The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage is an immersive journey for the active inquisitive traveler.
Pilgrimage to Japan’s
Spiritual Origins
The ancient Kumano region is nestled in the verdant mountains of Wakayama Prefecture—the spiritual heartland of Japan. Worshipped for centuries, this lush and rugged area has been considered the abode of the gods.
Walk the spiritual Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, soak and relax in the healing waters of isolated onsen, dine on delicious local cuisine, interact with the friendly locals—what kind of adventures await you in this sacred land?
Kumano Kodo
熊野古道
For over 1000 years, people from all levels of society, including retired emperors and aristocrats, have made the arduous pilgrimage to the sacred sites in Kumano. These pilgrims used a network of routes, now called the Kumano Kodo, which stretched across the mountainous Kii Peninsula, weaving its way through remote villages and forests on a mixture of well-trodden trails and ancient cobblestone paths.
News ＆ Stories
Updates
Nachisan Pagoda Construction
The three-storied pagoda at Nachisan will be covered with scaffolding and partially closed due to repainting.
DATES: Sept 10 to end of Dec 2024.
※ The re-opening may be delayed due to weather or difficulties during refurbishment.
Limited access inside the pagoda may be possible on certain days with a reduced fee of 100 yen for adults and 50 yen for children 11 and under.
For more details and other detour/closure information and general tips and safety >>>
Most documentation about Nachi area show the pagoda as the center of the site and it is indeed an iconic structure. However, Kumano Nachi Taisha (one of the three Kumano Grand Shrines) and the adjacent Temple Seiganto-ji as well as the tallest waterfall in Japan Nachi-no-Otaki are also very much worth seeing.
The site also represents syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism (Shinbutsu shugo), with Nachi Shrine right next to the Temple. This is a rare thing to see in Japan. In addition, the waterfall is an object of worship for the Shinto religion. Therefore, even with the pagoda being under construction, the site is very much worth visiting, being a major spiritual and historical landmark of the Nachi Area.
Please refer to this page for further information about the full site around the waterfall.
https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/world-heritage/kumano-nachi-taisha/
Thank you for visiting our site! The KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation Site is currently operating with set operational times.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
【Booking Times】
From Monday March 11, 2024: Daily 9:00 to 17:00 (Japan Standard Time)
During this time frame the KUMANO TRAVEL site is open for reservation requests. For current users access to your MyPage, including MyChat, changes and cancellations are available anytime with no closure period.
NOTE: We are not able to receive any last-minute reservation requests by e-mail or phone calls.
DETOUR NOTICE on the Kohechi Route
The main trail on the north side of the Obako-toge pass on the Kumano Kodo Kohechi route has experienced a landslide, so please follow the detour over the peak. (from May 2, 2023)
Notice of Indefinite Closure
Due to the indefinite closure of the KUMANO TRAVEL Travel Support Center as of Friday, April 1, 2022, last-minute travel arrangements are not possible onsite. Guests are asked to plan in advance and use the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System
https://www.kumano-travel.com/en
Articles
Visiting the Kumano Kodo in Winter
Did you know that the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route is open year-round? And winte...- Hints & Tips
What to Do with an Extra Day in Shingu
Shingu is a coastal town on the Kii Peninsula located where the Kumanogawa Rive... - Hints & Tips
What to Do with an Extra Day in Tanabe
Spending an extra day/night in Tanabe before you start the Kumano Kodo walk can... - Hints & Tips
KUMANO KODO Walk Options between Chikatsuyu/Nonaka and Kumano Hongu Taisha
Walking the Kumano Kodo between the Chikatsuyu/Nonaka area and Kumano Hongu Tai... - News & Updates
System Booking Times and Maintenance Information
In an effort to meet the demand for bookings and keep to our sustainable manage... - Hints & Tips
Stamps on the Kumano Kodo
Collecting stamps along the Kumano Kodo can be fun and provides a printed comme... - News & Updates
Congratulations 5000th DUAL PILGRIM
On October 7th, 2023 in Santiago de Compostela the 5000th DUAL PILGRIM was regi... - Hints & Tips
Camping on the KUMANO KODO
Camping on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route with your own tent is not common, bu... - Media & Accolades
KUMANO KODO Best Sustainable Travel Award Winner 2023
Japan Travel Awards 2023
The Japan Travel Awards recognizes destinations in ... - Hints & Tips
Walking KUMANO KODO and No Availability in Smaller Communities: What to do!
The Kumano Kodo is an ancient trail that runs through the mountains of the Kii ... - Places & Stories
Spiritual Package: Aikido Experience and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Get to know the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Japan through the unique A... - Places & Stories
Locals Share Passion for Foreign Cultures
"Xosh gelminshsiniz!" That's Azerbaijani for "Welcome!"Foreign visitors from al... - Hints & Tips
KUMANO KODO Planning
Now that travelers are allowed to enter Japan, one of the most common questions... - News & Updates
2nd Kumano International Professional Guide Training accepting applications!
10 Spaces Open for January 2023
Are you an English-speaking guide for the Ku... - Hints & Tips
Barrier-free Options for Visiting the KUMANO KODO
Access to information and core sites for people from all walks of life on the K... - Media & Accolades
Sharing Guests’ Heartwarming Feedback
Over the nearly two decades of supporting guests and local community members, w... - Hints & Tips
Traveling the KUMANO KODO with Children
Traveling with children can be a very fun and rewarding—if not exhausting and c... - Hints & TipsEat & Drink
Finding Vegetarian & Vegan Options along the KUMANO KODO
For many, dining at inns along the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi pilgrimage route i... - Places & Stories
Q & A with Local KUMANO KODO Guide Mike Rhodes
Having a "Passion" for Japan
Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau consultant an... - Eat & Drink
Kumano Restaurants Awarded Michelin Status!
For the first time ever, Wakayama prefecture in Japan was included in The Miche... - News & Updates
KUMANO KODO Guide Training Nurtures Local Resources
As part of its ongoing mission to develop local guides and resources for the UN... - News & Updates
Preserving Japan’s Ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Network Crowdfunding Campaign (Oct~Dec, 2020)
The tangible and intangible benefits of Japan’s Kumano Kodo pilgrimage experien... - News & Updates
The World is One. We are the Same.
“The world is one. We are the same”, has been an integral experience for people... - Hints & Tips
Dealing with Garbage on the Trail
What do we do with our trash, Mike? I don't know where to throw it away?
I... - Hints & Tips
KUMANO KODO Trekking Backpack Contents
What’s in My Bag?
Hi, I’m Mike, a resident and local guide
for the Kumano Ko... - Media & Accolades
2020 Hometown Development Grand Prize Award Winner
We are thrilled to announce that the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau has been... - Places & Stories
Creating a New Model of Grassroots Community-based Tourism in the Sacred Region of Kumano
Interview of Brad Towle for the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Sacred Kum... - Media & Accolades
Japan Tourism Awards 2019-Double Award Winner
The Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau is proud to announce that we were honored... - Media & Accolades
Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, Destination Stewardship Finalist
Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau (TCKTB) is a finalist for the World Travel an...
Getting Started
Detailed pilgrimage route maps.
Local bus access information.
Sample trips for inspiration.
Short, fun and informational videos.
Way of St.James & the Kumano Kodo.
Find a place to dine on local cuisine.
A popular reference and souvenir book.
Baggage logistics during your trip.
Onsen
Reservations
KUMANO TRAVEL
Official Community Reservation System
KUMANO TRAVEL is the official community reservation system for the region, an international award-winning new model of grassroots tourism development. By making reservations locally with KUMANO TRAVEL you are directly supporting our community.
Over 1000 Years’ Experience, Quality Personal Service, Intimate Knowledge, Locally Owned & Operated, Travelers’ Safety Net, Responsible & Sustainable, Freedom to Discover, Secure Booking, Onsite Travel Support Center…
One of the most progressive tourism outfits in all Japan. [Lonely Planet]
Amazing resource of information! We couldn’t have planned the trip without it. [Guest]