Japan's Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Originally from Melbourne, after graduating from university Kat moved to Japan, where she worked as an adventure tour guide. She quit her office job in 2013 to walk the Camino de Santiago and has since walked over 10,000km in England, Europe, Japan and America. Kat now lives in London.

Overview maps Map key Route summary tables Introduction History Japanese spirituality The pilgrimage trails Dual Pilgrim status Wildlife Group travel or independent? Getting there Getting around When to go Accommodation Food and drink Money Post, phones and internet Language Cultural etiquette Hiking in Japan What to take Luggage transfers Waymarking Maps and GPS Staying healthy and safe Using this guide The three grand shrines and Koyasan Kumano Hongu Taisha Kumano Hayatama Taisha Kumano Nachi Taisha Koyasan Hongu and surrounding area Route 1 Hongu loop walk (including Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe) Nakahechi Route 2 Nakahechi route Stage 1 Takijiri to Nonaka Stage 2 Nonaka to Kumano Hongu Taisha Stage 3 Kogumotori-goe route: Ukegawa to Koguchi Stage 4 Ogumotori-goe route: Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha Koyasan - Choishimichi Route 3 Choishimichi route Kohechi Route 4 Kohechi route Stage 1 Koyasan to Omata Stage 2 Omata to Miura-guchi Stage 3 Miura-guchi to Yanagimoto-bashi suspension bridge Stage 4 Yanagimoto-bashi suspension bridge to Kumano Hongu Taisha Iseji highlights Route 5 Magose-toge Pass Route 6 Matsumoto-toge Pass Appendix A Facilities tables Appendix B Glossary Appendix C Useful contacts Appendix D Further reading