So, leaving Kuchi Kumano michi no eki we drive to Chikatsuyu-oji. Call +61 3 9597 9767. Day 1, Takijiri to Chikatsuyu, 13km. Day 3, Hongu Taisha to Hayatama Taisha by traditional boat then onto Kii Katsuura, 18km. You can also find small hotels and onsen near Hongu Taisha at the end of your journey. On day 1, still suffering a bit from jet lag, we had no problem waking up prior to 5 am in Kii-Tanabe. You should pack a few provisions just in case. The Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross the Kii Hantō, the largest peninsula of Japan.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). Takijiri-Oji: Starting town of the Nakahechi Route. Mountains, forests, villages, hot springs, and more await those who seek its healing landscape. The Kumano Kodo is made up of multiple routes, all radiating from the grand central shrine Kumano Hongu Taisha. This is a small road station but it has a restaurant and other services. Guidebook to walking Japan's Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails on the Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. My Kumano Kodo Nakahechi and Kohechi solo hike packing list. NAKAHECHI Maps Nakahechi Overview Maps are available onsite at the TANABE Tourist Information Center (next to the Kii-Tanabe station), KUMANO TRAVEL Travel Support Center, Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Center (near Takijiri-oij), and the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center (near Kumano Hongu Taisha). Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano). 5 day self-guided Kumano Kodo Nakahechi walking tour. Like other remote stretches of the Kumano Kodo, places to eat and rest are few and far between, and the trek will take you across steep mountains and rocky paths. The signs along the Imperial Route are clearly marked and written in both Japanese and English (other trails on the Kumano Kodo are missing signage in places). It is a mountain environment so if your planning to do a multi-day walk please be prepared. If staying the night, head to the Ajikoji district to experience the local nightlife. Kumano Kodo is comprised of a network of trails that lead to Kumano Sanzan which is the three grand shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. However, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route developed over time as a way for people to move between these sacred areas on the Kii Peninsula. The classic pilgrimage circuit began in Kyoto at Jonan-gu shrine. However, several guesthouses and a few coffee shops are available in Chikatsuyu Villages at the halfway point of the trail, but keep in mind that they may not be open. Forget about the destination and enjoy the journey. The Kumano Kodo goes by many names, including the “Kumano Old Road” and “Kumano Ancient Trail”. An immersive experience for the adventurous pilgrim. Traditionally, some milestones, called Ichirizuka, showed the way and a number of them can still be seen along the Nakahechi trail. That’s because modern infrastructure has been built right on top of sections of the trail. Simply follow the brown signposts with white lettering, even when they seem to guide you through strange places. The Kumano Kodo Routes . It is a mountain environment so if your planning to do a multi-day walk please be prepared. You can also find small hotels and onsen near Hongu Taisha at the end of your journey. Travelers who wish to immerse themselves in Japanese traditional and spiritual culture without the hardships of a more strenuous hike are sure to fall in love with the Nakehechi trail. Forest, Mountains and Villages Overview The Nakahechi pilgrimage route is the one that was used by emperors and nobles from the 10th century onwards, hence its name ‘the Imperial Route’. Mountains, forests, villages, hot springs, and more await those who seek its healing landscape. Kumano Kodo is the Pilgrimage Routes to visiting Kumano Sanzan(three Grand Shrines) - Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha. Several pilgrimage trails were established, amongst them the Nakahechi-do, Kohechido and Ohechi-do, collectively known as the Kumano Kodo (Old Road of Kumano). From the 11th century successive emperors and their families made the long and difficult pilgrimage to Kumano from Kyoto. Kumano Kodo Nakahechi. Maps can also be ordered online with the Pilgrim Pack. There are several ryokan in the area where you can rest overnight. Take the JR Highway Bus to Tanabe/Shirahama from either Namba OCAT bus terminal or JR Osaka Station. Maps are available onsite at the Tanabe Tourist Information Center (next to Kii-Tanabe Station). Journey to Japan's Spiritual Origins. Though there are busses and trains, public transit in rural areas isn’t as robust as in cities, so make sure to check the timetables. The area was inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 for its cultural and religious importance, and my plan was to cover roughly 45km of the Nakahechi route , used by imperial pilgrims from Kyoto from the 10th to 13th century. The Nakahechi route is well-marked so don’t worry about getting lost. Der Nakahechi-Weg. Overnights along the way feature hot spring baths and delicious, authentic Japanese food. One of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, Hongu Taisha is an impressive ancient shrine located in a town of the same name. In front of the entrance stands the biggest torii gate in the world at 33 meters (108 ft) tall. From Takijiri the path climbs steadily to the ridge-top village of Takahara, and takes around two hours. From there, it’s possible to continue to the other two Kumano Shrines—Nachi Taisha and Hatayama Taisha—on foot or by bus, train, or boat. Here, we park in a large, free car park and set off to find the entrance to the Nakahechi … Topics: hiking in japan, Kumano Kodo, sacred area, wakayama. This shrine serves as the modern-day trailhead for the Nakahechi hike. Day 4, Kii Katsuura to Nachi Taisha via Daimonzaka then along the Ogumotori-goe trail to Koguchi, 25km. 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. Walk pack free. It is a challenging multi-day walk so being fit and prepared is important. This is the classic Kumano Kodo Nakahechi trek from Takijiri-oji to Kumano Nachi Taisha via Hongu, with 4.5 days of walking. Covering the Nakahechi, Kohechi and Iseji trails, as well as Koyasan and the Choishimichi route, the guide has all the practical information needed, … Notes and tips on walking the Kumano Kodo UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes. The Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route. Visit the Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Center and one of the five major Oji shrines. This route is also the most popular route with foreign visitors and locals and best suited for self-guided trekking. Hiking the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Japan — Nakahechi trail guide About the Kumano Kodo. Accessing the trail is easiest from Osaka. 1 ri, an old Japanese measure for distances, is roughly 2.44 miles. Praktische informatie over de belangrijkste bezienswaardigheden, reistips, accommodatie en meer. This demanding trek is for seasoned hikers only, but gorgeous views and the unearthly Mount Koya are sure to take anyone’s breath away. Hongu Taisha, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, is a highlight of the Nakahechi Trail. This site is in no way comprehensive, authoritative, or possibly even accurate! All Rights Reserved. Nakahechi route connect these shrines. The Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan’s Imperial ancestors first began the tradition. The mission of the international award-winning Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau is to contribute to the preservation of the Kumano region’s cultural, natural, and spiritual heritage for the next 1000 years by coordinating tourism development and promotion initiatives with the contributions of a diversity of stakeholders. If you’re coming from Tokyo, take the bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station where you can transfer to the Kuroshio Limited Express to Kii-Tanabe Station. Kumano Kodo Nakahechi. Nakahechi was used by emperors and nobles from the 10th century onwards to pay homage to the Kumano Sanzan, hence its nickname “The Imperial Route.” The original trail started from Kyoto, back when it was Japan’s capital, but now starts much further south in the seaside town of Tanabe. The Nakahechi is the core trail of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network with a history of over 1000 years. However, several guesthouses and a few coffee shops are available in Chikatsuyu Villages at the halfway point of the trail, but keep in mind that they may not be open. Ise-ji; Nakahechi & Kohechi; Walkkumano.com. Though the walk mainly features thick forests and quaint villages, you may have to occasionally walk across a highway or golf course. Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan). More information >> … Nakahechi route was made for pilgrimage to visit by the retired emperor and aristocrats during 908-1281, "From Heian to Kamakura period in Japan ". While this is considered to be the “easiest” of all Kumano Kodo trails, proper planning and equipment are absolutely necessary. It can be walked in consecutive day treks or experienced with shorter highlight walks. The Kumano Kodo is a series of ancient pilgrimage trails that cross over Kii Peninsula on the bottom east corner of Honshu, the main island of Japan. Nakahechi route cuts across the Kii Peninsula from the west to the east to visit three grand shrines in Kumano. Just trust the signs, they won’t lead you astray. Kumano Kodo is sliced into roughly three main routes — Nakahechi, Ohechi, and Kohechi, although they don't align in any strictly linear way. Kumano Kodo – Nakahechi route. Walking the Kumano Kodo By the 12th century, the Kumano Sanzan were well known shrines all over Japan pulling in people from all over the country, and the route eventually became a religious pilgrimage for all those who walked it. Kumano-kodo Nakahechi from Chikatsuyu-oji to Tsugizakura-oji. Jeder Schrein hat seinen eigenen Charme. The trip takes about two hours. You can also download the map online beforehand. Essentials. Diese führen zu den Kumano Sanzan, den drei heiligen Orten in Kumano. However, you’ll need to take the 40-minute bus ride from Kii-Tanabe Station to the start of the trail at Takijiri-oji. The Nakahechi route is the most popular of the surviving Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. In ancient time, Nakahechi was called Kiji, as a set of Kiiji route from Osaka. I total approximately 8 kilograms of gear, outside of water. Pilgrims used to cleanse their bodies in this 1800-year old hot spring oasis before paying their respects to Hongu Taisha and the other Kumano shrines. Der Nakahechi-Weg ist der Hauptweg und heutzutage sehr beliebt, weil er voll erschlossen und relativ kurz und einfach zu bewandern ist. This stunning trek through Wakayama Prefecture was once favored by emperors and nobles. Tanabe may seem small, but this coastal town is one of the larger settlements you’ll encounter. Kumano Kodo trail (self-guided, on demand) - Nakahechi route including Grand Shrines . It has rich historical, cultural, and spiritual atmosphere. After lunch we head off on foot up the Kumano Kodo. This site is meant to provide a clear and simple — but extremely general — overview for folks looking to walk the various UNESCO recognized pilgrimage paths of the Kumano Kodo.. It can be walked in consecutive day treks or experienced with shorter highlight walks. The walk starts near the small city of Tanabe which is located a couple of hours train ride from Osaka, and ends at Nachi Taisha Grand Temple and waterfalls or in Kii Katsuura seaside fishing town having completed the Nakahechi Imperial Route. The Nakahechi route (or: the imperial route) of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan’s Imperial ancestors first began the tradition. This self-guided trip begins in Kii-Tanabe and covers the full Nakahechi route over 4 days of walking with a rest day in the Hongu area in between. The Kumano Kodo 1: The Nakahechi Route from Takijiri to Hongu Taisha (GPS and Trail Guide) There are lots of itineraries for guided hikes along the various trails that make up the Kumano Kodo. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail in Japan is not to be missed!! Over the years as Japan has developed, very little of the original trails are left – the Nakahechi and Kohechi route I believe are the closest to the original with the least amount of development and the most trail. Doyukawa-bashi Bus Stop to Kumano Hongu Taisha, Preserving Japan’s Ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Network Crowdfunding Campaign (Oct~Dec, 2020), Go To Travel Discount Campaign For Foreigners Living in Japan, Temporary Closures List — As of January 22, 2021 (Fri). Sample itinerary: The Nakahechi route. The web of trails comprising the Kumano Kodo has lead pilgrims between Japan’s most holy sites for over 1,000 years. Der Kumano Kodō ist ein Netzwerk aus sieben Pilgerwegen. Hiking in Japan was definitely the highlight of our trip! Partake in ancient tradition by making a pilgrimage to three of Japan’s most important shrines. From Tennoji Station, take a Kuroshio Limited Express towards Shingu and get off at Kii-Tanabe Station. It’s safe, accessible, (relatively) easy, and above all, gorgeous. The Imperial Route meanders through terraced rice paddies, rugged mountains, and pine forests. You should pack a few provisions just in case. Takahara: If you are hiking the full Nakahechi route, this small settlement would be your first. If you are an experienced individual hiker just looking for data to plan and guide yourself, it is surprisingly difficult to find any of that, though. If you were to choose one "official" route it would probably be to continue south on the Nakahechi: From Takijiri to Hongu, and then from Hongu to Hayatama Taisha in Shingu via the villages Koguchi and Nachi. The classic pilgrimage circuit began in Kyoto at Jonan-gu shrine. Ontdek Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Road Station, Tanabe met gidsen Expedia! Start at Kii-Tanabe Station and don’t miss these highlights along the way. Kii-Tanabe Station, 961 Minato, Tanabe, Wakayama 646-0031, Japan. The timetables can be found here. Many other Oji shrines, which are subsidiaries of the Kumano Sanzan, serve as guides along the way. Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi route) 2019.11.15. The most popular & accessible of these is the Nakahechi Route, starting from Takijiri-oji in the West, passing through Hongu & finishing at Kumano Nachi Taisha in the East. , places to eat and rest are few and far between, and the trek will take you across steep mountains and rocky paths. Book your accommodation ahead of time as well. The Nakahechi pilgrimage route … Copyright©2020 Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau. This itinerary is based around one half day walk and two full day walks on the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo from Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha, with an overnights in Takahara, Nonaka area, and finally in Yunomine Onsen after the walk. Known as the “Village in the Mist” as the rolling fog is common and quite a sight form the vistas above. After picking up the washing we head to Kumano Kodo michi no eki Nakahechi where we have lunch. Hiking here will take you from the town of Tanabe on the Western coast of Wakayama’s Kii Peninsula eastward towards Kumano Sanzan, a trio of holy shrines. This is where your walk on the Nakahechi portion of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route begins. There are local busses that lead to the isolated villages where accommodations are located. Day 2, Chikatsuyu to Hongu Taisha, 26km. The infrastructure — such as English signs, maps and luggage shuttle services — is developed.The Nakahechi is the core trail of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network with a history of over 1000 years. Photo by: maja kuzmanovic A truly rustic hot spring town to soothe you along your journey. Collecting stamps along the way. The Nakahechi route is the most popular of the surviving Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails.It’s safe, accessible, (relatively) easy, and above all, gorgeous. Walk the Kumano Kodo trail with Auswalk. The photos and ramblings you’ll see below (and above) are from this 4-day/3-night itinerary, which I recommend for everyone, really.It takes you from Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha, requiring one half-day and two full-day walks.. Take the road less traveled on this coastal hiking trail once sought out by poets and painters for artistic inspiration. The target for the day is to walk part of the Nakahechi to Tsugizakura-oji. The Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is a network of pilgrimage trails in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama prefecture. The Nakahechi Route is the main route that links the three Grand Shrines of Kumano.