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Dual Pilgrim

Overview

Dual Pligrim symbol

A “Dual Pilgrim” is someone who has walked both the Kumano Kodo and the Way of St.James (Camino de Santiago).

This program was developed to celebrate, honor, and share the stories of those who have completed both of these UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes and began on Feb 1st, 2015.

Dual Pilgrims receive a limited edition “DUAL PILGRIM” pin badge and are featured on the Dual Pilgrim page of spiritual-pilgrimages.com. (Inclusion on the website is optional).

The Dual Pilgrim logo is a combination of a shell and a three-legged crow. The colors are shades of orange, often seen in beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

To receive the Dual Pilgrim status, pilgrims must complete one of the options for the Way of St. James, and one of the options for the Kumano Kodo, then register at a designated site.

Way of St. James Options

Camino
  • at least the last 100 km on foot or by horse, or
  • at least the last 200 km by bicycle

Kumano Kodo Options

kumano-kodo-trail
  • Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~38 km) or
  • Kumano Nachi Taisha to/from Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~30 km) or
  • Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~7 km) plus a visit to Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha or
  • Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot  (~70 km)

※ Only walking is allowed on the Kumano Kodo.  No bicycles or horses.
※ Please refer to the Stamp Lists for locations of required stamps to complete the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.
Nakahechi Route Stamp List
Kohechi Route Stamp List

Dual Pilgrim Credential

credential

The Dual Pilgrim Credential is a type of passport for pilgrims.  It is used to collect stamps along the trail as a record of the walk.  There are two sides, one for the Kumano Kodo and one for the Way of St. James.

To complete the walk in Santiago you need to go to the pilgrim’s office to receive the stamp from the cathedral.  The completion stamp for the Kumano Kodo is located at the Kumano Hongu Taisha.

The Dual Pilgrim Credential is free of charge.

JAPAN

In Japan the credential is available at:

SPAIN

In Spain the credential is available at:

  • Turismo de Santiago Information Center (near the Santiago Cathedral)

ONLINE

Order Online from the KUMANO TRAVEL Community Reservation System.

※ The Credential can also be picked-up at accommodations in Tanabe City, etc. depending on availability.

Kumano Kodo Stamps

kumano-kodo-stamp-stand

Stamps are located in wooden stands at most sites.  

After use please close the ink pad so that it does not dry out for the next pilgrims.

The Kumano Kodo completion stamp is the Kumano Hongu Taisha one, so please remember to stamp this on the first page of the Kumano Kodo side of the credential under the heading “COMPLETION OF PILGRIMAGE”.

NOTE: Stamps at sacred sites sometimes change locations. Please ask at each shrine or temple if you are not able to locate the stamps.

Dual Pilgrim Registration

You can register for “Dual Pilgrim” status after you have completed the second route in either Santiago de Compostela or Tanabe City.

Santiago de Compostela (Spain)

Please register at the Turismo de Santiago de Compostela Information Center, located near the Cathedral and Pilgrims Office.

Santiago-info-center
PlaceTurismo de Santiago de Compostela Information Center
AddressRúa do Vilar 63, Santiago de Compostela , Galicia, Spain
Phone+34-981-555-129
HoursWinter: Mon-Fri 9:00 ~ 19:00 / Sat, Sun, Holy Days. 9:00 ~ 14:00 and 16:00 ~ 19:00.
Easter and high season: every day from 9:00 ~ 21:00.
ClosedOpen year round

Tanabe City (Japan)

Please register at the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center in Hongu near the Kumano Hongu Taisha, or at the TANABE Tourist Information Center.

TANABE Tourist Information Center
PlaceTANABE Tourist Information Center
Address1-20 Minato,
Tanabe-shi, Wakayama-ken 646-0031
Japan
(Next to JR Kii-Tanabe Station)
Phone+81-(0)739-26-9025 or +81-(0)739-34-5599
Hours9:00 ~ 18:00
ClosedOpen year round
Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
PlaceKumano Hongu Heritage Center
Address100-1 Hongucho Hongu,
Tanabe-shi, Wakayama-ken 647-1731
Japan
Phone0735-42-0735
(Kumano Hongu Tourist Association)
Hours8:30 ~ 17:00

Dual Pilgrim Taiko Ceremony

dual-pilgrim-taiko-ceremony

For registered Dual Pilgrims, Kumano Hongu Taisha has a special “Dual Pilgrim Taiko Ceremony”.  

During this short ceremony, you can drum on the sacred Taiko to express your feelings, emotions and thoughts—an experience of the body, to complete your spiritual journey.

Please visit the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine office to register for the ceremony.  

NOTE: The ceremony may not be available on all days.

Dual Pilgrim Certificate of Completion

dual-pilgrim-certificate

For Dual Pilgrims registering at either Kumano Hongu Heritage Center or the Tanabe Tourist Information Center next to the Kii-Tanabe station, a completion certificate is presented.

This certificate is from the Head Priest of the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine to offer gratitude and congratulations to Dual Pilgrims.

The certificate is made from local Washi Japanese handmade paper and features the character for “Way” in the background.  This character was written by the Head Priest personally.

This is a great memento to help pilgrims remember their incredible journeys on the Way of St. James and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.

Dual Pilgrim List

Dual-pilgrim-website

For those Dual Pilgrims that wish to share their experiences, voluntary inclusion on our Dual Pilgrim website is possible.


http://dual-pilgrim.spiritual-pilgrimages.com/

Thank you Dual Pilgrims!

You are what make our pilgrimage routes alive!

First Dual Pilgrim

Eric Bruce
Feb 5, 2015: American

First to Complete Both Sides of Official Dual Pilgrim Credential

Toshinori Koshiba
May 27, 2015: Japanese

double-dual-pilgrim

First Registered Dual Pilgrim in Santiago de Compostela

Nicholas & Madeleine Newman
Aug 24, 2015: Australian, New Zealand

500-dual-pilgrim

500th Dual Pilgrim

David Whitson
Mar 30, 2017: American

1000-dual-pilgrim

1000th Dual Pilgrim

Stephen Bugno
Feb 21, 2018: American

5000th Dual Pilgrim

June-Lian Mok
Oct 7, 2023: Singapore

Dual Pilgrim Statistics

65 countries, 5,000 pilgrims registered
※ to Oct 7, 2023

NationalityNumber
Japan1,321
Australia707
America619
Spain441
Taiwan379
Italy166
UK156
Canada150
China140
Germany87
Top 10 countries

Dual Pilgrim FAQs

Q. Do I need to complete both sides of the credential or is it OK if I have already completed the Way of St. James with a different style of passport?

A. You do not have to complete both sides of the Dual Pilgrim credential. It is OK if you use another form of credential or stamp book. For example:

1. Dual Pilgrim Credential for Kumano Kodo and Santiago Cathedral Credential for Way of St. James (or other certified Credential for the Way of St. James).

2. Tourist association passport for Kumano Kodo and Dual Pilgrim Credential for Way of St. James.

3. Tourist association passport for Kumano Kodo and Santiago Cathedral Credential for Way of St. James (or other certified Credential for the Way of St. James).

Q. Which route do I need to do first to be a Dual Pilgrim?

A. It doesn’t matter which order you do them, as long as you have completed both you are a Dual Pilgrim.

Q. Where are the stamps on the Kumano Kodo?

A. The stamps are mostly located in small wooden stands at oji shrines and other historical spots. Ask at the Grand Shrines for the location of these stamps.

Q. Is it OK if I take a bus part-way on the Kumano Kodo?

A. For the Kumano Kodo, yes it is OK to use the bus if needed.

Q. What if I finish my walk in Katsuura? Where do I go to register?

A. The easiest way is to take the train to the Kii-Tanabe station, and register at the Tanabe Tourist Information Center next to the station.

Q. Can the pin badge be mailed to me if I have walked both routes?

A. No, you must go to one of the registration sites to register and receive the pin.

Q. I walked the Way of St. James many years ago. If I walk the Kumano Kodo now, am I still eligible for Dual Pilgrim status?

A. Yes, if you have walked it in the past that is OK. As long as you can prove or state that you have done both when you register that is no problem.

Q. Do I have to have my completed Way of St. James Credential with me when I register to be a Dual Pilgrim after I walk the Kumano Kodo?

A. It is preferred if you did to prove that you have walked the Way of St. James, but not necessary. A picture of your certificate or proof of your Way of St. James completion is OK, and not the original documentation.

Q. Do I need to register for the Dual Pilgrim after I do each one of the pilgrimage routes.

A. No, you only register for Dual Pilgrim status when you have completed the second of the two routes.

Q. What does Credential mean?

A. The Credential is often used for the Way of St. James booklet for collecting stamps along the route. This attests to the authenticity and validity of the document.

Q. On the Santiago de Compostela side of the Credential sheet is says “Official Credential” but on the Kumano Kodo side it doesn’t. Why?

A. The Dual Pilgrim passport has been officially accepted by the Santiago Cathedral as a valid document to use along the Way of St. James. The Kumano Grand Shrines do not have this structure of documentation, so the term official isn’t used on the Kumano Kodo side.

Q. Why is there a sun on the front of the credential?

A. Santiago is in the far West where the sun sets, and Kumano is in the far East where the sun rises. They are connected by the sun.

Santiago de Compostela

The Spanish holy city of Santiago de Compostela has been a spiritual center of Western Europe and the destination of the Middle Ages’ most important religious and cultural movement known as “the Way of St. James pilgrimage”. A network of pilgrimage routes from across Europe lead to this beautiful city on the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Because of its outstanding universal value it was registered in 1993 as UNESCO World Heritage.

The “Camino” pilgrimage route, as it is known in Spain, and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route are the only two pilgrimage routes registered as UNESCO World Heritage.

They share a unique history of human spirituality: “Sister” pilgrimage routes across the globe.

Links

ENGLISH
Santiago de Compostela Tourism Official site
UNESCO Route of Santiago de Compostela
UNESCO Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)

Pilgrimage Exchange

Kumano Kodo and Way of St. James

Joint Promotion Agreement

The Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau and Santiago de Compostela Tourism are working together to promote and preserve the unique spiritual cultures of the Asia’s far east and Europe’s far west: the pilgrimages of the rising and setting sun.

Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau and Santiago de Compostela Tourism Joint Promotion Agreement

Protocol of Intention

Considering:

Tanabe and Santiago de Compostela share a rich history of pilgrimage tradition. Networks of ancient pilgrimage routes lead to both Tanabe’s Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela. The Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela and the Kumano Kodo to Kumano are the only two pilgrimage routes registered as UNESCO World Heritage.

Both networks of routes originated in the 10th centuries and have been walked by millions of pilgrims over the centuries. Although Kumano is located in the far east of Asia and Santiago is located in the far west of Europe, both of our ancient roads share a common history of faith. They have developed simultaneously as pilgrimage routes and have become beloved by our citizens as important parts of our historical, cultural and spiritual heritage.

2008 marks the 10th anniversary of official relations between Wakayama Prefecture and Galicia Province. A mutual promotion project between Tanabe and Santiago de Compostela will celebrate this anniversary and further deepen positive relations between Wakayama Prefecture and Galicia Province.

Because of the above,

We Agree:

Firstly: To collaborate and cooperate in order to mutually promote our respective pilgrimage routes and cities.
Secondly: To exchange knowledge and experience in regards to promotion and sustainable tourism.
Thirdly: To research new ways to work together towards mutual promotion, development and preservation of our pilgrimage heritage.
Fourthly: To strengthen positive relations between Tanabe & Santiago de Compostela, Wakayama Prefecture & Galica Province, and Japan & Spain.
Fifthly: To respect the rich religious and spiritual heritage of each other’s cultural traditions while carrying out actions and projects.

Date: Monday, 27th of October, 2008

Signed Protocol of Intentions PDF

Tanabe City and Santiago de Compostela “Tourism Partnership Cities”

Tanabe City and Santiago de Compostela share many similarities, despite their cultural differences.  This is especially true when referring to the Kumano Kodo and Way of St. James pilgrimage routes that are instrumentally bound to the history and character of both cities.  To celebrate and share together our unique, yet similar identities, Tanabe and Santiago de Compostela have signed an historic "Tourism Partnership Cities" agreement focused on sharing and cooperation.

Tanabe City and Santiago de Compostela share many similarities, despite their cultural differences.

This is especially true when referring to the Kumano Kodo and Way of St. James pilgrimage routes that are instrumentally bound to the history and character of both cities.

To celebrate and share together our unique, yet similar identities, Tanabe and Santiago de Compostela have signed an historic “Tourism Partnership Cities” agreement focused on sharing and cooperation.

Tourism Partnership Cities Agreement

Santiago de Compostela in Galicia Region, Spain and Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan (hereinafter ‘the two parties’) share a rich history of pilgrimage tradition. Networks of ancient pilgrimage routes lead to both the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and Tanabe’s Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano.

The Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela and the Kumano Kodo to the Kumano Grand Shrines, are two unique pilgrimage cultural landscapes, the only two registered as UNESCO World Heritage. The two parties embrace the traditions and cultures of their respective sacred sites, as historically rich capitals.

The year 2013 to 2014 marks the 400th anniversary of Japan-Spain relations. This historical year is an opportunity for the two parties to collaborate together on tourism promotion and development, and therefore sign the “Tourism Partnership Cities” Agreement.

Specific articles of the agreement will be signed by the two parties at a later date.

Both the Spanish and Japanese versions of this agreement shall be certified as official documents, and become effective upon the day of signing.

Date: May 13, 2014 Signing of Agreement in Santiago de Compostela

Tourism Partnership Cities Agreement Articles

Santiago de Compostela in Galicia Region, Spain and Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan (hereinafter ‘the two parties’), home to the Way of St. James and Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, share two unique pilgrimage cultural landscapes, the only two registered as UNESCO World Heritage.

On May 13, 2014 the two parties signed a “Tourism Partnership Cities” Agreement in Santiago de Compostela to collaborate together on tourism promotion and development.

To further deepen tourism ties the following articles of the agreement will be signed by the two parties.

We hereby agree:

Article 1 To responsibly collaborate together while respecting our historical, cultural, traditional, and spiritual heritages.
Article 2 To cooperate towards promoting and developing our tourism assets while striving to become sustainable tourism destinations.
Article 3 To share knowledge on how to reduce adverse environmental impacts, giving visitors and pilgrims an increased opportunity to travel more environmentally friendly.
Article 4 To deepen mutual understanding by facilitating diverse exchanges focused on tourism at the government, private, and community levels.
Article 5 That all aspects of this agreement, and subsequent collaboration, conform to the laws and ordinances of our respective countries.
Article 6 That both the Spanish and Japanese versions of this agreement shall be certified as official documents, and become effective upon the day of signing.

Date: July 6, 2014 Signing of Articles in Tanabe City

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