The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Walk

Arduous, enchanting, reflective, spiritual. The Kumano Kodo trail is all that and more.

Starting in Kyosan we embarked on our 8 days of walking the pilgrimage trail. . Staying in monastery lodgings on the first night, we were privileged to join the morning prayers and attend the fire ceremony. After a rainy start, it was onto Takahara. The next day climbing higher into the mountains to Yunomine Onsen where, after two hard day of walking, we dipped in the creek near the repurposed school which was our accommodation for the night. A challenging day lay ahead. 17km and over 1100m elevation. Rewarded at the end with the Nachi Taisha shrine and waterfall.

Lots of forest bathing, stone steps, steep descents, delicious Japanese food, onsen bathing and upon request some yoga sessions!

Physically challenging, meditative and spiritually uplifting. A wonderful group of fellow travellers. All of which made this a life enhancing experience to remember.

Fire ceremony Koyosan