Central Area Trekking Course

Depart from Umegadani Sta. or Umegadani bus stop, turn left at Tochiko-bashi Bridge, and proceed about 600 meters from the Tsuzurato-toge trailhead to reach Tsuzurato-toge Pass. The descent of Tsuzuraore (A Zigzag Path) continues along a winding cobblestone path. Then, follow Akaba-gawa River, cross Nagashima-bashi Bridge, walk through Uo-machi, and head south along Route 42. After crossing Ikkoku-toge Pass, you will arrive in Furusato.

Note: Alternatively, you can depart from Umegadani Sta. and head south to take a route over Nisaka-toge Pass. This route offers scenic views from Okimi-daira and allows a stop at Michi-no-Eki Kii-Nagashima Manbo.

Depart from Furusato Bus Stop and immediately enter the Sabohanamichi. Walk along the Doze Beach while enjoying the view of Kii-no-Matsushima, then ascend Miura-toge Pass.

After passing Minose Sta., you will reach the 83 km point, which marks the halfway distance from Ise Jingu Geku to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. Continue climbing Hajikami-toge Pass, then choose to descend via either the Edo-michi World Heritage route or the gentle Meiji-michi. Pass through Ofuna-bashi Bridge, Miyama Local Museum, and the Funatsu settlement before arriving at Aiga-jinja.

Note: After reaching the top of Hajikami-toge Pass, you can also take the Edo-michi from the junction. (Edo-michi is a registered World Heritage site.)

Start from Aiga Sta. or Aigashinmachi bus stop and head toward Magose-toge trailhead. From the trailhead, the steep cobblestone path winds upward, leading to the pass in about 70 minutes. The descent is also a steep slope, but once you pass Kitagawa-bashi Bridge near Owase-jinja, the path flattens into Owase City. Owase Sta. serves as a key transit hub for north-south movement via local buses.

Although you are only crossing Magose-toge Pass, the following day will be physically demanding, so take this opportunity to recover your energy.

Start from Owase Sta. or Nakagawa-bashi Bridge and head toward the Yakiyama-goe trailhead. A stop at the Kumano Kodo Center is also recommended. This is the longest and steepest pass on the Iseji, but breathtaking views await at Sakura-no-Mori Hiroba. Descending to Mikisato, you will encounter a beautiful beach.

After crossing Yakiyama-goe, push forward along Route 311 toward the Yokone-michi. Enjoy the panoramic view from the observation deck at Miki-toge Pass before crossing Hago-toge Pass into the Kata settlement.
A visit to Asuka-jinja is recommended. If you're feeling tired, you might consider staying overnight in Mikisato.

Starting from Asuka-jinja, ascend Sone Jiro-zaka Taro-zaka. Though the path is steep, there are highlights such as Kujira-ishi Rock. Take a break at Hobo-toge Pass, enjoy the panoramic view of Kumano-nada from Tatemigaoka, and head toward Nigishima Sta.

From Nigishima Sta., climb Nigishima-toge Pass, cross Okamizaka-toge Pass, which is separated by a valley, and Atashika Bay will come into view. After approximately 5 km from Nigishima Sta., you will arrive at Atashika Sta.

With the stunning Atashika Bay on your left, walk along the solid cobblestone path of Hadasu-no-Michi, passing through the picturesque Hadasu village before crossing Obuki-toge Pass. Enjoy the view of Odomari Beach, then traverse Matsumoto-toge Pass, continue through Kumano City, and proceed to Shishiiwa and Hana-no-Iwaya.

Note: By heading north from Obuki-toge Pass, you can take an alternative route via Daikan Shishigaki-michi, leading to Kannon-michi, where rows of Kannon stone statues stand.