[Wakayama Guide] Kumano Kodo

What is the Kumano Kodo?

The Kumano Kodo refers to a network of pilgrimage routes that lead from Kyoto, where the ancient capital was located, as well as Yoshino (Nara Prefecture Wakayama Prefecture), and Ise (Mie Prefecture) to the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Kumano Motomiya Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, and Mount Nachi Seiganto-ji Temple) in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula.

Surrounded by nature, Kumano has long been revered as a sacred place where gods dwell. A belief developed that by making a pilgrimage to Kumano, one could entrust their happiness in the afterlife to the gods. As a result, people of all social classes-- from emperors and nobles to warriors and commoners, young and old-- undertook the difficult journey to Kumano. The sheer number of pilgrims was so great that it was described as the "Ant Procession to Kumano".

In 2004, the Kumano Kodo was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii-Mountain Range". Even today, it attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad.

"Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Toganoki Chaya" Photo courtesy of Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Main Routes of the Kumano Kodo

There are several major routes within the Kumano Kodo. But in this article, we'll discuss three of the well-known ones below:

Click here for the Kumano Kodo map!

"Kumano uma-doji Statue, Nakahechi, Kumano Kodo" Photo courtesy of Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

"Kumano Kodo Ohechi Nagaizaka" Photo provided by Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

"Kumano Kodo Kohechi, Hatenashi Village" Photo courtesy of Kumano Motomiya Tourism Association

Kumano Kodo and the Camino de Santiago

When it comes to world-famous pilgrimage routes, many people probably think of Santiago de Compostela in Spain .

Tanabe City , Wakayama Prefecture and Santiago de Compostela City, Spain have been holding a "Dual Pilgrimage" since 2015. This recognizes people who have traveled designated sections of each route as having completed the "Dual Pilgrimage."

The number of people who achieved this in 2024 was a record high of 3,272, and in 2025 it is expected to increase at an even faster pace, reaching 10,000 by April 2025. Why not take this opportunity to go on a pilgrimage?

For more information about the "Dual Pilgrimage" click here!

Photo courtesy of Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Federation