Kohechi Mountainous Route - Kumano Kodo

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Kohechi trail is a historic pilgrimage route in Japan that connects two ancient shrines, Koyasan and Kumano Hongu Taisha. It is a beautiful and challenging trek through the Kii Mountain Range, offering stunning landscapes, lush forests, and spiritual experiences

The journey begins in the sacred town of Koyasan, where you'll explore the ancient temples and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere. From the Daimon gate, the trail starts with a descent through peaceful forests, taking you away from the bustling town. The path winds through the lush greenery, passing ancient cedar trees and offering moments of reflection. After a day of trekking, you'll reach the village of Omata, a quaint and tranquil spot nestled in the mountains.

The second day takes you through remote and picturesque landscapes. The trail ascends through forested areas, providing a refreshing and cool atmosphere during the hike. As you climb higher, the views become more expansive You'll pass through rural landscapes with traditional Japanese houses, offering insights into the local way of life. The trek culminates in Totsukawa Onsen, a village known for its soothing hot springs.

On the third day, you'll continue your journey through the rugged Kii Mountains. The trail involves ascending through dense forests and possibly encountering more Oji shrines along the way. The climb is enriched by the lush greenery and the sounds of nature. As you approach the village of Miuraguchi, the terrain becomes less steep, providing some relief after the previous challenging sections. Miuraguchi offers a peaceful place to rest and learn more about the local culture.

The fourth and final day takes you closer to your ultimate destination, Kumano Hongu Taisha. The trail leads you through picturesque landscapes, crossing river valleys and providing glimpses of rural life. The highlight of the day is reaching the Kohechi Pass, where you can take in the stunning panoramic vistas. From there, the trail descends towards Kumano Hongu Taisha, and as you approach the shrine, you'll be greeted by the magnificent torii gate, one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan.

Sika Deer: The Kii Mountains are home to Sika deer, a species of deer native to East Asia. These graceful creatures can be spotted in forested areas.

Japanese Macaque (Snow Monkey): Although less common, there are some populations of Japanese macaques in the region. They are known for their distinctive red faces and can occasionally be seen in the mountains.

Wild Boar: Wild boars are found in the forests of the Kii Mountains. They are shy and usually avoid human encounters.

Japanese Serow: The Japanese serow, a goat-like mammal, inhabits the rugged terrain of the mountains. Spotting one can be a rare and exciting experience.

The origins of the Kohechi Route date back to the 9th century when the Buddhist monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) founded the monastic complex of Koyasan in 819. Kukai was a renowned scholar, poet, and the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Koyasan quickly became a significant center of Buddhism and attracted pilgrims from across the country.

Around the 11th century, the trail known as Kohechi was developed to connect Koyasan to the Kumano Sanzan, a group of three grand Shinto shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. The Kumano Sanzan were revered as sacred sites associated with the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu.

The pilgrimage route, known as the Kumano Kodo, became a sacred journey for pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment, purification, and the accumulation of merit. It was believed that undertaking this arduous trek would bring blessings and benefits to both the pilgrim and their community.