Kumano Kodo Trails for Beginners: The Best of the Best!

Save this post! If you had to choose the most mystical and spiritual place in Japan, ⛩it would have to be the Kumano Kodo. 📍The Kumano Kodo isn't one specific trail, but a collective term for the many pilgrimage routes between the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hongu Taisha/Kumano Hayatama Taisha/Kumano Nachi Taisha). . 🚩6 Traditional Hiking Routes🚩 🚏Nakahechi Route: From Tanabe to the Kumano Sanzan, this route is relatively flat and the most popular. It's the official route used by emperors and nobles since the Heian period, and passes by the ruins of a group of shrines known as the Ninety-Nine Princes. There are plenty of places to resupply along the way, and you can also choose to hike shorter sections of the main route. 🚏Ohechi Route: From Kii-Tanabe to Nachikatsuura, this route follows the coastline and offers beautiful scenery. 🚏Kohechi Route: From Mount Koya to Kumano Hongu Taisha, this 70km route crosses three high mountains and is very challenging. 🚏Iseji Route: From Ise Grand Shrine to the Kumano Sanzan, this route is 170km long. 🚏Kii Route: From Osaka to Tanabe, this route doesn't reach the Kumano Sanzan and is rarely hiked. 🚏Omine Okugakemichi Route: From Yoshino to Kumano Hongu Taisha, this 170km route is the most difficult and is only suitable for experienced hikers. . 🚩Recommended Routes for Beginners🚩 Completing any of the above routes takes at least 4–5 days, which can be difficult for most people. So, here are a few shorter routes that capture the essence of the Kumano Kodo. 📍These are generally half-day trips, suitable for those who prefer a lighter hike: 📍Hosshinmon-oji - Kumano Hongu Taisha ✅This section is about 7km long and takes 2–3 hours to hike. It's the most scenic part of the Nakahechi Route. ✅The path is flat and winds through beautiful mountain scenery, making it a classic route for beginners. It's also one of the routes that qualifies for pilgrim certification. . 📍Koyanasaka - Shingu Sannomiya ✅This route is about 7km long and takes about 2–3 hours. ✅Starting from Kumano Hayatama Taisha near Shingu Station, it passes by Kamikura Jinja and Asuka Jinja, following the coastline to Koyanasaka. Hike along to the sound of the waves and see black sand beaches similar to those in Iceland. . 📍Daimonzaka - Kumano Nachi Taisha - Nachi Falls ✅This route is only 1km long, but it's entirely made up of moss-covered stone steps, making it quite tiring. It takes at least an hour to walk. ✅At the entrance to Daimonzaka are the famous Meoto Sugi (Husband and Wife Cedar Trees). The towering ancient trees along the way make you feel like you've traveled back to the Heian period. You can even rent Heian period costumes for photos.