Kumano Kodo - Nakahechi, Hiking trail and pilgrims' way on the Kii Peninsula, Japan
Kumano Kodo – Nakahechi is a hiking and pilgrims' trail in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The trail connects the three main shrines of the Kumano Sanzan, passing through mountain forests, small villages, and over old stone steps.
The route has been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years and is one of the oldest spiritual paths in Japan. In 2004, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the other Kumano Kodo trails.
The Nakahechi was once called the Imperial Route because nobles and rulers walked it to visit sacred sites. Walkers today can collect stamps at different points along the way, using a small booklet as a personal record of their progress.
The route starts at Takijiri-oji shrine, reachable by bus from Kii-Tanabe. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it is wise to carry rain gear and wear sturdy footwear.
The Nakahechi is one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world to hold a formal sister-route partnership with the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Walkers who complete both routes can receive a special joint certificate recognizing the achievement.
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