About 15 million years ago, the Kumano region witnessed the largest volcanic eruption in Earth's history. The magma from that eruption solidified into igneous rock, and the entire area was gradually reborn and transformed.
It is believed that spirits dwell within natural wonders like giant rocks and waterfalls; thus, nature nurtured the Kumano faith and the pilgrimage routes of the Kumano Kodo.
In this mystical land, what surprises await your exploration? Embark on a hiking journey along the Kumano Kodo and experience the endless adventures along the way.
First, let's learn about the Kumano Kodo
In 2004, UNESCO registered the Kumano Kodo Iseji route as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" World Heritage site.
The Kumano Kodo Center overlooks Owase Bay and was established to promote awareness and understanding of the trails. Through exhibitions, events, and resources, it introduces the history, nature, and culture of the Kumano Kodo, passing it down to the next generation.
The building itself is crafted from 6,549 pillars of durable Owase cypress (hinoki), combining beauty with strength. At night, the center is brilliantly lit. They even offer free Owase cypress chips, reflecting their thoughtful hospitality.
【Magose-toge Pass: A Trail with Stunning Views of Kumano】
Located on the Iseji route between Kihoku Town and Owase City, this path features a stone-paved road stretching for several kilometers, surrounded by cypress trees and ferns. It is renowned for its breathtaking scenery.
Points of interest along the way include the Nakitori Jizo and the Magose-toge Tea House. From the tea house, you can gaze down at the town below. With moss-covered stones underfoot and sunlight filtering through the forest, the scenery is picture-perfect.
This historic trail is surrounded by greenery, making a stroll here incredibly refreshing—but please mind your footing for safety.
The Kihoku Town Tourism Association also offers experience activities where you can dress in Edo-period traveler's clothing to pay your respects at Nakitori Jizo.
【Matsumoto-toge Pass: Crafted with Local Techniques】
At an altitude of 135 meters, even beginner hikers can easily reach the summit.
The stone walls along the river showcase construction methods unique to this rainy region. Randomly stacked stones withstand earthquakes and heavy rains, while waterways disperse the force of the flow to prevent road collapses.
At the pass, a Jizo statue standing about 170 cm tall welcomes visitors, surrounded by bamboo groves. Legend has it that in the Edo period, a marksman mistook this Jizo statue for a monster and shot it.
The rest pavilion offers a view of Shichiri Mihama Beach. Beyond this point, there are no more mountain paths leading to Shingu. Pilgrims can pause here to reflect on the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine in Shingu.
【Hauntingly Beautiful Natural Scenery】
While most of the Kumano Kodo is covered by forest, the Iseji route runs close to the magnificent Kumano-nada Sea, which stretches east from Mie Prefecture. This World Heritage site features countless bizarrely shaped rocks, large and small, carved by crashing waves.
Legend says this place was originally called "Oni-no-Iwaya" (Ogre's Cave). It later became known as "Onigajo" (Ogre's Castle) because a notorious pirate named Tagamaru hid here.
The massive tuff cliffs, shaped by erosion and earthquakes, resemble ogre faces. Walking along the approximately 1-kilometer path, you can feel the majestic power of the rocky terrain.
This is the southernmost point of the Ise-Shima Rias coastline; to the south lies the scenic Shichiri Mihama Beach.
【Japan's Oldest Shrine and a World Heritage Site】
This shrine is recorded in Japan's first history book, "Nihon Shoki," as the birthplace of Japan.
The sacred object (shintai) is a giant rock, said to be the tomb of "Izanami-no-Mikoto," the mother of the gods. She is the mother of the fire god Kagutsuchi and Amaterasu Omikami, who is enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine.
People view this as the root of the Japanese nation, attracting many travelers seeking spiritual energy.
Every year on February 2nd, a festival is held to pray for national peace and a bountiful harvest. On October 2nd, the "Kake-nawa Shinji" (Rope Hanging Ritual) takes place, where a long woven rope is offered by hanging it between the sacred rock and a sacred tree.
At the nearby Kumano Hana-no-Iwaya Roadside Station, you can taste fresh Mitarashi Dango for 120 yen.
【Shichiri Mihama Beach: A Healing Melody of Waves and Pebbles】
This beach is Japan's longest gravel coastline, spanning Kumano City, Mihama Town, and Kiho Town. It is part of the "Hama Kaido" (Coastal Road), the only coastal section of the Kumano Kodo Iseji.
The Mihama pebbles covering the shore were washed down from the upper reaches of the Kumano River. They are smooth and delicate to the touch. When waves hit the shore, the pebbles produce a pleasant tinkling sound.
Walking barefoot allows the pebbles to stimulate pressure points on the soles of your feet, revitalizing tired legs.
Only licensed professional quarrymen are allowed to collect Mihama pebbles, but anyone can sit here and quietly listen to the symphony of waves and stones, enjoying a peaceful moment.
【A Harmonious Natural Utopia】
These layered terraces, numbering in the thousands, are called "Senmaida." Maruyama Senmaida has a long history; as early as 1601, there were records of 2,240 terrace plots. Although the number decreased over time, local residents worked together to restore them.
Today, through the efforts of the "Rice Field Ownership System" and the Maruyama Senmaida Preservation Society, 1,340 terraces are maintained, making it the largest Senmaida in Japan.
Mr. Tanaka from the Kumano City Furusato Promotion Corporation says, "The scenery of the terraces changes constantly with the seasons and the time of day, never failing to amaze visitors."
Maruyama Senmaida is a masterpiece of human wisdom, with scenery as dreamlike as a utopia.
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