Southern Area (Hongudo) Trekking Course
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.
このモデルコースの概要
- 所要日数
- 4 days
- 歩行距離
- 54.0 km
ポイント間の距離と高低差
Enjoy the Scenery at Yokogaki-toge Pass and Head for Oroshi
From Hana-no-Iwaya to Oroshi
- 難易度
- 3.0
- 歩行距離
- 13.8 km
- 所要時間
- 5 ~ 6 hours
- 積算上昇高度
- 470 m
- 積算下降高度
- 345 m
Start your journey at Hana-no-Iwaya and proceed to Ubuta-jinja for a pilgrimage visit. Pass through Kanayama Settlement and ascend the steep slopes of Yokogaki-toge Pass. After taking in the scenic views at the pass, descend via the Oriyama Jizo statue to Sakamoto Settlement. Along the way, you may choose to stop by Oriyama-jinja. Continue past the stone lantern at Kame-jima Island, and finally, make your way to Oroshi.
見どころスポット
Sakamoto settlement known as the birthplace of the Kishu-Ken
Oriyama-jinja nestled at the base of the mountains in Sakamoto settlement
In Oroshi a rare natural event unfolds in early mornings in late autumn as "Fuden Oroshi (Morning Mist)" cascades down the mountains
詳しいスポット情報を見る
Crossing Fuden-toge Pass, home to Iseji's only teahouse, and heading toward Seiryuso Hotel
From Oroshi to Hotel Seiryuso
- 難易度
- 2.5
- 歩行距離
- 12.2 km
- 所要時間
- 3.5 ~ 4.5 hours
- 積算上昇高度
- 455 m
- 積算下降高度
- 550 m
Departing from Oroshi, head toward Fuden-toge Pass. After passing Ushiroji bus stop, enter Hongudo. Make a stop at Doden-daki waterfall, proceed through Otani, then briefly leave Iseji to descend toward Seiryuso Hotel. If time permits, you may also enjoy a relaxing soak at Yunokuchi Onsen.
見どころスポット
"Ikiru Chamise" the only teahouse operating at a pass along Iseji
Doden-daki waterfall a roughly 10-meter cascade seen along the old trail
Take a detour from Iseji and visit Hotel Seiryuso
周辺の宿泊施設
Climb the Hill, Pass Through Hongudo, and Reach Shiko
From Hotel Seiryuso to Kanmaru bus stop
- 難易度
- 2.0
- 歩行距離
- 12.0 km
- 所要時間
- 4 ~ 5 hours
- 積算上昇高度
- 285 m
- 積算下降高度
- 320 m
Depart from Hotel Seiryuso and ascend to Yuhi-no-Oka. Pass through Hongudo and descend to Sobo, where a flat road leads to Shiko. Continue to Miwa Ohashi Bridge, cross into Wakayama Prefecture, and soon arrive at Shiko. As there are no accommodations in Shiko, consider staying in Kanmaru or taking a local bus to the Hongu area.
見どころスポット
Make your way from Hotel Seiryuso to Yuhi-no-Oka
The towering moss-covered rock formations near Yuhi-no-Oka
Descending to Sobo leads to a flat road all the way to Shiko
周辺の宿泊施設
Proceed Up a Long Slope to Kumano Hongu Taisha
From Kanmaru bus stop to Kumano Hongu Taisha
- 難易度
- 3.5
- 歩行距離
- 16.0 km
- 所要時間
- 5.5 ~ 7 hours
- 積算上昇高度
- 635 m
- 積算下降高度
- 580 m
From Shiko, proceed up a long slope toward the final pass of Iseji, Banze-toge Pass, reaching the 415m-high pass. From there, walk 1.4km to merge with Kogumotorigoe and descend to Ukegawa. Continue along the national road to visit Oyunohara and worship at Kumano Hongu Taisha. Hongu has three hot spring areas such as Yunomine, Wataze and Kawayu.
見どころスポット
周辺の宿泊施設
in the upper left corner, you can choose from highlights of Kumano Kodo Iseji and helpful sightseeing information, then check the ones you want to see.
Sightseeing Spots (Highlights)
Tourism Association
Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station)
Bathing
Accommodation (Lodging)
Coin Laundry
Restroom
Route (Kumano Kodo Iseji Trail)
in the upper right to zoom in on the map.