KUMANO KODO
WALKING JAPAN'S HISTORIC PILGRIMAGE ROUTES
For over 1000 years people from all levels of society, including retired emperors and noble people, have made the arduous pilgrimage to Kumano. These pilgrims used a network of routes, now called the Kumano Kodo, which stretched across the mountainous Peninsula of Kii.The walk itself was an integral partof the pilgrimage process as theyundertook rigorous religious rites of worship and purification. Walking the ancient Kumano Kodo is without doubt a fantastic way to experience the unique cultural landscape of Kumano's spiritual countryside. In July 2004, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes were registered as UNESCO World Heritage as part of the"Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" property.
OVERVIEW
| To | Japan |
|---|---|
| Length | 08 nights/ 09 days |
| Start | Day 1 (with arrival in Kyoto) |
| Finish | Day 9 (with departure from Kyoto) |
| Type | Good for Individuals, Families, Small Groups |
| Skill | 4? |
| Route |
Kyoto - Tsugizakura-oji - Hongu Taisha – Koguchi - Nachi Taisha - Hayatama Taisha - Osaka |
| Season | The Kumano Kodo trail can be walked year round. Popular times are March/April for the cherry blossom season, and October/November for autumn colours |
HIGHLIGHTS
- KUMANO SANZAN – the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano
- A visit to the Kumano region
- The World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes
- Kii mountains
- Kumano Sanzan shrines
SKETCH ITINERARY
| Day 1: | arrival in KYOTO, the ancient capital of Japan |
| Day 2: | walking tour of Northwestern KYOTO (10 km, 4-5 hrs) |
| Day 3: | introduction to KUMANO KODO (4 km, 2-3 hrs walk) |
| Day 4: | walk from Takahara to Tsugizakura-oji (13 km, 6-8 hr) |
| Day 5: | walk from Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha |
| Day 6: | walk from Ukegawa to Koguchi (13 km, 5-6 hrs) |
| Day 7: | Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha (14 km, 7-9 hrs walk) |
| Day 8: | walk from JR Miwasaki to Kumano Hayatama Taisha(7 km, 3-4 hrs) *seaside view and city walks |
| Day 9: |
final day, departure from OSAKA Airport |
Need a detailed itinerary? Write to us at info@offbeat.travel
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