Kumano Kodō (Japanese: 熊野古道) is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross the Kii Hantō (紀伊半島), the largest peninsula of Japan. These trails were used by pilgrims to Kumano Sanzan (熊野三山). Choumeizai has visited the one named Daimonzaka (大門坂).
Not too far from the main entrance there are two firs which are around 800 years old, since they look like a married couple, they are named ‘Husband and wife fir’ (夫妻杉).
Daimonzaka is still well preserved, the footpath is around 600 meters long with an elevation of 100 meters.
Kumano Sanzan, literally means ‘Three Grand Shrines of Kumano’, including Kumano Hongū Taisha (熊野本宮大社), Kumano Nachi Taisha (熊野那智大社) and Kumano Hayatama Taisha (熊野速玉大社). Daimonzaka is the pilgrimage route towards Kumano Nachi Taisha.
On the way there are several relics, unfortunately you cannot find any description around those relics, tourists don’t know what it is.
In 2004, Kumano Kodō was designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range （紀伊山地の霊場と参詣道).
If you don't want to walk, you can go to Kumano Nachi Taisha by bus, but you will miss many beautiful sceneries.
