Highlights
- Forest paths to Kumano Hongu Taisha
- Sacred Nachi Falls and grand torii
- Stay overnight in traditional pilgrim inns
Background & story
Used for over a thousand years, the Kumano Kodo links the three grand Kumano shrines and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Bus from Kii-Tanabe Stn to trailheads Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, solo-goers
Good to know
The Nakahechi route from Tanabe is the classic, most accessible option. Book pilgrim lodging well ahead, especially in autumn.
Getting there
Kii Peninsula (Tanabe / Hongu), Wakayama — Hongu, Tanabe, Wakayama