Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail
Walk ancient moss-covered pilgrimage paths through the forested Kii Mountains to sacred Kumano shrines, a UNESCO World Heritage route.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/10/16 23:00 – 2026/10/17
- Where
- Kii Peninsula (Tanabe / Hongu), Wakayama（Hongu, Tanabe, Wakayama）
- City
- Across Japan
- Getting there
- Bus from Kii-Tanabe Stn to trailheads
- Price
- Free
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
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
The Nakahechi route from Tanabe is the classic, most accessible option. Book pilgrim lodging well ahead, especially in autumn.