A Sacred Pilgrimage Trail
Kumano Kodo Iseji
Discover Mie
The Kumano Kodo Iseji Route is a historic pilgrimage route that connects two of Japan’s most sacred sites, Ise Jingu and the Kumano Sanzan, a collective name for the three grand shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. It forms part of the larger Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient trails in the Kii Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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A Sacred Pilgrimage Route Recognized as a World Heritage Site
On July 7, 2004, the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The sacred sites include Kumano Sanzan and Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture, and Yoshino & Omine in Nara Prefecture. The UNESCO World Heritage Site designation states that these sites form a cultural landscape that reflects the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism, and a persistent and well-documented tradition of sacred mountains maintained over 1,200 years.
Kumano Kodo Iseji Route
Over the centuries, people from all levels of society have made the pilgrimage from Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture to Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama Prefecture. Iseji is one of the seven routes that are collectively known as the Kumano Kodo that link the Kumano shrines located in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula to other cities such as Ise. The pilgrimage route to Kumano Sanzan from Ise Jingu is called the Iseji and it covers the east coast of the Kii Peninsula.
Historical Significance
For thousands of years, the Kii Mountain Range has been believed to be a sacred place where the gods reside. Since ancient times this sacred area has fostered various forms of religious faith, including Shintoism, which is based on reverence for nature and Buddhism. As a consequence, Shugendo (mountain asceticism), a combination of Shinto and Buddhism, developed in the region of Kumano Sanzan, and pilgrimage routes to these holy sites were established. During the Heian period (794-1185), the imperial court from the ancient capital of Kyoto made the arduous journey to this remote area in search of heaven on earth.
Unique Features
The Kii Mountain Range covers most of the Kii Peninsula which juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The Iseji route was a trail filled with steep mountain ridges that travelers and pilgrims had to cross in order to reach the holy site of Kumano. It is one of the oldest surviving paths in Japan and features a mix of coastal scenery, forest trails, historical landmarks, and cobblestone paths surrounded by towering cedar trees.
Attractions & Ways to Enjoy the Iseji Route
After paying their respects at Ise Jingu, visitors can follow the sacred path once walked by pilgrims and enjoy various attractions along the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route. It is home to Hananoiwa Shrine, a mystical spot linked to the birth of the nation and of the gods, Shichiri Mihama, Japan’s longest beach, Onigajo, a work of art created by nature, and Maruyama Senmaida, one of the largest terraced rice paddies in Japan.
Not to be Missed
Kumano Kodo Iseji Route
The trail between Ise Jingu and Kumano Hayatama Taisha stretches out for approximately 170 kilometers. Pilgrims and travelers along the trail need to walk through a series of mountain passes along the Iseji route in order to reach the sacred shrine. The Yakiyama Pass, the most grueling leg of the Iseji, features steep ascents and descents. It was once feared by pilgrims due to bandits and wolves. It contains many historical spots including Buddhist stone statues along the wayside and provides stunning views of the area. The stone-paved path surrounded by large trees provides visitors with the same feeling as those who once walked the route during ancient times.
Hananoiwaya Shrine, Onigajo, and Shichiri Mihama
Hananoiwaya is a gigantic rock that is believed to be the tomb and shrine of the goddess Izanami no Mikoto, the mother goddess of Japanese mythology. The sacred rock is 45 meters high and 80 meters wide and serves as an object of worship. The shrine dedicated to the rock is one of the oldest and most sacred Shinto sites in Japan. It is revered as a sacred place where the land of Hades meets the land of the Gods. The shrine sits by Japan’s longest beach, Shichiri Mihama.
Onigajo, which means ogre’s castle is a stunning rock formation known for its dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and legends of demons. Formed over time by earthquakes, weathering and wave erosion, it is one of the most breathtaking natural attractions along the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route. The strangely shaped cliffs and giant rocks have unique shapes reminiscent of demons and stretch out about 1.2 km around a small cape along the Kumano coastline. At the top of the mountain, there are castle ruins from the Sengoku period, and a hiking course that connects it to the Kumano Kodo.
Shichiri Mihama Beach is a stunning beach that extends 22 kilometers along the coast of Kumano City. It is Japan’s longest sand and gravel beach and a significant landmark along the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route. The beach is covered with pebbles polished by the rough waves of the Kumano Nada Sea. Every summer, loggerhead sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach.
Spot Information
Maruyama Senmaida
Maruyama Senmaida is one of the largest and most beautiful rice terraces in Japan. The name senmaida literally means one thousand fields. Today, 1,340 paddies of all shapes and sizes are carved into the steep slopes of Mt. Shirakura in Kumano City. The large temperature difference between day and night creates an airflow that is ideal for rice farming. One of the best spots to view Maruyama Senmaida is from the Tori-toge Pass, which is part of the pilgrimage route to Kumano Hongu Taisha.
Spot Information
