Japan's Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Overview maps
Map key
Route summary tables

Introduction
History
Japanese spirituality
The pilgrimage trails
Dual Pilgrim status
Wildlife
Group travel or independent?
Getting there
Getting around
When to go
Accommodation
Food and drink
Money
Post, phones and internet
Language
Cultural etiquette
Hiking in Japan
What to take
Luggage transfers
Waymarking
Maps and GPS
Staying healthy and safe
Using this guide

The three grand shrines and Koyasan
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Koyasan

Hongu and surrounding area
Route 1 Hongu loop walk (including Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe)

Nakahechi ???
Route 2 Nakahechi route
Stage 1 Takijiri to Nonaka
Stage 2 Nonaka to Kumano Hongu Taisha
Stage 3 Kogumotori-goe route: Ukegawa to Koguchi
Stage 4 Ogumotori-goe route: Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha

Koyasan ??? - Choishimichi ???
Route 3 Choishimichi route

Kohechi ???
Route 4 Kohechi route
Stage 1 Koyasan to Omata
Stage 2 Omata to Miura-guchi
Stage 3 Miura-guchi to Yanagimoto-bashi suspension bridge
Stage 4 Yanagimoto-bashi suspension bridge to Kumano Hongu Taisha

Iseji highlights ???
Route 5 Magose-toge Pass
Route 6 Matsumoto-toge Pass

Appendix A Facilities tables
Appendix B Glossary
Appendix C Useful contacts
Appendix D Further reading