Kumano Kodo Nakabe Road Hiking Tour

🚶♂️Kumano Kodo Nakabe Road Day 7: Final Stamp Collection 🐚✨

Today marks the final chapter of the Nakabe Road 🎉
We departed from Kii-Katsuura Station and embarked on a bus-based stamp collection adventure 🚌🔖
The goal is to collect the remaining 6 stamps and complete the feat of collecting all 41 stamps on the Nakabe Road!

📍 Route:
Koukogo Pass 🐶 → Koyasaka ⛰️ → Kamikura Shrine ⛩️ → Kumano River Boat Center 🍱 → Asuka Shrine 🙏 → Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine 🌸

🐶 Koukogo Pass

The charmingly named Koukogo Pass was once an important path leading to Kumano in ancient times. Although we only spent a few minutes there, the moment we stamped our stamps felt like a magical connection with travelers of the past.

⛰️ Koyasaka

This was once an important ancient trail connecting Kumano and Koyasan. Imagine monks walking the stone paved paths, and the solemn atmosphere of pilgrimage instills a sense of reverence.

⛩️ Kamikura Shrine

Don't be fooled by its unassuming appearance; the climb is a real challenge! 🪜 The steps are so steep they'll make you gasp, but the views from the summit are breathtaking. What's even more special is that this spot is one of "Japan's 100 Best Sunsets," and on a clear day, you're guaranteed to see incredibly romantic views 🌅.

🍱 Kumano River Boat Center

Enjoy lunch here and refuel! 🥢
The Kumano River, one of "Japan's 100 Great Rivers," was once a vital waterway. In 2011 (Heisei 23), it experienced a major flood, and a monument stands at the site, reminding people of the power and awe of nature. Today, the misty rain added a touch of poetic beauty to the scene.

🙏 Asuka Shrine

This small shrine in Shingu City holds a profound spiritual relevance for locals. Its tranquil atmosphere invites you to slow down and take a deep breath.

🌸 Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine

Hatama Taisha Shrine, the final attraction, is one of the Kumano Three Shrines, alongside Hongu Taisha Shrine and Nachi Taisha Shrine, and is considered one of Japan's most sacred sites. ✨
The main deity enshrined here is Kumano Hayatama-Okami, a symbol of rebirth and renewal. It's a place of prayer for health, peace, and a fresh start in life. The vibrant vermilion shrine hall exudes a divine energy even on rainy days.

🎯 Challenge Completed!

Although it rained almost continuously today, sometimes heavily and sometimes lightly, leaving my clothes completely soaked, my heart was filled with passion ❤️🔥. After collecting all 41 stamps on the Naka-Bian Road during our 7-day journey, we were finally able to visit the Shingu City Tourism Association to receive a "Certificate of Stamping" and a "Limited Edition Naka-Bian Road Stamping Gold Shell"!

This wasn't just a trip; it was another glorious "hiking achievement" in our lives.

✨ A golden ending quote for my wife, and thank you for accompanying me on this journey.

"Every step is a challenge, every chapter a memory, and the moment of completion is when the soul shines brightest." ✨

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