A path to purification along the Kumano Kodo & the temple town of Koyasan -Part ①

A path to purification along the Kumano Kodo

If you decide to take a break from Osaka and feel like escaping into nature for a few days, then the Kumano Kodo is the perfect destination for you.

In my case and as for us, I decided to visit one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan. The term refers to three sacred shrines and one temple along the Kumano Kodo: Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, Kumano Hongu Taisha, and Seiganto-ji Temple on Mount Nachi.

The Kumano Kodo, which weaves its way through the Kii Peninsula, is a network of ancient pilgrimage trails stretching nearly 70 kilometers, connecting the coastlines through rolling hills and mountains.

Walking this 1,200-year-old route is truly majestic—you can feel the deep spiritual energy and the timeless allure that has drawn pilgrims here for centuries. It’s no surprise that in 2004, the Kumano Kodo was inscribed as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where the Spiritual Culture of Japan Lives On

The Kii Mountain Range largely covers the Kii Peninsula, which extends gracefully into the Pacific Ocean. The mountains rise between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, running both east–west and north–south in a fluid, interwoven landscape. The region’s deep forests are nurtured by abundant rainfall—over 3,000 mm per year—creating lush greenery year-round.

Since ancient times, these mountains have been revered as a sacred realm inhabited by the gods. For the esoteric Shingon sect of Buddhism, introduced from China, the Kii Mountains also served as a place for ascetic practice and spiritual training.
People from Kyoto and across Japan began visiting the area, and it soon became a powerful center for cultural and religious exchange.

The Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

which span the prefectures of Wakayama, Mie, and Nara, would not exist without the natural grandeur of these mountains. Even today, the forests, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, and rural landscapes of this region embody the living harmony between people and nature—often described as Japan’s “cultural landscape.”

Come walk these ancient trails with that same spirit in mind, and feel the timeless connection between humanity and the divine.

Private Kumano Kodo Sacred Pilgrimage Tour

Our Private Kumano Kodo Sacred Pilgrimage Tour allows you to explore this world heritage site with personalized attention. Experience the sacred trails at your own pace, guided by experts who share the rich cultural and spiritual history of the region, while enjoying traditional accommodations and soothing hot springs.