Kumano Kodo

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.

A roughly 1,200km pilgrimage circuit visiting 88 sacred temples associated with the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) on Shikoku island. The white-robed pilgrims are an iconic sight, with the full walking circuit taking 30 to 60 days. International pilgrims have been increasing in recent years.

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 modern pilgrimage culture of visiting real locations featured in anime and manga. Sites like Hida from 'Your Name' and Kamakura from 'Slam Dunk' have become new tourism resources boosting local economies. This phenomenon is closely linked to the Cool Japan strategy.

One of the five major highways connecting Edo and Kyoto, featuring 69 post towns. The section between Tsumago and Magome in particular preserves Edo-period atmosphere and has become an enormously popular trekking route among international hikers.

A 1,200km pilgrimage visiting 88 temples associated with Kobo Daishi. White-clad henro pilgrims are Shikoku's iconic sight. Growing international interest positions it as a global pilgrimage route.