Iseji complete trekking course

Begin with a visit to Ise Jingu Naiku, where you can pray for a safe journey. From Uji-bashi Bridge, walk through "Oharaimachi" known as Toriimae-machi, then continue past the Ryogu Joyato stone lantern on your left, heading toward Furuichi, which was once one of Japan’s most renowned entertainment districts.

After visiting Ise Jingu Geku, take a walk along the Miyagawa River embankment, cross Watarai-bashi Bridge to the opposite bank and continue toward Tamaru, enjoying the rural landscape of Ise Plain along the way.

Passing through the townscape of Tamaru, a town that once prospered as both a castle town and a post town, you will head westward toward the northern entrance of Meki-toge Pass, the first mountain pass on this route.

At an elevation of 120 meters and a distance of approximately 2 km, Meki-toge Pass is one of the shortest and lowest passes along the Iseji. However, despite its modest size, it offers an authentic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage experience. After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the village of Aikase, passes by Yanaibara Kannon Senpuku-ji, and finally arrives at Tochihara.

Starting from Tochihara Sta. or Tochihara bus stop, the journey begins with a walk along Bakamagari. This is a short 700-meter unpaved section where you pass through a dark tunnel beneath the railway tracks, follow the Fudodani-gawa River, and cross a wooden bridge. Next, after a brief 200-meter ascent and descent of Saruki-zaka, you will reach the Tonosama Ido well remains, where the feudal lord is said to have rested during falconry.

Beyond this point, you will encounter a series of Pilgrims Gravestones, evoking thoughts of the harsh conditions of pilgrimage in the past. Passing by Kannon-ji, you can visit the Dohyo Jizo statue in Takana and the Dochu Anzen Kigan Jizo statue before ascending Sada-toge Pass. Past Keiun-ji, you will find the Mise-toride Fort ruins and Otani Fudomyoo. If time permits, consider stopping for a visit. You will cross Misesaka-toge Pass and make your way to pay respects at Takihara-no-Miya before staying overnight in Takihara.

Continue walking along the old road while passing Omiya Elementary School, Sekkaika travertine, and Aso Kannon-do Temple, before arriving at Aso Sta.. Nearby is Aso bus stop. From Aso bus stop, alternate between Route 42 & the old road, passing Tsushima-jinja, Hozo-ji, crossing Kashiwano-ohashi Bridge. Walk past Ise-Kashiwazaki Sta., then take a moment to visit the precincts of Dairen-ji.

Depart from Dairen-ji, then cross Ichinotani train crossing, which lies directly beneath Kisei Expressway, before heading towards Kokusho-ji. Upon reaching Ouchiyama-no-Ichirizuka Milestone, walk along Ashitani-michi to Ouchiyama Station.

Continue along the old road in front of Ouchiyama Sta., and after crossing to the opposite side at Mayumi crosswalk, you will soon arrive at Umegadani Sta..

Depart from Umegadani Sta., 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.

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.

Continue climbing Hajikami-toge Pass, Pass through Ofunn-bashi Bridge, Miyama Local Museum, and the Funatsu settlement before arriving at Aiga-jinja.

Then 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.

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.

Starting from Kata Station, head towards Asuka-jinja Shrine and 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.

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.

Heading south along the seawall of Shichirimihama, enjoying views of Kumano-nada. Stop by Arima Ichirizuka Milestone, then briefly follow Route 42 to cross Shihara-gawa River.

After visiting the Pilgrims gravestone in Koshiyama, re-enter the pine forest of Shichirimihama, passing Suijinto and crossing Ichigi-gawa River. From in front of Mihama Town Hall, walk the unpaved coastal route, finally crossing Kuroshio-bashi Bridge to reach Michi-no-Eki Park Shichirimihama.

Then walk along the old road and cross Atawa-bashi Bridge, merging onto Route 42. Stop by Michi-no-Eki Kihocho Umigame Park, then begin a gentle ascent from Babaji Train crossing.

Passing Yokote Emmei Jizo statue and Kayumorisama, you will reach Kumano-gawa River. Crossing Kumano-ohashi Bridge, you will finally arrive at Kumano Hayatama Taisha. From the next day, Continue your journey to explore Kumano Sanzan, including Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hongu Taisha.