Southern Area (Hamakaido) Trekking Course

Starting from Hana-no-Iwaya, pass Tateishi guidepost and head 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.

From Michi-no-Eki Park Shichirimihama, walk along the old road and cross Atawa-bashi Bridge, merging onto Route 42. At this point, there are 10 km left to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. 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. If time allows, a stroll to Kamikura-jinja or Shingu Castle remains would be a great addition to your journey.

From Kumano Hayatama Taisha, head towards Asuka-jinja. Walk through the narrow alleys, passing Hama-oji and Ojigahama Beach, and proceed to Koya-zaka. Continue through Miwasaki, Sano, and Ukui, crossing Kokuji-toge Pass and Okuji-toge Pass, then pass Hamanomiya-oji, and finally arrive at Fudarakusan-ji.

From Fudarakusan-ji, follow Prefectural Route 43, then enter the mountain path near Makinono bus stop. Passing through Fudaraku Graveyard and Ichinono-oji, you will reach Daimon-zaka. Climbing the steep cobblestone path and the stone steps of the main approach, you will soon arrive at Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachisan Seiganto-ji.

Finally, descend towards the Three-storied Pagoda and the magnificent Nachi-no-Otaki Falls. For the return journey, take a bus bound for Kii-Katsuura Sta. to descend Nachisan.