22/03/2018 – 26/03/2018 Kumano Kodo Trail
Nakahechi Imperial Route, Kansai Region, Honshu, JAPAN
Distance: 96km Total Ascent: 8,880m Total Descent: 8,710m Time: 28 hours
Participants: Bethany Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route that has been used for over 1,000 years by people from all levels of society including retired emperors and aristocrats. The Nakahechi route has a rich history and is characterised by Oji shrines along its length. The route has been used since the beginning of the 10th century and it is considered an isolated sacred site of healing and salvation.
This walk is located in the isolated Kii peninsula known for its steep lush mountains. The sacred sites and pilgrimage routes were world heritage listed in 2007. From Kyoto or Tokyo the train can be taken to Kii Tanabe and then a local bus takes 40mins to reach the start of the walk.It is important to know which stop to alight the bus though! Bus and train transport is available at the end of the walk.
