If you’re considering hiking Japan’s Kumano Kodo trail, you are in for a real adventure. Deep in the Kii Peninsula, you can easily find yourself lost at another time. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail is why you travel to Japan. It’s where you can disconnect and feel at peace with the nature around you. I think it’s Japan’s best-kept secret, but one that could easily blow up in future years – so go now! Here are helpful tips to know before you go.
Largest O-Torii in the World
Traveling on the Kumano Kodo Trail
What is the Kumano Kodo Trail? Signs are well posted on the Kumano Kodo. Kumano is an isolated, sacred site of healing and salvation. It is the Spiritual Heart of Japan, and you can feel at peace with nature. This spiritual origin of Japan has been a pilgrimage destination for over 1000 years. People from all levels of society would make the pilgrimage using a network of routes across the Kii Peninsula. Emperors, artisans, aristocrats, and even peasants would travel for over 30 days to hubs like Osaka and Kyoto. This network of paths is the Kumano Kodo trail, which many still walk to this day. Since it was a network of trails, there was no one set trail. The Kumano Koodo is a maze of routes that travel up and down ridges, along the coast, and through old Japanese forests full of cypress and cedar trees. Around 3000 shrines and plenty of excellent sites are scattered across the ancient network. As of 2004, three sacred sites (Kumano Sanzan, Yoshino, and Koyasan) and the routes that lead and connect to them are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Along with the Camino De Santiago in Spain, the Kumano Kodo is one of TWO UNESCO pilgrimage routes worldwide. Now, pilgrims and travelers come worldwide to enjoy the spirituality and tranquility of these old mountains, trails, forests, and shrines. The course is not a camping experience. Although there are a few campsites, most pilgrims stay in guesthouses and ryokans along the way. It is similar to the Camino De Santiago, and accommodation often comes with dinner and breakfast with the option of a packed lunch.
Where is the Kumano Kodo Trail?
Nachi San Seigato-Ji The Kumano Kodo trail network is in the Kii Mountain range of Japan. They are easily accessible from the towns of Kii-Katsura, Tanabe, and Shingu. Most of the trail network lies in Wakayama Prefecture but extends into parts of the Mie and Nara Prefectures. You can get here via rail in about four hours from the Japanese cities of Osaka and Kyoto. To check the train schedule, look on Hyperdia, and make sure you grab a JR Pass before you arrive in Japan. JR West offers a regional pass for tourists that should cover most necessary public transport around the route.
When Is The Best Time To Hike The Kumano Kodo Trail?
Kamikura Shrine Yunomine Onsen We had no idea what to expect from our Kumano Kodo hike in late May, but we were pleasantly surprised by the mild temperatures. Unlike the Japanese cities, where May and June bring high heat and humidity, we were comfortable hiking the Kii mountains in pants and a breathable shirt. We were never dying of heat exhaustion or sweating through our clothes; it felt like the perfect time to be on the trail. However, early June is the start of the rainy season in Japan, and we did get poured on our first day in Shingu. If you want the best temperatures and beautiful weather on the Kumano Kodo, I would suggest trying to visit during May. Don’t forget to put a rain jacket on your Japan packing list, just in case. Another great and popular time would be September for a gorgeous fall hike. Fall is lovely in Japan, as it’s cooling down from the hot and humid summer but still not too cold. Along with changing leaves, you’ll find fall harvest specialties and any cool day can be washed away in an onsen. See the best times to visit Japan here.
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