Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail
One of the world's only two dual-listed UNESCO pilgrimage routes (the other being the Camino de Santiago). The Nakahechi route through cedar forests and mountain passes to the three Kumano Grand Shrines has been walked by emperors, monks, and ordinary pilgrims for 1,200 years. Two days of walking from Tanabe to the Hongu shrine is transformative.
2–5 days
Free (accommodation costs vary)
Trail sections accessible year-round; Nakahechi route best Apr–Jun and Oct–Nov; reservations required for popular sections
April–June, September–November
Start from Tanabe Station (JR Kisei Line)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
One of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrimage routes in the world — twinned with Spain's Camino de Santiago
- 2
The Nakahechi route through ancient cedar forests takes 2–5 days depending on section
- 3
Stamps at each oji (rest shrine) record your pilgrimage progress in a dedicated stamp book
Local Tips
Start with the Nakahechi route (Takijiri-oji to Hongu Taisha) for the most classic 3-day walk. The three grand shrines of Hongu, Nachi, and Hayatama are the destinations. Kumano Hongu Taisha's giant torii (Japan's largest) visible above the rice fields is an arriving-pilgrim moment. The Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau has excellent English resources for planning.
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