Kumano Kodo 熊野古道
There are many sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes within easy access of the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center.
Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi route) 熊野古道中辺路
(Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha) 発心門王子～熊野本宮大社
This section is mostly downhill through a diversity of forest trails and mountain villages. Viewpoints along the route offer beautiful panoramas of the surrounding mountains. This is the final section before reaching Kumano Hongu Taisha and subsequently rich with stories and legends. Busses run daily to Hosshinmon-oji.
【Walking Distance : 6.9km / Walking Time with breaks : 3hrs】
Kumano Kodo (Akagi-goe section) 赤木越コース
(Funatama-jinja to Yunomine Onsen) 船玉神社～湯の峰温泉
The Akagi-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route links Yunomine Onsen with the main Nakahechi section. This route is convenient to make a loop walk in the Hongu area. The beginning and ending are relatively steep climbs leading to an undulating ridge walk, a common pattern for the trials in the area.
【Walking Distance : 5.9km / Walking Time with breaks : 3hrs】
Kumano Kodo (Dainichi-goe section) 大日越
(Kumano Hongu Taisha to Yunomine Onsen) 熊野本宮大社～湯の峰温泉
The Dainichi-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes links the village of Hongu with the isolated hot spring community Yunomine Onsen. It is a short but steep trail with a small shrine and statues along the way. This trial is also used during the Kumano Hongu Taisha spring festival where fathers carry their young boys from Yunomine Onsen to Hongu.
【Walking Distance : 3.4km / Walking Time with breaks : 2hrs】