Journeys in Japan - 2012/08/07 - Kumano Kodo Iseji Route

Aug. 7, Tue.
Kumano Kodo Iseji Route

Since prehistoric times, a religion of nature worship has been practiced in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, in Western Japan. The sites and pilgrimage routes associated with this religion were registered as a World Heritage site in 2004.

The network of pilgrim routes is known as the Kumano Kodo. One of the most important is the Iseji Route, which runs from Mie Prefecture to the three grand shrines of Kumano, in Wakayama Prefecture, in the south of the Kii Peninsula.

Kumano Kodo Iseji Route
This ancient pilgrimage trail starts in Tamaki-cho, Mie Pref. In past centuries, this would be the setting-off point for people heading for Kumano Hayatama Shrine after visiting Ise Jingu Shrine.

URL: http://www.pref.mie.lg.jp/KODO/eTn/

Tsuzurato Toge Route (Kihoku-cho, Mie Pref.)
This steep trail takes its name from its zigzag course up the mountainside.

Magose Toge Route (Kihoku-cho, Mie Pref.)
This 2 kilometer section of the route has beautiful paving stones, showing the skill of the craftsmans in centuries past.

Matsumoto Toge Route (Kumano City, Mie Pref.)
This section is recommended for first-time visitors, since it is relatively easy and can be accessed from a main road.
Look for the stone statue of the Boddhisatva Jizo with a round hole in it: according to legend, this was made when a samurai shot his rifle at it, thinking it was a monster.

Kumano Kodo Storytellers' Club (Higashi Kishu Public Corporation for Tourism and Urban Development)
Members of the Kumano Kodo Storyteller Club members guide visitors along the Kumano Kodo trails, explaining the ancient legends and the most significant sights.
Cost: 5,000 yen per section of the route
Reservations required at least two weeks in advance.
Contact Kumano Kodo Kanko Kosha.
URL: http://higashikishu.org/kataribe-tomonokai.shtml (in Japanese only)

Higashi Kishu Public Corporation for Tourism and Urban Development
Kihoku Office: Mie Prefecture Owase Government Bldg., 1-1 Sakabanishi-machi, Owase City
Tel: (+81)0597-23-3784

Kinan Office: Mie Prefecture Kumano Government Bldg., 371 Ido-cho, Kumano City
Tel: (+81)0597-89-6172

Kanekyu
Special Kumano Kodo bento lunchboxes are prepared here, featuring the local specialty, mehari-zushi.
Cost: 800 yen (must be booked in advance)
Open: From 6:30 a.m. most days (reservation required on Sunday and holidays)
Address: 649-1 Ido-cho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture
Tel: (+81)0597-85-3548
URL: http://www.kumanoshi.com/shop/kanekyu.html (in Japanese only)

Hana-no-iwaya Shrine
The Hana-no-iwaya Shrine embodies the origins of nature worship in Japan. Its deity is a huge rock that stands 45 meters high, which visitors are allowed to touch.
Address: 130 Arima-cho Kamichi, Kumano City, Mie Pref.
URL: http://www.hananoiwaya.jp/ (in Japanese only)

Maruyama Senmaida
Magnificent views of the rice terraces, featuring around 1,300 separate rice paddies.
Address: Kiwa-cho, Kumano City, Mie Pref.
URL: http://www.kiwa-furusato.com/senmaida/index.html (in Japanese only)

Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine
The final destination on the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route.
This shrine was established in 128 AD. The shrine also includes aspects of Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 6th century.
Address: 1 Shingu, Shingu City, Wakayama Pref.
Tel: (+81)0735-22-2533
URL: http://kumanokaido.com/hayatama/ (in Japanese only)
Traveler John GATHRIGHT
Access Map

Access:
To reach Tamaki-cho from Tokyo, take the shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya (about 90 minutes); then take a local train to Tamaki-cho in Mie Pref. (another 1.5 hours).

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