Kumano Kodo Ancient Pilgrimage Routes Network

A faith system centered on three Kumano shrines: Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi Taisha. Known since ancient times as a site of spiritual rebirth, attracting nobility and commoners alike. Uniquely, it welcomed women pilgrims when other shrines restricted access, profoundly influencing Japanese folk beliefs and women's spiritual practices.

An ancient pilgrimage network registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.' The trails linking the three Kumano grand shrines share a sister-road partnership with Spain's Camino de Santiago.

The headquarters of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai). A religious city with 117 temples, it offers unique experiences including temple lodging, vegetarian cuisine, and the atmospheric path to Okunoin cemetery. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

A World Heritage pilgrimage route to the Kumano Sanzan shrines. One of only two 'path' World Heritage sites alongside Spain's Santiago de Compostela. Moss-covered stone paths are mystical.

The collective name for pilgrimage routes leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano on the Kii Peninsula. UNESCO World Heritage listed, they share the distinction with Spain's Santiago de Compostela as one of only two pilgrimage routes with World Heritage status. Walking moss-covered stone paths through cedar forests captivates trekkers worldwide.

The mausoleum of Kobo Daishi Kukai on Mount Koya, Wakayama Prefecture. Over 200,000 memorial stones line the approximately 2km approach, including memorial towers for historical figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Oda Nobunaga, and Takeda Shingen. The sacred ground covered by giant cedars and moss is wrapped in mystical atmosphere, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A pilgrimage route to Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano) in Wakayama Prefecture. The approximately 100-kilometer path through dense Kii Mountains forests has served as a sacred route for imperial and noble pilgrims since the 16th century. The three primary contemporary routes—Nakahechi, Ohechi, and Kohechi—total approximately 70 kilometers. Stone-paved trails wind through groves of centuries-old cedar, connecting sacred sites including Takijiri Oji shrine and Kumano Hongu Taisha. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, it represents Japan's foremost mountain pilgrimage tradition.