.
With ample time, this route is manageable and suitable even for beginners.

The Ohechi route runs approximately 100 kilometers from Tanabe City to Hamano-miya in Nachikatsuura Town, with some versions of the route ending at nearby Hojorakusan-ji Temple.
Known for its long distance and many slopes, this route is moderately challenging, making it suitable for those with some trekking or hiking experience.
The Ohechi route is notable for its preserved sections, which have escaped urban development, retaining their original appearance.
Unique coastal views, such as Karekinada and Kumano Nada, add to the route’s charm, offering beautiful, distinctive seascapes.

Founded in the mid-Edo period by a former Shinto priest, Ryokan Adumaya is an established inn located near the Kumano Hongu of the World Heritage Kumano Kodo. The charming, purely Japanese-style building includes four special rooms such as "Maki" and "Osugi," each with an attached bath, and all guest rooms are spacious Japanese-style rooms.

Located along the Oto River, a tributary of the Kumano River, Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya is a hot spring inn in the Kawayu Onsen area, part of the Kumano Hongu Onsen Village. True to its name, Kawayu Onsen is a rare spot where 70°C spring water constantly bubbles up from the riverbed, allowing visitors to dig their own hot spring bath along the riverbank.

Located in Watarase Onsen, part of the Kumano Hongu Onsen Village, this inn offers two distinct accommodations and ten hot spring facilities. The Sasayuri building, surrounded by vast lawns, primarily features spacious Japanese-Western rooms. Yamayuri has a tranquil atmosphere, focusing on traditional Japanese-style rooms.