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
The Yanagimoto Suspension Bridge in Totsukawa Onsen re-opens.
As of July 22, 2022, access to the Kumano Kodo Kohechi Route via the Yanagimoto Suspension Bridge near Totsukawa Onsen is open. The highway detour is no longer necessary.Please follow the path as noted in KUMANO KODO KOHECHI Pilgrimage Route Maps, p. 12-13.
Kumano Kodo Kohechi Route Detour: Totsukawa Onsen Area
The Yanagimoto Suspension Bridge in Totsukawa Village is closed and a detour is in place from July 20 (Wed) to 22 (Fri), 2022.
Hikers on the Kohechi should take the detour along National Highways 425 or 168 to 168 south across the bridge.
Please see KUMANO KODO KOHECHI Pilgrimage Route Maps, pages 12-13 for reference.
Shiomi-toge Route Closure, July 11, 2022
Shiomi-toge to the west of Takijiri-oji is closed due to landslide cause by heavy rain on July 11,2022.
The Yanagimoto Suspension Bridge in Totsukawa Onsen re-opens.
As of July 6, 2022, access to the Kumano Kodo Kohechi Route via the Yanagimoto Suspension Bridge near Totsukawa Onsen is open. The highway detour is no longer necessary.
Please follow the path as noted in KUMANO KODO KOHECHI Pilgrimage Route Maps, p. 12-13.
Articles
- 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... - News & UpdatesEat & Drink
Kumano Restaurants Awarded Michelin Status!
For the first time ever, Wakayama prefecture in Japan was included in The Miche... - News & UpdatesMedia & Accolades
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
Go To Travel Discount Campaign For Foreigners Living in Japan
Go To Travel Campaign
Go To Travel is discount campaign to encourage domesti... - 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 g... - 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]