Iseji, Sacred pilgrimage route in Kii Peninsula, Japan
Description
The Iseji is a pilgrimage route that stretches 170 kilometers from Ise Shrine to Hayatama Taisha across mountain passes, coastal villages, and forested sections. The path winds through varying landscapes while connecting major religious sites in the Kii Peninsula.
History
During the Edo period, this path became the primary route for ordinary people making their pilgrimage journey between the major religious sites. Over centuries, the trail developed into an established passage with growing support infrastructure.
Culture
The route links Japan's principal Shinto shrine at Ise with three Kumano temples, showing how Shinto and Buddhist traditions blend together in this region. As you walk the path, you can observe how these two belief systems coexist in the temples, shrines, and local practices you encounter.
Practical
Pilgrims can find accommodations, luggage transport services, and local guides through dedicated tourism websites along the entire route. Planning ahead with appropriate gear and knowledge of trail sections makes the journey more manageable.
Did you know?
Unlike other Kumano Kodo routes, the Iseji path offers both mountain and coastal landscapes within the same trail system. This variety means each day of walking brings different surroundings and changing environments.
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