The Kumano Kodō is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes through the Kii Peninsula's forested mountains, leading to the three Grand Shrines (Hongu, Hayatama, Nachi Taisha). It shares UNESCO World Heritage status with the Camino de Santiago in Spain — the only two pilgrimage routes in the world to hold this dual distinction. Walkers pass stone-paved paths, moss-covered Jizo statues, teahouse ruins and sacred cedar groves, with traditional minshuku guesthouses along the route.
- Type
- Experience
- Category
- Culture
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- April to May (also Autumn: October–November)
- Region
- Kansai
- Prefecture
- Wakayama / Mie
- City
- Tanabe (gateway)
Highlights
- ◆UNESCO World Heritage route shared with Camino de Santiago
- ◆Stone-paved Nakahechi route most accessible for international visitors
- ◆Nachi-no-Otaki: Japan's tallest waterfall (133 m) as pilgrimage destination
- ◆Hongu Taisha's giant torii gate — one of Japan's largest
- ◆Passport stamp system (oshimeguri) rewarding completion