Historical Significance. For over 1000 years, emperors, aristocrats, and the general populace all traveled from Kyoto to hike the Kumano Kodo and worship at its three Grand Shrines . Both the walk itself and the ritual purification performed along its route were integral to these pilgrims’ journeys.
What is the Kumano ancient trail?
The Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage trail in the mountains of Wakayama (south of Kyoto) where you can walk with a light pack from guesthouse to guesthouse for a few days . It’s a brilliant way to experience Japan’s rural side and ancient religious traditions.
Where is the stairway to heaven in Japan?
There are 320 steps leading up the steep mountainside to the 650 year old Jakkoin, a small but picturesque temple atop a mountain on the outskirts of Inuyama City.
How long is the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage?
Starting from Koyasan in the north down to Hongu in the center of the Kii Peninsula. It is 70 km in length and is considered the hardest of all the routes because you trek over three mountain passes. This route typically takes 4 days to complete.
How much does it cost to hike the Kumano Kodo trail in Japan?
How much does it cost to hike the Kumano Kodo on a budget? Organised tours (including the “self-guided” ones) will often cost well beyond $2,000 . When you organise your trip independently, you need to budget for far less.
Can you camp on the Kumano Kodo?
Tanabe Kawayu Campground 田辺川湯キャンプ場
This campground is just downstream from Kawayu Onsen. It is also walking distance from the trailhead in Ukegawa for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to Nachi.
What is the Nakasendo way?
The Nakasendo Trail (中山道 – literal translation “middle mountain way”) is the old route that connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period . The section of the trail that winds through the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture passes through two exceptionally pretty and well-preserved old Japanese towns: Magome and Tsumago.
How long is the Shikoku pilgrimage?
If walked, the entire route is about 1,200 kilometers long which allows one to experience the abundant natural surroundings of Shikoku and presents visitors with numerous opportunities to mix with local people. This pilgrimage provides the an opportunity to reflect on one’s life and to change for the better.
How difficult is the Kumano Kodo?
Basic accommodation and food in remote areas will contribute to a walk being graded more difficult. Our Kumano Kodo trips a 6-7, Challenging to Strenuous with our Kumano Kodo Highlight trip graded a 4-6, Moderate to Challenging.
Can you cycle the Kumano Kodo?
You can cycle through side roads along the Tonda river on the Nakahechi route in Kumano Kodo . Then go over the elegant suspension bridge, which uses wooden slats.
What does Kumano mean in Japanese?
Kumano (熊野) literally means ‘ Bear Field ‘. It is a name adopted by various places in Japan. Kumano Shrine. Kumano Shrines Grand Shrines. Kumano Kodō, ancient pilgrimage routes.
Which is better Kumano Kodo or Nakasendo?
The Nakasendo Way is (for most people) an easier hike than the more rugged Kumano Kodo . This ancient highway was established over 400 years ago to connect the two major cities of the time – Kyoto and Tokyo. This route is considered more of a cultural walk through old Japan than a strenuous hike.
How many shrines are in Japan?
There are around 100,000 Shinto shrines and 80,000 Buddhism temples throughout Japan where locals visit and pray. They are also very popular sightseeing spots that attract many tourists from all over the world.
How long is the Nakahechi route?
The Nakahechi spans the width of the peninsula from west to east and covers a distance of around 70 kilometers . There are sections where hikers may need to take a bus or a boat, meaning the walking distance will be different to the total distance.
How long is the Michinoku Coastal trail?
This trail, which officially opens on June 9, 2019, is a coastal trail stretching along the breathtaking Pacific coastline of Tohoku–the northern region of Japan. It is about 1,000 kilometers, or 621 miles , long and takes about one and a half to two months to complete the entirety of the trail.
How do I get to Kumano Kodo?
How to get to Kumano. Kumano is easily accessible from many major cities, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nagoya, as well as the Kansai International Airport, using the extensive rail and bus systems . When using the Shinkansen trains, the entire trip will be covered by your Japan Rail Pass.
Can you still walk the Tokaido road?
If you want to walk just a portion of it, you could make a day trip to Hakone out of it . Alternatively, you can explore just the main sites along the Old Tokaido Road on foot while using the Tokaido Shinkansen or local trains (which are much cheaper) to ferry you across the less scenic parts.
How long does it take to walk all of Japan?
It is an account of MacNiven’s journey walking and backpacking the entire length of Japan from Kyūshū to Hokkaidō, more than 2000 miles in 145 days . MacNiven cited three reasons for the journey.
What is a minshuku in Japan?
Often located in rural areas and near resorts and vacation spots, minshuku are similar to bed-and-breakfast lodgings , offering visitors on a budget a chance to witness Japanese family life first-hand. Rooms will often—but not always—feature tatami flooring and futons.
How long is the 88 temple pilgrimage?
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is Japan’s most famous—alongside the Kumano Kodo—and most unique pilgrimage routes. It’s a 1,200-kilometer -long journey and one of the world’s very few pilgrimage loops (not trails).
Where do Shinto pilgrims go?
A type of pilgrimage to Shinto’s most sacred site, the Ise shrine , has come to be known as the “blessing visit” (okage-mairi). Another popular pilgrimage circuit leaves by rail from Osaka and takes in sites associated with the “seven gods of good luck,” including both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
How long does it take to walk the 88 temples?
Walk the 88 temple pilgrimage
In general, it takes 6 weeks to complete the entire ohenro route by foot, though it may vary among individuals depending on their physical strength and hiking experience. There are numerous restaurants serving locals specialties and traditional Japanese-style inns located along the way.
