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Pilgrimage Routes
The UNESCO World Heritage Site entitled “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” consists of three sacred places (Koyasan, Kumano Sanzan, and Yoshino and Omine) as well as the pilgrimage routes leading to them. The pilgrimage routes to these sacred places include the Koyasan Choishimichi (Stone Marker Path), Kumano Kodo (also known as the Kumano Pilgrimage Route), and Omine Okugakemichi. The area has been visited since ancient times by many people from the capital and all over the country, greatly influencing the development and spread of Japanese religion and culture.
The Choishimichi was founded 1,200 years ago by the monk Kukai as a pilgrimage route to ascend Koyasan. Choishi (stone markers) are placed about 109 meters apart from each other along the route. There are 180 stone markers from Jisonin Temple in Kudoyama Town to Danjogaran in Koyasan, and there are 36 markers from there to Okunoin. The atmosphere on the path draws the attention of avid hikers.
Kumano Kodo is the pilgrimage route that leads to the Kumano Sanzan. This route is known for having been walked by many travelers. The Nakahechi and Ohechi routes lead south from Kyoto through Osaka into Wakayama along the coast, the Kohechi route connects Koyasan to the Kumano Sanzan, and the Iseji route leads to Kumano from Ise Jingu Shrine.
The routes that lead south from Kyoto through Osaka into Wakayama City along the coast fork into Nakahechi, which leads to Kumano Hongu Shrine from Tanabe, and Ohechi, which leads to Nachi-Katsuura along the coast. Along the Nakahechi route, said to be the most commonly taken by pilgrims, are “Oji Shrines” which enshrine the gods of the Kumano Sanzan. Pilgrims heading towards Kumano offer prayers to these Oji Shrines. Those bound for Nachi-Katsuura from Tanabe on the Ohechi route proceed along the coastline of the Kii Peninsula. Travelers can see beautiful views of the sea and mountains from the path. The shortest route between Koyasan and Kumano Sanzan is Kohechi, which links mountains over 1,000 meters in elevation in a rugged course. Many historical landmarks also remain along this route. The Iseji route also connects Ise Jingu Shrine to the Kumano Sanzan by heading south along the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula, and in the past many worshippers making the pilgrimage to Ise could be seen visiting Kumano.
The Omine Okugakemichi, which also links Yoshino and Omine to Kumano Hongu Shrine, was opened as a training route about 1,300 years ago. The path to Kumano in the mountains has elevations of about 1,000 meters above sea level and is enjoyed by enthusiastic hikers, and landmarks (training spots) are everywhere along the way.
Walking along Choishimichi and Kumano Kodo towards holy sites has been a very popular practice since ancient times. The ruggedness and time required for each course are different, so be sure to pick the path that best matches your physical conditions and schedule. There are also tours accompanied by tour guides known as “storytellers,” who give easy-to-understand explanations of points of interest and historical sites.
Kumano Kodo also has a sister relationship with the Way of St. James that leads to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. These are the only two pilgrimage routes that are designated as World Heritage Sites.
About Kumano Kodo and the Way of St. James
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