{"id":5200,"date":"2022-03-11T19:24:18","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T10:24:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/siteunist.cusc.vn\/unist-senretreat\/\/?post_type=journal&p=5200"},"modified":"2025-05-28T10:46:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T01:46:18","slug":"01","status":"publish","type":"journal","link":"https:\/\/siteunist.cusc.vn\/unist-senretreat\/en\/journal\/01\/","title":{"rendered":"World Heritage of \u2018Routes\u2019: What is Kumano Kodo? Where is it? Introducing the must-see sights!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2018Kumano Kodo,\u2019 which was registered as UNESCO World Heritage in 2004, is a pilgrimage route that pilgrims walked heading the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha) in Wakayama Prefecture. A network of ancient pilgrimage trails known as Kumano Moude\u2019s course is attracting attention even in the modern days and is visited by many people from all over the country. It is recommended as a place to travel where you can get away from the busy city and rediscover yourself in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rivers, waterfalls, and rocks of the Kumano Kodo are said to have gods dwelling in them, and it is also called the \u201cLand of Resurrection\u201d due to its roots in worshiping nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will introduce what kind of place Kumano Kodo is, where the route starts and ends, and also the must-see sights for those who visit for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Kumano Kodo? Where is it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As you can see from the map above, \u2018Kumano Kodo\u2019 covers a wide area and has many forks in the road. The total length is said to be 600km. Most parts of the route are in the Wakayama Prefecture, but it is an old route that covers four prefectures including Mie, Nara, and Osaka Prefecture. Kumano Kodo can be divided into 5 main routes. This will be explained in detail later in the article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history of Kumano Kodo goes back to the Heian period. For \u2018Kumano Moude\u2019 which is the action of visiting the three shrines called \u201cKumano Sanzan,\u201d the action of walking itself was considered a mountain ascetic practice. Aiming the Kumano Sanzan, people walked regardless of their status, age, and gender. At that time, it was a life-threatening journey that took a month to round trip from Kyoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even today, Kumano Kodo has ancient shrines and nature remaining, which makes it meaningful both historically and as a natural scenery. Since it has been registered as a World Heritage, many people visit from all over Japan and the world. Those who are a beginner at trekking can use the bus or a car to visit tourist spots, and those who are confident in their physical strength can walk the entire route over several days. We also recommend relaxing your tired body in hot springs such as Katsuura Onsen and Yunomine Onsen, which can be found along the Kumano Kodo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Kumano Kodo\u2019s history, check this article out for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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[Family Travel] Mothers can relax at the inn, while fathers go hiking with their children! A 2-day\/1-night plan where the whole family can enjoy the Kumano Kodo to the fullest.<\/a><\/blockquote>