Travel, rest,
and set off again.
A sacred path connecting inns,
carrying
a thousand years of history
Through ancient forests and cobblestone paths, footsteps echo across
a thousand years.
The Iseji whispers with prayers of the past,
guiding travelers still.
In the mountains, feel the quiet breath of the trees; by the sea, listen to the gentle rhythm of the waves.
Spring awakens in fresh green,
summer deepens in lush shade,
autumn glows in crimson,
and winter sharpens the air
with its crisp embrace.
The vibrant colors of the ever-changing seasons.
As dusk falls, find rest in an inn
by the ancient trail.
Savor the gifts of mountain and sea,
share stories with fellow travelers,
and
let the day's weariness gently melt away.
Walking the Iseji is more than a journey —
it is a passage through time, where ancient stones and timeless inns
whisper secrets of the past and lead you to rediscover yourself.
From Ise Jingu to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano
A sacred pilgrimage route over 1,000 years.
The Kumano Kodo Iseji is a 170 km pilgrimage route stretching along the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula, connecting Ise Jingu and Kumamo Sanzan. The trail is generally divided into northern, central, and southern sections due to its varying terrain. Completing the entire route takes about one to two weeks, but many trailheads are conveniently located near train stations and bus stops, making it easy to enjoy select sections as a day trek.
Begin your journey with a prayer for safe travels at Ise Jingu, then pass through the lively streets of Oharai-machi and step onto the sacred trail. As the town fades behind you, tranquil rural landscapes unfold, leading you toward the ancient mountain paths. Crossing Meki-toge Pass and Misesaka-toge Pass, you enter a deep, silent forest, where the revered Takihara-no-Miya stands in quiet solemnity, waiting to be discovered.
At Tsuzurato-toge Pass and Magose-toge Pass, the weathered stone paths whisper tales of countless pilgrims who walked before. Climbing Yakiyama, the most challenging pass on the Iseji, you are rewarded with a sweeping view of the deep blue Kumano-nada Sea and the sacred mountains awaiting at your journey’s end. The path then leads through historic port towns, rich with the spirit of Kumano Kodo, and onward to Shichirimihama, where the sea breeze carries echoes of the past.
With the sound of Shichirimihama’s waves beside you, stand before Hana-no-Iwaya and witness Japan’s oldest mythology come to life. Gaze upon the rugged, wave-carved cliffs of Onigajo, and feel the weight of centuries etched into Kumano’s landscape. At Maruyama Senmaida, lose yourself in the breathtaking harmony between nature and human endeavor. Every step toward Kumano Sanzan becomes a prayer, leading you to the sacred final chapter of your pilgrimage.
"Kumano Kodo Iseji Trail Guide" is an online resource for those embarking on a pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodo Iseji. It offers model courses tracing the path from Ise to Kumano, along with essential details on accommodations and must-see spots. Use this guide to plan your pilgrimage and make the most of your journey.
