Discover the sacred Japanese Camino on foot.

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes are an enjoyable, fulfilling walking experience in a rarely visited part of Japan and are registered as World Heritage Sites under the ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The routes developed as a way for pilgrims to move between the various sacred areas, visiting the great Kumano shrines located in the mountains. They became particularly popular once the Imperial family and Japanese nobles practiced sangaku shinko, a belief in the supernatural power of mountains.

Walking the Kumano Kodo is an opportunity to thoroughly imbue yourself in the region’s rich, ancient history, charming rural life and stunning natural scenery. With hot springs, family-run accommodation and incredible Japanese food, you’ll be tested and pampered in equal parts.