The Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Center is a distinctive dodecagonal building opposite Takijiri-oji. This rest facility provides tourist information about Nakahechi with a focus on the Kumano Kodo, while also introducing the local history. It is filled with sightseeing information on Nakahechi and the Kodo, including exhibits of Kumano Gaishi and Takijiri-oji Shrine collections, and videos on Nakahechi.

After learning a little about the history and origins of the Kumano Kodo, how about taking a commemorative photo dressed in Heian period clothing? (rental fees apply)

Takijiri-oji is one of the Gotai Oji, five major shrines revered as the most prestigious of the ninety-nine Oji of Kumano. It was considered the entrance to the sacred ground of Kumano. From Takijiri-oji the trail quickly steepens, climbing past Tainai Kuguri and Chichi-iwa Rock, then passing Nezu-oji before reaching the Tsurugi Sutra Mound. The trail is comparatively flat from the Tsurugi Sutra Mound, and intersects with a roadway after about 25 minutes. A climb of about 15 minutes up a stepped section follows, eventually reaching Takahara Village. From there a short walk along the roadway leads to Takahara Kumano Shrine. Close to Takahara Kumano Shrine is Kiri no Sato Takahara, a rest area featuring toilets, parking, and an excellent view.

Chichi-iwa

According to local folklore, women who pass through Tainai Kuguri will have easy childbirth. It is very cramped inside, so take care when carrying bulky belongings such as backpacks.

Starting from Gyubadoji-guchi bus stop in front of Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Michi-no-Eki, the trail winds its way toward the Gyubadoji statue. On the way from the Gyubadoji statue to Chikatsuyu there is a steep, stone-paved downward slope. This section can be slippery, so tread carefully. After crossing Kitano Bridge you will reach Chikatsuyu-oji.

Hashiori-toge Pass and the Gyubadoji Statue

The Gyubadoji statue has come to symbolize the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Many local songs and legends tell the tale of Emperor Kazan, who underwent a complete change from his prosperous lifestyle in Kyoto after being manipulated into abandoning the throne at the young age of 19. He became a priest, and headed to Kumano together with a handful of followers in his darkest days.

When walking the Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha section of the Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi route), the Chikatsuyu area located approximately at the midway point is the ideal place for an overnight stay. Chikatsuyu is a beautiful village where the original landscape of Japan has been preserved. All the lodgings in the village are small, but pride themselves on their hospitality, and you can sample dishes featuring local produce. Close by is the house (a historic building built more than a century ago) where Japanese artist Banka Nonagase was born. It currently operates under the name "Kameya," and provides tourist guidance and historical information. The old Japanese-style house has somewhat of an air of nostalgia to it, and is a good spot to relax at your own pace.

Kodo Lunch Boxes are the perfect meals to eat while on the Kumano Kodo walk. Examples such as Mehari Zushi and seasonal steamed vegetables feature liberal use of local produce, and sampling a taste of Kumano while walking these ancient trails comes highly recommended.

The day starts out from Chikatsuyu-oji, said to be the oldest of the Nakahechi Oji. Chikatsuyu is home to the grave of the Nonagase Family, who served the Southern Court. Hisohara-oji is about an hour from Chikatsuyu. Climbing the hill from there, the trail passes between houses until it reaches Tsugizakura-oji, where the Nonaka-no-Ipposugi stand of large cedar trees is also located. Right below is Nonaka-no-Shimizu Spring, which was selected as one of the top 100 most excellent natural water sources in Japan, making it worth a visit. The trail then passes Nakagawa-oji before reaching Kobiro-oji. Next, the trail winds past Kumasegawa-oji and crosses Waraji-toge Pass before continuing to Yukawa-oji. Beyond Yukawa-oji, the climb to Mikoshi-toge Pass begins. At Mikoshi-toge Pass there is a rest area with toilets, and there will be an opportunity for a break before the descent. Your legs will no doubt be tired, so take care on the way down. You will eventually come to an unpaved woodland path that winds past Funatama Shrine and Inohana-oji before reaching Hosshinmon-oji. It is said an otorii called Hosshinmon once stood there, marking the entrance to the holy precincts of Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Hidehira Zakura

This hot spring was opened in 1800. Yunomine Onsen is renowned as Japan's oldest hot spring, and it's atmosphere remains unchanged from the past, offering a glimpse at the elegance of a traditional hot spring resort. Long ago people would cleanse themselves at Yunomine during pilgrimages to Kumano, purifying their souls at this sacred place and soothing their travel-weary bodies. The Tsuboyu Bath is said to change color seven times a day, and is a registered world heritage site as part of the pilgrimage routes. The Yunomine Onsen Public Bathhouse is also available for you to enjoy. There are a number of other highlights in the vicinity, including Yunomine-oji, one of the ninety-nine Oji, as well as historic remains of the Legend of Hangan Oguri.

This hot spring has become highly cosmopolitan, with a third of guests said to come from overseas depending on the season. Scalding 90°C water comes from some of the hot spring outlets along the river, so it might also be fun to try cooking some hot spring eggs.

The trail from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha is the highlight of the Nakahechi section of the Kumano Kodo. Starting from Hosshinmon-oji, considered the entrance to the holy precincts of Kumano Hongu Taisha, the trail passes a number of Oji shrines near the grand shrine. One of these is Fushiogami-oji, where it is said that people prostrated themselves in worship, overwhelmed with gratitude after seeing the commanding view over Kumano Hongu Taisha. You may be moved by the experience in the same way as past worshippers who completed this long, hard pilgrimage.

Oyunohara, Former Precinct of Kumano Hongu Taisha

The Yatagarasu (three-legged crow) that appears on J-league soccer emblems is a legendary bird that guided Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, from Kumano to Yamato.
It is worshipped at the three Kumano Sanzan shrines as a protective deity of Kumano, and there is a black Yata-post at Hongu Taisha featuring the Yatagarasu.

Kumano Hongu Heritage Center is located in the Hongu district that links Wakayama Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, and Mie Prefecture, and contains the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range that are world heritage sites.
It looks out over Kumano Hongu Taisha and the former shrine site at Oyunohara, and serves as a base of tourist and regional information for those visiting the world heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (Kumano Kodo). Stop by for sightseeing information on the world heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, as well as the Kumano region.

At the Wakayama World Heritage Center inside there is also an exhibit on Mount Koya, another world heritage site in Wakayama Prefecture. The Kii Spirit exhibition and exchange area features a design based on sunlight shining through a cedar grove.