KUMANO KODO

Kumano is a coastal area in the southernmost part of Honshu with spiritual roots in Japanese history. As far back as the 9th century, worshippers have traversed this densely forested peninsula via a web of walking trails, called Kumano Kodo, which connect the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto to the worship sites.

The religious sites and pilgrimage routes of Kumano were designated one of Japan’s 17 UNESCO cultural world heritage sites in 2004 and include the ‘Kumano Sanzan’ (three shrines), Koyasan, Yoshino and Ominesan. Walking these trails is part of the ancient Shinto tradition of nature worship and purification, an essential part of the pilgrimage.

While Kumano’s ancient history is nestled in the lush mountains, the coastal towns also offer beautiful scenery, accommodation, food and hot springs.