Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Kumano Kodo is a collective term for ancient pilgrimage routes that thread through the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. The Nakahechi and Ohechi routes remain in the area around Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture. Since the Heian period, these historic routes have been used by the imperial court, aristocrats, and commoners on pilgrimages to the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha). In 2004, they were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." Their charm lies in the strong remnants of the ancient route, with dense forests, moss-covered cobblestones, and small "Oji" shrines and stone monuments scattered along the route. Tanabe City is one of the gateways to the Kumano Kodo, offering a variety of routes, from easy sections to more advanced mountain trails, allowing visitors to enjoy everything from day hikes to multi-day pilgrimages.
Highlights
– The main section of Nakahechi (from the Tanabe entrance to Kumano Hongu)
- Scenes of the remains of shrines such as Takijiri Oji, Haradeno Oji, and Takahara, as well as old approach roads.
– A representative spot on the Tanabe side
- Around Takijiri: One of the main starting points of the Nakahechi trail, dotted with guide signs and stone Buddha statues.
– Kumano Hongu Taisha (Honmiya): The central shrine for pilgrimages to Kumano. The surrounding former shrine grounds and the Oyunohara torii gate are also worth seeing (note: the Honmiya area is within the jurisdiction of Tanabe City).
– Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen (nearby): Historic hot springs where you can soak after walking the Kumano Kodo trail. Yunomine is famous as part of the World Heritage Site "Yunomine Onsen."
– Natural landscapes
– The deep cedar forests of the Kii Mountains, mountain streams, moss-covered stone steps, and seasonal flowering trees (the fresh greenery of spring and the autumn foliage are particularly beautiful).
– Culture and History
- Oji Shrine, stone pavement, stone monuments and antiques that show the remains of pilgrims, and the lifestyle of the villages along the road.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Railway
- The nearest hub station is Kii-Tanabe Station or Tanabe Station (Ki-Tanabe is the general name for the Keihan area) on the JR Kisei Main Line (Kinokuni Line). The Kuroshio Limited Express connects to Osaka (Shin-Osaka and Tennoji) and Kii-Katsuura.
– From Shin-Osaka/Osaka: Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours by express train (varies depending on train type and transfers). From Kyoto, add another 30 to 1 hour.
– Bus/Car
– There are local buses that run from Kii-Tanabe Station to various trailheads and hot spring areas, but please check the timetable as the number of buses is limited.
- By car: Access via the Hanwa Expressway, Yuasa-Gobo Road, etc. Approximately 2-3 hours by car from Osaka (depending on road conditions). Parking is available at major trailheads and tourist facilities.
– By air
The nearest airport is Nanki Shirahama Airport (about 40-60 minutes by car). From the airport, you can travel to Tanabe by rental car or bus.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Short walks (only the sights near the trailhead): 1-2 hours
- Day hike (walking a part of the main route): 3 to 6 hours (depending on the route)
– Walking the main sections of Nakahechi (Tanabe to Hongu, etc.): 2 to 3 days (usually includes overnight stays)
- Relaxing stay with hot springs and sightseeing: 1-2 nights (we recommend the plan to walk along the ancient roads and enjoy the hot springs)
Nearby spots
– Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine (Tanabe City, Hongu area)
– Yunomine Onsen (ancient hot springs related to a World Heritage site. Public baths and foot baths available)
– Kawayu Onsen (a rare spot where the riverbed is heated by hot springs)
– Shirahama (swimming beaches, Engetsu Island, Sandanbeki, etc., about an hour by car)
– Kumano Kodo related facilities (visitor center, museum, information center)
– Local hot spring inns and guesthouses (convenient bases for walking along ancient roads)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
– Clothing and equipment
– The trail is full of fallen leaves and stones, and there are also muddy and steep slopes, so trekking shoes or waterproof shoes are recommended. Be sure to bring rain gear, a hat, drinks, and snacks.
– Weather and seasons
– In summer, it is hot and humid, and there are many insects (mosquitoes and black flies). Take measures to prevent heatstroke. During the rainy season and typhoon season, some sections are closed due to the risk of landslides and flooding. In winter, be careful of freezing. Please check the weather and traffic information in advance.
– Traffic/time management
– There are sections where buses and trains run infrequently, so please check your return transportation in advance. Avoid arriving or descending the mountain late.
– Manners and consideration for the local area
– As this is a place of worship, please observe basic etiquette such as remaining quiet, taking your trash with you, and not trespassing on private property. Please also be considerate of noise and parking in the villages along the road.
– Physical fitness and disaster preparedness
– It is possible to get lost on mountain trails, so be prepared with a map, GPS, and a charger for your phone, and avoid taking risky routes. If you get lost, ask for help from a nearby information center or local residents.
– Check usage information
- Some sections may be subject to change due to construction, road closures, or weather conditions, so please check the latest information from the Tanabe City Tourist Association or the Kumano Kodo Visitor Center before setting off.
Supplement (recommended)
If you are hiking for the first time, we recommend choosing a shorter section and taking an overnight plan to enjoy the atmosphere of the mountain trail, the Oji ruins, and the hot springs. You can also enjoy the hike to the fullest by staying overnight at a hot spring inn, where you can stretch your legs and soothe your fatigue.
