Kumano Kodo beginner routes, all highlights!

Remember to save this if you want to pick the most mysterious and spiritual place in Japan, ⛩ it has to be Kumano Kodo.
📍Kumano Kodo doesn’t refer to just one path, but is the collective name for the many pilgrimage routes between the three Kumano shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha / Kumano Hayatama Taisha / Kumano Nachi Taisha).
.
🚩6 traditional hiking routes🚩
🚏Nakahechi Route: From Tanabe to the three Kumano shrines, the path is gentle and is the most popular route. It has been the official pilgrimage route for emperors and nobles since the Heian period, with a series of shrines called the Ninety-nine Princes along the way. There are plenty of supply points, and you can also choose to hike shorter main sections.
🚏Ohechi Route: From Kii Tanabe to Nachikatsuura along the coastline, the scenery is beautiful.
🚏Kohechi Route: From Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha, about 70 km long, crossing three high mountains, very challenging.
🚏Iseji Route: From Ise Jingu to the three Kumano shrines, about 170 km.
🚏Kii Route: From Osaka to Tanabe, this section does not reach the three Kumano shrines and is rarely traveled.
🚏Omine Okugake Route: From Yoshino to Kumano Hongu Taisha, about 170 km, the most difficult route, only suitable for professional hikers.
.
🚩Recommended routes for beginners🚩
If you want to complete any of the above routes, it takes at least 4-5 days, which can be difficult for most people. So here are a few short routes that condense the essence of Kumano Kodo, 📍basically half-day trips, perfect for those who want a light hike:
📍Hoshinmon Oji – Kumano Hongu Taisha
✅About 7 km, takes 2-3 hours, this is the most scenic section of the Nakahechi Route.
✅The path is gentle, winding through the mountains with beautiful scenery, a classic beginner route. This section is also one of the routes where you can earn a pilgrim certification.
.
📍Koyasaka – Shingu Three Shrines
✅About 7 km, takes 2-3 hours.
✅Starting near Shingu Station at Kumano Hayatama Taisha, passing Kamikura Shrine and Asuka Shrine, walking along the coastline to Koyasaka, listening to the sound of waves and seeing black sand beaches reminiscent of Iceland.
.
📍Daimonzaka – Kumano Nachi Taisha – Nachi Waterfall
✅This route is only 1 km, but the entire path is moss-covered stone steps, so it’s very tiring and takes at least 1 hour.
✅The entrance of Daimonzaka features the famous Meoto Sugi (Married Couple Cedars), with towering ancient trees all along, making you feel like you’ve traveled back to the Heian period. You can even rent Heian period costumes for photos~