Pilgrimage in Japan

Zweistöckige Pagode auf dem Pilgerpfad Kumano Kodo

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

Weblinks

• Infos zu den Routen
• English website about Japan

Edited by Sana Brauner | 17.07.2008 Translated by Sana Brauner | 17.07.2008

Travel

In nearly all great religions and cultures it plays a major role for people to go onto pilgrimages. That of course is also the case in Japan, where the tradition for going onto pilgrimages in both major religions, Shinto and Buddhism, is thousands of years old. The best known routes on the mountainous peninsula Kii, south of Kyoto, are summarized in Japan under the term of “Kumano Kodo”. Since 2004 are the networks of pilgrimages and religious centers on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Nowadays there are several methods to experiencing the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes with their breathtaking views, imposing mountains and untold waterfalls. Starting with half day tours to several days of hiking, everything is possible. Especially popular with tourist are the two-days hiking trips that start from Takijiri-Oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha or from Hongu to Kumano Nachi Taisha. With the latter there is the possibility to bathe at the Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest hot water springs in the country, and who’s water is supposed to effect wonders.

Photos: ©Wakayama Prefecture/©JNTO