Japan's Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

The UNESCO World Heritage trek

Guidebook to walking Japan's Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails on the Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. Covering the Nakahechi, Kohechi and Iseji trails, as well as Koyasan and the Choishimichi route, the guide has all the practical information needed, along with notes on the routes' rich history and culture.

A guidebook to walking Japan’s UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, covering the Nakahechi, Choishimichi/Koyasan and Kohechi routes, as well as a Hongu loop, highlights of the Iseji route and shorter walks around Kumano Sanzan shrines. Since many of the trails involve steep ascents and descents, a moderate level of fitness is required.

Routes vary from 5 to 64km (3–40 miles) and crisscross the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. Some can be enjoyed in a single day or half-day, whereas the Nakahechi and Kohechi routes lend themselves to a 4-day mini-trek. Spring and late autumn are best for the trails, although the Nakahechi can be walked year-round.

1:50 000 mapping plus larger-scale maps for key towns and the main shrines
Detailed information on public transport, accommodation and refreshments
Advice on planning and preparation
Fascinating insights into Japanese culture and spirituality
GPX files available to download

Table of Contents

Overview maps
Map key
Route summary tables

Introduction
History
Japanese spirituality
The pilgrimage trails
Dual Pilgrim status
Wildlife
Group travel or independent?
Getting there
Getting around
When to go
Accommodation
Food and drink
Money
Post, phones and internet
Language
Cultural etiquette
Hiking in Japan
What to take
Luggage transfers
Waymarking
Maps and GPS
Staying healthy and safe
Using this guide

The three grand shrines and Koyasan
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Koyasan

Hongu and surrounding area
Route 1 Hongu loop walk (including Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe)

Nakahechi 中辺路
Route 2 Nakahechi route
Stage 1 Takijiri to Nonaka
Stage 2 Nonaka to Kumano Hongu Taisha
Stage 3 Kogumotori-goe route: Ukegawa to Koguchi
Stage 4 Ogumotori-goe route: Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha

Koyasan 高野山 – Choishimichi 町石道
Route 3 Choishimichi route

Kohechi 小辺路
Route 4 Kohechi route
Stage 1 Koyasan to Omata
Stage 2 Omata to Miura-guchi
Stage 3 Miura-guchi to Yanagimoto-bashi suspension bridge
Stage 4 Yanagimoto-bashi suspension bridge to Kumano Hongu Taisha

Iseji highlights 伊勢路
Route 5 Magose-toge Pass
Route 6 Matsumoto-toge Pass

Appendix A Facilities tables
Appendix B Glossary
Appendix C Useful contacts
Appendix D Further reading