Stages and Maps for Walking the Kumano Kodo – Nakahechi Route
For more than 1,000 years, pilgrims have gathered to walk the Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) through the tranquil Kii Mountains in Japan.
At the center of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan. In addition to linking the shrines to one another, the Kodo pilgrimage trails link the Kumano area to Kyoto, Koyasan (the headquarter of Shingon Buddhism), Yoshino and Omine (centers of mountain worship) and Ise (Japan’s most important shrine).
The Nakahechi Route (also known as the Imperial Route for its historical ties to Japan’s Imperial families) is the main route that links the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. It has a rich historical, cultural, and spiritual atmosphere. The Nakahechi Route can be walked in consecutive day treks or experienced with shorter highlight walks. It is a mountain environment so if your planning to do a multi-day walk please be prepared.
SUGGESTED STAGES – Nakahechi Main Route
ONE: Takijiri-oji – Takahara
Distance: 4 km
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Elevation Gain (m): ~430
Total Elevation Loss (m): ~200
NOTE: Experienced hikers may consider combining stages one and two.
TWO: Takahara – Tsugizakura-oji
Distance: 13 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Total Elevation Gain (m): ~830
Total Elevation Loss (m): ~650
THREE: Tsugizakura-oji – Hosshinmon-oji
Distance: 14 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Total Elevation Gain (m): ~780
Total Elevation Loss (m): ~980
FOUR: Hosshinmon-oji – Kumano Hongu Taisha
Distance: 7.5 km
Time: 2-3 hours
Total Elevation Gain (m): ~190
Total Elevation Loss (m): ~460
RESOURCES FOR THE KUMANO KODO
PACKING LIST Packing List: Trekking the World
GUIDEBOOK Click to purchase Kumano Kodo Guidebooks (Amazon)
DOWNLOAD 16-Page Maps & Accomodations Guide via Email (PDF)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KUMANO KODO
- Layering Ultralight Clothing for Pilgrimage Backpacking
- PILGRIM RESOURCES FOR COVID-19
- Stages and Maps for Walking the Kumano Kodo – Nakahechi Route
- A Beginner’s Guide to the Kumano Kodo
Husband. Father. Backpacker. Pilgrim. Author.
After years of section hiking the Florida Trail and Appalachian Trail, I set out in 2019 to complete the Camino de Santiago through Portugal and Spain. The experience changed the direction of my life and I’ve been walking in pilgrimage ever since. My recent journeys include the California Mission Walk and England’s Pilgrims’ Way from London to Canterbury. I’m currently walking sections of the Via Francigena through Europe to Rome.
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