Kumano

Among the many forests of Japan, none is so marked by mystery and spirituality as this forest, crossed by the pilgrimage routes of Kumano. These routes, which cross the Kii Peninsula, have been traveled since the Heian period (794-1192) and […]

Among the many forests of Japan, none is so marked by mystery and spirituality as this forest, crossed by the pilgrimage routes of Kumano. These routes, which cross the Kii Peninsula, have been traveled since the Heian period (794-1192) and today are classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site. They are lined with moss-covered stones and statuettes of the god Jizo and lead to the great Shinto temples known as the Three Shrines of Kumano. Beauty and mystery, which are the essence of nature in Japan, are perfectly noticeable here.

Places to visit

Kumano Kodo (ancient Kumano routes)

The ancient paved routes used by pilgrims from Kyoto to the Three Kumano Shrines on the Kii Peninsula have preserved the atmosphere of ancient times. They have been classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2004 as part of the “Sacred Places and Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountains”.

What is the Kumano Kodo? (in French): http://www.tb-kumano.jp/fr/kumano-kodo/index.html

 

Kumano Sanzan

The “Three Shrines of Kumano” are Kumano Hongu Taisha, in Tanabe City, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, in Shingu, and Kumano Nachi Taisha, in Nachisan. They have been the object of veneration of pilgrims for several centuries. Usually the first to be visited is Kumano Hatayama Taisha, also famous for its treasures. But, the greatest and most revered is Kumano Hongu Taisha, set in a dense forest for serenity. It is said, from ancient times to today, that the gods live here.

• Kumano Hongu Taisha – 1 hour 20 minutes by bus from Shingu Station or 1 hour 50 minutes by bus from Kii-Tanabe Station.
• Kumano Hayatama Taisha – 15 minute walk from Shingu Station.
• Kumano Nachi Taisha – 30 minutes by bus from Kii Katsuura-bus station or 20 minutes by bus from Nachi station.

Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki)

At 133 meters high and 13 m wide, they are the largest waterfalls in Japan. They originate from the Nachi Mountains. The falls are at the origin of the construction of the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine and remain an object of devotion.

• 3 minute walk from the Takimae bus stop with the Katsuura – Nachi-san (Mount Nachi) line.

 

Dorokyo Gorges

A 2-hour boat trip allows you to admire the contrast between the rocky cliffs and the emerald waters.

• Shiko departure, 35 minutes by bus from Shingu station or 25 minutes by bus from Kumano Hongu.

Tanabe

Tanabe is the gateway to the Nakahechi route, where pilgrims pass. A 10 minute walk from the station, the Tokei Jinga shrine is worth visiting.

• Kii-Tanabe Station

Kawayu hot springs

Here, you only need to dig a hole in the river bank to create a particular onsen. You can adjust the temperature with the river water. The deeper you dig, the hotter the water will be.

• 1 hour 10 minutes by bus from Shingu Station or 1 hour 40 minutes by bus from Tanabe Station.

Yunomine hot springs

This hot spring is one of the oldest in Japan, since it has been known since the earliest accounts of the pilgrims. They bathe in its waters to purify their impurities before going to pray at the Kumano shrines.

• 1 hour 15 minutes by bus from Shingu Station or 1 hour 40 minutes by bus from Tanabe Station.

Wataze hot springs

The Yomuragawa region is rich in onsens, where many of them originate. Here, you can relax by taking an outdoor bath in the middle of nature or enjoying the public baths.

• 1 hour 15 minutes by bus from Shingu station or 1 hour 35 minutes by bus from Tanabe station.

Excursions

Share this tour