Description
The Kumano Kodo’s verdant mountains, quiet valleys, roaring rivers and plunging waterfalls provide a spectacular landscape to explore while thoroughly imbuing yourself in the region’s rich, ancient history and charming rural life. Travelling in autumn makes for an even more magical experience. Traverse the Nakahechi Route, stopping to visit the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, then continue north along the Iseji route to your final destination, Ise. The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience of another little-known part of Japan.
13 Days departing Osaka – escorted by Bronny Tudor
14 – 26 November 2020 – FULLY BOOKED!
$7,395*per person departing Osaka
Maximum group size 11
Trip Name
Autumn Colours along Japan's Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Days
13
Capacity
11
Overview
A scenic landscape, healing hot springs, ancient spiritual traditions and an air of mystery—this is Kumano, a hidden gem in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula in Japan’s Kansai area. Autumn in Japan is truly a wonderous sight. As the weather cools, red maples, Japanese maples, and other deciduous trees ablaze with shades of red, orange, and yellow. Along your
trip witness a warm-hued patchwork reflecting in the lakes of the country’s national parks.
For over one thousand years, Kumano has attracted worshippers who walk along the ancient Kumano Kodo (Kumano Old Road) pilgrimage routes to reach the sacred sites of the Kumano Sanzan, the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. These are the centre points of the Kumano faith, a fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism. Most of the trails fell into disuse during the last century but were revived following the 2004 inscription of the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Sections of the routes were paved with stones, and these stone-pavements and steps are now the trademark of the Kumano Kodo, and they pose a challenge to anyone who travels on them.
You will stay in a mixture of comfortable family-run inns and larger hotels in places where necessary. Enjoy excellent food, soak in natural hot springs, and visit shrines along the way. You will also enjoy the company of an experienced local leader throughout your journey who will share the history and culture as you walk. Your main luggage is transferred from
accommodation to accommodation, so you only need carry a light day pack. On a few nights during the trip, your luggage will not be available, as you will be remote. However only bare essentials are required as you will be provided each day throughout your journey with a yukata, a casual summer kimono which can be worn after your evening onsen (Japanese bath).
trip witness a warm-hued patchwork reflecting in the lakes of the country’s national parks.
For over one thousand years, Kumano has attracted worshippers who walk along the ancient Kumano Kodo (Kumano Old Road) pilgrimage routes to reach the sacred sites of the Kumano Sanzan, the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. These are the centre points of the Kumano faith, a fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism. Most of the trails fell into disuse during the last century but were revived following the 2004 inscription of the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Sections of the routes were paved with stones, and these stone-pavements and steps are now the trademark of the Kumano Kodo, and they pose a challenge to anyone who travels on them.
You will stay in a mixture of comfortable family-run inns and larger hotels in places where necessary. Enjoy excellent food, soak in natural hot springs, and visit shrines along the way. You will also enjoy the company of an experienced local leader throughout your journey who will share the history and culture as you walk. Your main luggage is transferred from
accommodation to accommodation, so you only need carry a light day pack. On a few nights during the trip, your luggage will not be available, as you will be remote. However only bare essentials are required as you will be provided each day throughout your journey with a yukata, a casual summer kimono which can be worn after your evening onsen (Japanese bath).
