Kumano Kodo: Japan’s Ancient Pilgrimage Routes
- Home Comforts Hiking
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that wind through Japan’s mountainous Kii Peninsula, spanning Wakayama, Nara, and Mie Prefectures.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the Kumano Kodo forms part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range and remains one of Japan’s most important spiritual and cultural landscapes.
Kumano Kodo Key Facts at a Glance
⛩️ UNESCO World Heritage designation: 2004
⛩️ Primary shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha
⛩️ Principal routes: Nakahechi, Kohechi, Ohechi, Iseji, Choishi-michi
⛩️ Location: Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka and Kyoto
⛩️ Pilgrimage history: Over 1,000 years of continuous use
History and Spiritual Significance
The Kumano region has been revered as the “Land of the Gods” since prehistoric times, when nature worship was deeply embedded in daily life. During the Heian period from 794 to 1185, emperors, aristocrats, and monks travelled from Kyoto to Kumano, undertaking long and demanding journeys to seek purification, healing, and spiritual rebirth.
Over time, the pilgrimage routes became a powerful expression of Shinbutsu-shugō, the syncretic blending of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. This spiritual unity is embodied in the Kumano Sanzan, the three Grand Shrines that anchor the pilgrimage and give the journey its deeper meaning. Historically, walking these routes was not simply physical travel, but a ritual of reflection, repentance, and renewal.
The Pilgrimage Routes
The Kumano Kodo is not a single trail but a network of interconnected paths, each offering a distinct experience of landscape and culture.
The Nakahechi Route, also known as the Imperial Route, begins in Tanabe and is the most commonly walked path today, known for its accessibility, traditional villages, and well-preserved trail sections.
The Kohechi Route is a demanding mountain trail that connects Koyasan with Kumano, crossing high passes and remote terrain once favoured by ascetic monks.
The Ohechi Route follows the coastline, offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and a sense of openness very different from the forested interior routes.
The Iseji Route links Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture to Kumano and is notable for its historic stone pavements and coastal-mountain transitions.
Along all routes, pilgrims encounter small Oji shrines, which historically served as spiritual waypoints offering protection and rest. Natural landmarks such as the 133-metre Nachi Waterfall, Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall, further reinforce the sacred relationship between nature and belief.
Cultural Experience and Modern Pilgrimage
Today, the Kumano Kodo continues to welcome both spiritual seekers and hikers, offering a rare opportunity to experience a living pilgrimage tradition. Walkers move through moss-covered stone paths, towering cedar forests, terraced rice fields, and quiet rural communities that have supported pilgrims for centuries.
Traditional onsen villages such as Yunomine Onsen remain an integral part of the experience, providing places of rest and ritual bathing much as they did in the past. Walks range from gentle day sections to multi-day journeys, and many travellers combine the Kumano Kodo with a visit to the nearby Koyasan temple complex to deepen their understanding of Japan’s spiritual heritage.
Heritage and Preservation
The Kumano Kodo holds a unique place in global pilgrimage history. It is one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world formally twinned with Spain’s Camino de Santiago through the Dual Pilgrim program. This connection highlights the shared human tradition of walking as a form of spiritual expression across cultures.
Preservation efforts led by local authorities and tourism organisations focus on sustainable travel and careful stewardship, ensuring that the Kumano Kodo remains both accessible and protected for future generations. These efforts help maintain the delicate balance between welcoming modern pilgrims and preserving the sacred character of the landscape.
Our 2026 Fully Guided Tour Dates (Book early!)
With limited departures each year, spots on our guided tours are always in high demand.
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Home Comforts Hiking designs unforgettable hiking experiences across Australia and Asia — where adventure meets comfort. Whether you choose a self-guided or fully guided trail, every journey is thoughtfully planned so you can walk, discover, and relax with a shower, a meal, and a comfortable bed at the end of each day.
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