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Crossrhodes Kumano Journeys

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日本
Tanabe-shi, Wakayama
Crossrhodes Kumano Journeys

Sharing Japan's ancient pilgrimage -- a UNESCO World Heritage site property -- with the world through guiding, English guide training and blogging.

Rebirth, discovery, regeneration. The Kumano Kodo has revitalized the human spirit for almost 2,000 years. To know the Kumano area is to know the history of Japan, it has been said. Come, time travelers, hikers, pilgrims, spirituals, seekers, loners, lovers, dreamers, adventurers. All are welcome. Heal or explore your soul in Kumano. Let me be your World Heritage native-speaking English guide. Be introduced to local heritage and culture, cross the border into the spiritual world, face the fierce and forgiving ancient deities of the Kumano Sacred sites and routes. Can't wait to see you.

06/08/2026

Voice of Kumano is heard on the Inbound tourism stage

03/08/2026

Kitayama log rafting is historical as well as a summer river blast!
Recently got to experience the Ikada rafting again for work!
SAIKO! It was perfect!

10/05/2026

A little dress code fyi for when you visit Koyasan.
Be comfortable, but be aware of dress code norms observed by this World Heritage pilgrimage site.

Authorities at the sacred Koyasan pilgrimage site in Wakayama Prefecture are requesting that visitors refrain from wearing revealing clothing as the summer season approaches. Kongobuji Temple, the head of the Shingon Sect, recently installed signs and began distributing leaflets at the entrance to the sacred Okunoin area to outline proper attire. The initiative targets a growing number of domestic and international tourists who may be unfamiliar with the traditional etiquette of one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist centers.

Temple officials emphasized that the goal is not to restrict access but to encourage a mindset of respect and preserve the site's spiritual dignity. While the mountain remains open to everyone, staff indicated they may respond more firmly in the future if a visitor's clothing is deemed significantly inappropriate. This move highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing Japan’s booming tourism industry with the preservation of cultural and religious norms.

07/05/2026

Been a great spring so far on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi and Kohechi!

02/05/2026

Sauntered by the Tonda (once Iwata) River after crossing Inabane Pass and other Kumano Kodo Workd Heritage sites in Kamitonda.

22/02/2026

Wakayama Castle, long the powerful seat of the Kishu Tokugawa family, has history dating back over 400 years. Although rebuilt in 1958 after being destroyed during WWII, the ghosts of the rich Edo-era life still linger on the grounds and surrounding area.
It’s a great stop for folks to visit here in Wakayama City before arriving in Tanabe and starting their Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. Spending a day or two in the rural Wakayama area is a calming, centering experience.

If you go to the castle, have the tea and confectionery before the main castle entrance. Watch for some folks dressed as ninjas (local tourist assistants, but not much English). Exhibits inside the castle have some English explanation which was helpful, and pamphlets about the castle are available in a variety of languages at the entrance. I visited this during winter, but I found the Nishinomaru Teien Garden, the Ohashi-Roka Bridge (shoes off on the inside), and of course the castle tower beautiful with good scenic views.
The stone work around the grounds was fascinating, and the vermillion Oimawashimon Gate was beautiful and apparently quite rare for its color on the grounds of a castle.

Parking: 200 yen for the first hour
Castle admission: adults 410 yen, 200 for children middle school age and younger.
Tea and glazed dumpling confectionery: 350 yen
Hours: 9:00-17:30 (last entry 17:00)
Closed: Dec 29-31

Admission tickets includes free admission to the Wakayama History Center.

Although I didn’t have time, across the street from the castle parking lot is The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama.

20/02/2026

Getting to Koyasan from Osaka in style without transfers!
(Shout out to Ryochi at Koyasan Guest House Kokuu who posted this originally. His guesthouse is an amazing, laid back option to visit Koyasan, with exceptional hospitality, and the deep wisdom of living so long in Koyasan — and a great guide!)

Official website of Nankai Electric Railway's GRAN TENKU

20/02/2026

Evening ride option in Hongu.
Costs the same as a taxi, like a ride-share, but gives you an option when a bus is not available.
Requires the use of a QR code at pickup points and payment in cash onsite.
No advance booking.