The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan) deep in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. Walked for over a thousand years by emperors, aristocrats, and common people seeking spiritual renewal, these forest paths are Japan’s only UNESCO World Heritage walking route — and one of only two UNESCO-designated pilgrimage roads on earth, the other being the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
The Three Kumano Grand Shrines
- Kumano Hongu Taisha — the spiritual heart of the network; set beside the sacred Otorii torii gate (Japan’s largest) at Oyunohara, the original shrine site on a river islet before the 1889 flood. The present shrine complex sits on a forested hillside 15 minutes’ walk away.
- Kumano Hayatama Taisha (Shingu) — on the coast at the mouth of the Kumano River; enshrines hayatama-no-kami, the swift spirit. Sacred boat procession in September.
- Kumano Nachi Taisha — dramatic hilltop location above Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall (133 m). The pagoda of Seigantoji Temple frames the falls for one of Japan’s most photographed views.
Main Walking Routes
- Nakahechi Route (Imperial Route) — the most popular and historically significant route; 65 km from Tanabe to Hongu Taisha, typically walked over 3–4 days. Stone-paved sections under cedar forest, small oji (subsidiary shrine) resting points every few kilometers. Clear English waymarking throughout.
- Kohechi Route — steep mountain crossing from Koyasan to Hongu (70 km, 3–4 days); links Koyasan’s Buddhist complex to the Shinto shrines of Kumano in a dramatic spiritual traverse. Higher elevation, less infrastructure; experienced walkers only.
- Ohechi Route (Coastal Route) — follows the Pacific coast from Tanabe to Nachi; gentler terrain, sea views, fishing villages. 120 km, 5–7 days.
- Iseji Route — approaches Kumano from Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture; historically the route from eastern Japan. Less traveled, rich in small towns and mountain villages.
Practical Walking Information
Start point: Most walkers begin the Nakahechi at Takijiri-oji (bus from JR Kii-Tanabe Station, 30 min) or at Takahara for a ridge start. JR Kisei Line connects the Kii Peninsula from Osaka (3 hrs) or Nagoya (3 hrs) to Kii-Tanabe or Shingu.
Accommodation: Minshuku (family guesthouses) and small inns spaced 10–15 km apart along the Nakahechi. Book in advance May–November. The Kumano Travel agency (kumano-travel.com) offers English booking, luggage transfer, and guided walks.
Dual Pilgrim Certification: Walkers who complete both the Kumano Kodo and the Camino de Santiago receive a dual completion certificate — the only two routes on earth with this bilateral recognition. Bring your Camino credential to have it stamped at the Kumano Tourist Information Office in Hongu.
Best Season
October–November: autumn foliage on mountain sections; mild temperatures. March–May: fresh greenery, before summer humidity. July–August: hot and humid; typhoon risk in September. Winter (December–February): cold, snow possible on Kohechi; some minshuku close.
What to Pack
Trekking poles (for stone-paved descents), waterproof jacket, trail shoes (not road shoes — roots and rocks are uneven), 2 litres water capacity (water points every 5–10 km on Nakahechi), and a small day pack if using luggage transfer. A pilgrim walking stick (kongōzue) is available for ¥800 at Takijiri-oji.