The Kumano area (熊野) is located around the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, about 100 kilometers south of Osaka and Kyoto. It spans Wakayama and Mie prefectures, although most of the attractions and religious sites are in Wakayama.

The ancient Kumano region is nestled in the verdant mountains of Wakayama Prefecture—the spiritual heartland of Japan. Worshipped for centuries, this lush and rugged area has been considered the abode of the gods.

The Kohechi route cuts through the center of the Kii Peninsula from north to south, linking the Buddhist temple complex of Koyasan and the Kumano Sanzan. It is characterized by steep trails that cross over three passes of over 1000 meters elevation along its 70 km length.

Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō) refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. The Kodo ("old ways") are a key part of the region's World Heritage designation and have been in use for over 1000 years.

Kumano is a spiritual region of Japan located in the southern reaches of the mountainous Kii Peninsula blessed with a rich pilgrimage tradition, isolated hot springs, and welcoming countryside hospitality.

Kumano is Yoshino-Kumano National Park's finest international beach resort. Kumano is located near the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, in southern Mie Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean. Parts of the city are within the limits of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park.

The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route is one of the world’s premier spiritual roads. Winding through the mountains of Honshu’s Kii Peninsula, an area straddling Wakayama, Nara, Osaka and Mie prefectures, it’s been tread by pilgrims on their quest for enlightenment for over a millennium.

Kumano City (熊野) is located in Mie Prefecture, about 20 kilometers from the Wakayama border. Although it shares its name with the greater Kumano region, with a population of only 20,000 it is by no means the principal center of activity.

Feb 4, 2021 · If you're ready to hike the UNESCO World Heritage ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail in Wakayama, Japan, then here's everything you need to know.

Accommodation, car rental & tours in Kumano with Japan Experience. In the south of Kansai, the mountainous Kii peninsula has been visited by pilgrims since the 12th century. A sacred and UNESCO-listed region offers great hiking and hot springs.