Model Courses

The Northern Area Trekking Course serves as the prologue to the Iseji pilgrimage, covering approximately 69.3 km over five days from Ise Jingu to Umegadani Sta. The journey begins at Ise Jingu, the gateway to Iseji, and continues through the soothing murmurs of the Miyagawa River, the lush green tea fields of Tochihara, and the tranquil countryside scenery.

Toward the end of the course, travelers can experience the historic Mise-no-Watashi Ferry (reservation required), where pilgrims once crossed the Miyagawa River by boat to reach Takihara-jinja. Compared to the central and southern sections, this route has relatively gentle elevation changes, making it an ideal starting point for beginners embarking on the pilgrimage.

The Northern Area Highlight Course allows visitors to efficiently explore key locations and fully enjoy the northern region’s attractions in a short time while utilizing public transportation.

All routes within the course are designed with minimal elevation differences and shorter distances, making it easy to experience the highlights of the northern area.
Visitors can explore well-known spots such as Ise Jingu and Oharai-machi, as well as historical landmarks, including Tamaru Castle Remains and Takihara-no-Miya. Additionally, the course offers breathtaking natural scenery, including Meki-toge Pass and Mise-no-Watashi Ferry. With a variety of routes available, travelers can tailor their journey to match their interests and preferences.

The Chubu Area Trekking Course spans approximately 78 km across ten routes, requiring a minimum of six days to complete. In the past, it included some of the most challenging paths in western Japan, such as Yakiyama-goe.

Pilgrims departing from Ise begin their journey along ancient mountain trails before reaching the breathtaking Pacific Ocean at Tsuzurato-toge Pass.
Travelers can trace the footsteps of Edo-period travel writers and haiku poets, sharpening their senses to light, air, and sound as they walk the historic paths in harmony with nature. Along the way, massive rock formations, towering ancient trees, and colorful wildflowers create a mesmerizing landscape. Occasionally encountering wildlife, walkers will find themselves unknowingly drawn to the charm of Iseji, experiencing a profound connection with this sacred route.

*Text by storyteller Koji Yamawaki

14 million years ago, the remnants of a massive eruption from Kumano Caldera formed the striking Kumano Acidic Rock, which was used in the moss-covered cobblestone paths of Magose-toge Pass and Matsumoto-toge Pass. These scenic spots offer visitors the chance to experience the journey of true pilgrims.

At Hana-no-Iwaya Jinja, you can witness the origins of Japan’s deep-rooted nature worship, represented by Yaoyorozu-no-Kami, where gods dwell in mountains, rivers, and the sea. Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro is said to have vanquished demons at Onigajo, a natural fortress resembling a medieval mountain castle. At Shichirimihama, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Shores, the roaring Shishiiwa stands as a guardian deity for travelers along the ancient trails.

As you walk these historic paths, take a moment to appreciate the modern road maintenance that preserves them.

*Text by storyteller Koji Yamawaki

The Yakiyama-goe, standing at an elevation of 647 m, was once considered a “difficult passage,” where wolves and bandits were said to appear. However, it is also a path where deep history comes alive, with unique landmarks such as the Choishi Milestone that amuse travelers, the Kagotateba Palanquin Site where lords of the Kishu Domain rested, and the contributions of Seijun Shonin, who supported the Shikinen Sengu of Ise Jingu during the turbulent Warring States period. There are also the Pilgrims Memorial Monuments for those who collapsed along the way, unable to fulfill their wishes.

Near the mountain pass, Kojin-do has been protected by ascetic monks for over a thousand years. As a Mae-fudasho of the Saigoku Pilgrimage, its teahouse was said to have thrived.

With guidance from modern predecessors and local storytellers, the charm of the Yakiyama-goe will deepen even further.

*Text by storyteller Koji Yamawaki

The Southern Area (Hongudo) Trekking Course branches at Hana-no-Iwaya, leading to either Hamakaido toward Kumano Hayatama Taisha or Hongudo toward Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Hongudo preserves sections of the sacred path from approximately 2,000 years ago during the reign of Emperor Sujin, when the spirit of Izanami-no-Mikoto was transferred from Hana-no-Iwaya to Hongu. Starting from Hana-no-Iwaya, the route spans approximately 49.4km, crossing Yokogaki-toge Pass, Fuden-toge Pass, Tori-toge Pass, and Banze-toge (415m elevation) before merging with Kogumotorigoe on the Nakahechi Route, leading to Hongu Taisha.

This pilgrimage is not only about crossing mountain passes but also includes long stretches of asphalt roads. However, as pilgrims walk, they can reflect on the sacred path that symbolizes the bond linking Izanami-no-Mikoto, enshrined at Hana-no-Iwaya, and her son Susanoo-no-Mikoto, worshipped at Hongu Taisha.

The Southern Area (Hamakaido) Trekking Course is a relatively flat route with minimal elevation changes, leading from Kumano City along Shichirimihama to Kumano Hayatama Taisha.

Unlike Hongudo, which branches at Hana-no-Iwaya and crosses mountainous terrain toward Kumano Hongu Taisha, this route has no mountain passes to overcome.
Walking along Shichirimihama, Japan’s longest gravel beach stretching about 22 km, while enjoying the beauty of the sea, then crossing the Kumano-gawa River, you finally arrive at the endpoint of Kumano Kodo Iseji - Kumano Hayatama Taisha.

Pilgrims undertaking the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, which begins at the First Sacred Site, Seiganto-ji Temple, would continue their sacred journey from this point, making their way toward Nachisan.

From the summit of Tori-toge Pass, an additional 15 minutes climb up the stairs leads to an observation deck offering breathtaking views of Maruyama Senmaida, one of Japan’s Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields.

Nestled in a deep mountain basin, Maruyama Senmaida is an impressive terraced rice field spreading across the steep slopes of a 1 km-long mountainside. In Keicho 6 (1601), there were 2,240 individual rice paddies, but due to depopulation and an aging population in the Maruyama area, the number had declined to just 530 by 1993.

However, through dedicated restoration efforts led by local residents, the terraces have been revitalized and now boast 1,340 paddies. The cascading rice terraces are especially mesmerizing in the morning mist and at sunset, making them one of the most iconic landscapes in Kumano City.

Along Hongudo, Yokogaki-toge Pass and Fuden-toge Pass are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Day Walk Course is a four-hour trek covering these two mountain passes.

At Yokogaki-toge Pass, you can walk along a beautifully maintained cobblestone path paved with the area's unique Konogi Rhyolite, while enjoying the tranquil scenery. Upon entering the Oroshi settlement at the base of Fuden-toge Pass, the trail becomes relatively gentle. However, from the entrance to the pass, the path is lined with moss-covered stone pavements, allowing travelers to reflect on the experiences of ancient pilgrims.

The name Fuden-toge Pass derives from the strong winds that consistently pass through the area, while "Oroshi" is said to originate from the descending gusts of wind from the pass. From autumn to winter, on clear early mornings with significant temperature differences, visitors may witness the stunning Fuden Oroshi (Morning Mist) flowing down from the mountains.