Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Guide to Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Overview

The Kii Mountain Range, located on the Kansai region of Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts a rich history and culture. The area is home to several sacred sites associated with Shintoism and Buddhism, as well as ancient pilgrimage routes that offer breathtaking landscapes and spiritual experiences.

The Sacred Sites

1. Kumano Sanzan

  • Kumano Hongu Taisha: This grand Shinto shrine is the largest of the Kumano Sanzan. It’s known for its magnificent torii gate and the Kumano Hongu Treasure House, which houses many sacred artifacts.
  • Kumano Hayatama Taisha: Located in the town of Tanabe, this site is also known as “the starting point of the Kumano Kodo.” The main hall is adorned with beautiful carvings.
  • Kumano Nachi Taisha: Famous for its massive waterfall, the Nachi Falls, and the Seiganto-ji, a Buddhist temple that offers a panoramic view of the falls.

2. Yoshino

  • Yoshino Mikumari Shrine: Dedicated to the goddess of Mt. Yoshino, this shrine is known for its thousands of torii gates forming a beautiful forest path.
  • Kimpusen-ji Temple: A prominent Buddhist temple with a five-story pagoda and the Senju-no-taki Falls within its premises.

The Pilgrimage Routes

1. Kumano Kodo

The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the three Kumano Sanzan shrines. There are four main routes, each offering different scenic beauty and levels of difficulty:

  • Nakahechi: The central route is the most common and offers beautiful forests, villages, and mountain vistas.
  • Kohechi: The coastal route offers stunning ocean views but is more challenging due to its steep terrain.
  • Ohechi: The royal route runs along the coastline and is known for its historic sites.
  • Iseji: The shortest route connects Yoshino with Kumano Hongu Taisha.

2. Yoshino Yamabushi Pilgrimage Route

This lesser-known route connects the Yoshino area with Mt. Omine, the sacred mountain of the Shugendo sect. It offers challenging hikes, scenic beauty, and historic sites related to Yamabushi, mountain ascetics who practice a syncretic form of Buddhism and Shinto.

Practical Tips for Tourists

  1. Best time to visit: The fall foliage season (late October to early November) is the most popular time, but the routes can be enjoyed throughout the year.
  2. Accommodation: There are several types of accommodations available along the routes, including traditional minshuku (inns), ryokan (Japanese-style inns), and camping sites.
  3. Transportation: It is recommended to start your journey from a major city like Kyoto or Osaka, and then take a train or bus to the starting point of your chosen route. Some sections can be covered by taxi, but many parts require walking.
  4. Guided tours: If you prefer guided tours, there are several companies offering organized trips along the routes.
  5. Safety: Always carry sufficient water, snacks, and proper hiking gear. Inform someone about your itinerary before starting the journey.