"Kumano Kodo Iseji"
An invitation to a pilgrimage
"Kumano Kodo Iseji"
An invitation to a pilgrimage
Why did our ancestors aim for the harsh and rugged land of Kumano?
A pilgrimage path walked with various thoughts and hopes for resurrection.
Hanakutsu Shrine, Jizo statues at Matsumoto Pass, moss-covered stone pavements, Kumano River, a river pilgrimage route...
Listening to the prayers of ancient people who believed that God dwells in all things,
Go on a pilgrimage to a sacred place in search of answers.
~Journey to the sacred place~
The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route taken by pilgrims from various parts of Japan to the Kumano Sanzan (Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hongu Taisha) in Wakayama Prefecture. We will introduce you to the history and charm of Kumano Kodo Iseji, a world heritage pilgrimage route that connects IseJingu and Kumano Sanzan, two of Japan's most sacred sites.
World Heritage Pilgrimage Route “Kumano Kodo Iseji” – Digest Edition
“Let me introduce you to the gods,” the storyteller said, stopping me in my tracks. ``The God of nature is what we Japanese people feel about God. There is a God in rocks, a God in trees, a God in the flow of water. It's like I'm receiving something...'' Here you will encounter a miracle woven by the gods and nature.
Journey along the Iseji Route: Visiting the Gods - Video Series 1
Since ancient times, the Japanese have believed that God dwells in all things, and have worshiped nature as God. IseJingu is where Amaterasu-Omikami, the god of the sun, is enshrined. Here we pray for a safe journey and begin our journey to Kumano. Iseji Route is approximately 170 kilometers from Ise to Kumano. We will cross many mountain passes with various faces and various expressions.
Hospitality: People welcoming pilgrims - Video series 2
Along the pilgrimage route, you will find the lives of people who respect their ancestors and protect nature with care. Elderly village people join hands to wish you a safe journey. A person who builds boats by talking to tree spirits. A person who cultivates terraced rice fields, who is said to ``cultivate and reach heaven.'' People live in coexistence with nature and the gods.
Pilgrimage - What fascinates people - Video series 3
A place where the gods live. People face themselves here and are reborn. Just like a drop of rain becomes a stream, becomes the ocean, ascends to the sky, and returns as rain... Kumano is a world where gods and Buddha live together in nature. It is said that people pray for the resurrection of their souls here. It is a vow to take a fresh step towards something.
world heritage
About Kumano Kodo
The beginning of Kumano pilgrimage
The mountains of Kumano are said to be a sacred place where the gods dwell, and it is written in the Nihon Shoki that the tomb of Izanami no Mikoto, the god of domestic and divine birth, is located in Hana-no-Iwaya (KumanoCity). Starting with Cloistered Emperor Uda's pilgrimage to Kumano in 907, the imperial family and aristocrats began to visit the shrine with enthusiasm, and it is said that the custom spread among samurai and common people as well.
Kumano is said to be the "land of resurrection," and many people headed deep into the mountains in search of salvation. The path is difficult, and it is believed that enlightenment will be achieved at the end of severe penance. The Kumano pilgrimage has been so deeply believed that it is said to go to Ise seven times and Kumano three times. Fascinated by its mysterious power, people continue to travel to Kumano even today.
A world heritage site where Japanese history and culture live on
The Kii Mountains have had a faith based on nature worship since ancient times, and it had a great influence on the development and exchange of Japanese culture. The religious culture of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism and its development, as well as the cultural landscape nurtured in the rich nature of the Kii Mountains, are highly regarded as unique assets in the world, and are known as the Kumano Sanzan, which straddles Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures. , Mt. Koya, and Yoshino/Omine, and the pilgrimage routes leading to them, were registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004 as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountains."
~The story of Matsuyo Kawamura~
I have been walking the Iseji Route for 13 and a half years as a Kumano Kodo storyteller.
Mr. Kawamura told us about its charm.
How did you start becoming a storyteller?
I used to work as a bus guide, but I quit when I got married, and when I had finished raising my children, I started working as a storyteller. It was about to be registered as a World Heritage Site, and since I had been studying English as a hobby, I decided to give it a try. I started out because I liked being a guide, but as I learned more and more, I started to like Kumano Kodo more and more. Now I'm overflowing with love for Kumano Kodo, especially Iseji (lol).
Please tell us about the charm of Kumano Kodo.
There are many charms that cannot be summarized in words, but the first thing that impresses everyone is the beauty of nature. The many layers of mountains in Kii and the beauty of the sea that can be seen from the open area of the mountains will leave you speechless. Having been born and raised in Kumano, this was actually a common sight for me, but when I saw the reactions of the customers, I realized that this was something special. My greatest joy is being able to move together with our customers. The Ise Route, which connects Ise and Kumano, two major sacred sites, is special. Walk along this road, known as the ``Road of Resurrection,'' which people have walked since ancient times, and experience it for yourself. Some people cry when they reach Hana-no-Iwaya. As a storyteller, I am truly happy to be able to help people on such journeys.
What do you keep in mind as a storyteller?
The most important thing is the safety of our customers. Above all else, we take care to ensure that you can cross the mountain pass without getting hurt. I would also like you to become a fan of Kumano Kodo and Iseji. There are many routes on Iseji alone, each with its own characteristics. We strive to provide fun guides so that you will fall in love with Iseji and come back again. I value the time I spend not only talking about formalities, but also teaching points about taking photos.
What do you think is the best thing about being a storyteller?
There are many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, but the joy I get when a customer leaves satisfied is even greater. A customer's smile is my great joy. Iseji is a road of resurrection, so I hope you will receive power from God and return home in good health. We are grateful every day to our customers who chose Iseji and Kumano.
Please give some advice to our readers who are considering a trip to Kumano Kodo.
When walking the Kumano Kodo, please be sure to walk with a storyteller. You can hear not only about history and culture, but also stories about the land and seasonal flowers, which will give you a completely different perspective and make your trip more enjoyable. We have a variety of people, including solo travelers, women's trips, groups, and foreign guests, and we always do our best to guide them so that they can enjoy their trip home. Please give us a call.
[Go with a storyteller] Kumano Kodo
Kawamura-san and other storytellers who know everything about Kumano Kodo will guide you along the Iseji Route. There are over 20 routes to walk on Kumano Kodo! Let's enjoy the charm of Kumano Kodo.
Kawamura-san’s recommended route
Matsumoto Pass ~ Hana-no-Iwaya
Distance: Approximately 4.1km (KumanoCity)
Walking time: about 1 hour 45 minutes
Cross the mountain pass surrounded by bamboo forests, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Shichirimihama Beach, and visit the ancient power spot "Hana-no-Iwaya".
Magose-togePass
Distance: Approximately 5.2km (KihokuTown-OwaseCity)
Walking time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
Speaking of Kumano Kodo, it is a popular route that many people walk. Beautiful cobblestone pavement paved with natural stones continues through the forest.
Kumano Kodo Supporters Club
We are looking for people who are interested in Kumano Kodo Iseji. If you join the club and become a fan member, you will receive the latest information about Kumano Kodo Iseji and the area through e-mail newsletters, etc.
You can also participate in activities that support local volunteers (cleaning walks, awareness activities, etc.).
Using WAON will make the Kumano Kodo safer.
[Kumano Kodo Iseji book]
For those who want to deepen their knowledge about Kumano Kodo Iseji Route,
Here are some recommended books.