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Japan's Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Nakahechi, Koyasan, Kohechi, Iseji and Hongu trails
ISBN
9781786312426
Availability
Published
Published
22 Nov 2024
Edition
Second
Pages
240
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.35cm
Weight
270g
Delivery & Returns
Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.
More information...
Guidebook to walking Japan's Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails on the Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. Covering the Nakahechi, Kohechi and Iseji trails, as well as Koyasan and the Choishimichi route, the guide has all the practical information needed, along with notes on the routes' rich history and culture.
Seasons
Spring and late autumn are best, although the Nakahechi can be walked year-round. Summer is humid and wet. Expect snow in winter at higher elevations such as Koyasan, and a dusting at lower altitudes.Centres
Tanabe, Hongu, Shingu, Nachisan, Nachi-Katsuura, Koyasan, Owase, KumanoDifficulty
No specialist equipment is required on any of these trails, however sturdy hiking shoes/boots, trekking poles, wet-weather gear and a good level of fitness are necessary. The Kohechi is a mountain trail recommended for experienced hikers only. Many of the trails feature moss-covered flagstone paths, intricate tree roots and steep ascents and descents.Must See
The three grand shrines of Kumano, Koyasan spiritual complex, coastal views from Gotobiki-iwa rock and Funami-chaya teahouse remains, the Hyakken-gura sea of mountains, Obako-toge summit, Hatenashi settlement, historic ishitatami flagstone paths, traditional Japanese inns, delicious local cuisine, hot-spring bathingISBN
9781786312426
Availability
Published
Published
22 Nov 2024
Edition
Second
Pages
240
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.35cm
Weight
270g
Delivery & Returns
Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.
More information...
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Overview
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A guidebook to walking Japan’s UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, covering the Nakahechi, Choishimichi/Koyasan and Kohechi routes, as well as a Hongu loop, highlights of the Iseji route and shorter walks around Kumano Sanzan shrines. Since many of the trails involve steep ascents and descents, a moderate level of fitness is required.
Routes vary from 5 to 64km (3–40 miles) and crisscross the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. Some can be enjoyed in a single day or half-day, whereas the Nakahechi and Kohechi routes lend themselves to a 4-day mini-trek. Spring and late autumn are best for the trails, although the Nakahechi can be walked year-round.
- 1:50,000 mapping plus larger-scale maps for key towns and the main shrines
- Detailed information on public transport, accommodation and refreshments
- Advice on planning and preparation
- Fascinating insights into Japanese culture and spirituality
- GPX files available to download
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Table of Contents
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Overview maps
Map key
Route summary tables
Introduction
History
Japanese spirituality
The pilgrimage trails
Dual Pilgrim status
Wildlife
Group travel or independent?
Getting there
Getting around
When to go
Accommodation
Food and drink
Money
Post, phones and internet
Language
Cultural etiquette
Hiking in Japan
What to take
Luggage transfers
Waymarking
Maps and GPS
Staying healthy and safe
Using this guide
The three grand shrines and Koyasan
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Koyasan
Hongu and surrounding area
Route 1 Hongu loop walk (including Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe)
Nakahechi 中辺路
Route 2 Nakahechi route
Stage 1 Takijiri to Nonaka
Stage 2 Nonaka to Kumano Hongu Taisha
Stage 3 Kogumotori-goe route: Ukegawa to Koguchi
Stage 4 Ogumotori-goe route: Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha
Koyasan 高野山 – Choishimichi 町石道
Route 3 Choishimichi route
Kohechi 小辺路
Route 4 Kohechi route
Stage 1 Koyasan to Omata
Stage 2 Omata to Miura-guchi
Stage 3 Miura-guchi to Yanagimoto-bashi suspension bridge
Stage 4 Yanagimoto-bashi suspension bridge to Kumano Hongu Taisha
Iseji highlights 伊勢路
Route 5 Magose-toge Pass
Route 6 Matsumoto-toge Pass
Appendix A Facilities tables
Appendix B Glossary
Appendix C Useful contacts
Appendix D Further reading -
Updates
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We do not yet have any updates available for this book
We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).
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By Kat Davis
Originally from Melbourne, after graduating from university, Kat moved to Japan. Working as an adventure tour guide in Japan helped Kat develop her skills to seek out the local hotspots and also develop a love for hiking. 'A wise man climbs Mt Fuji, a fool climbs it twice' is a popular Japanese saying, so Kat climbed it 7 times. From Japan to Canada to London, she quit her office job in 2013 to walk the Camino de Santiago and has never looked back. She completed seven Caminos and walked over 10,000km in Spain, Portugal, England, Italy, Japan and America, including the 4240km Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. Sadly Kat's life was cut short in early 2020. She is fondly remembered for her meticulous work, inspiration and energy.
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