Staying at a Japanese Minshuku Guesthouse: Kumano Kodo How-to Series
Staying at a Japanese Minshuku is an immersive experience when walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. This video outlines the main features of a minshuku stay including the architecture features, facilities, and manners to follow. Kumano Kodo: How-to Series.
熊野古道 中辺路 伏拝王子 Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes Fushiogami-oji 2017年11月
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
The Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan's Imperial ancestors first began the tradition.
The classic pilgrimage circuit began in Kyoto at Jonan-gu shrine. From here, pilgrims took a boat down the Yodo-gawa River to Osaka, where they began their journey south to Tanabe. In Tanabe the trail turns east onto the Nakahechi route, which cuts deep into the heart of the mountains.
Takijiri-oji, one of the many Oji shrines, marks the entrance into the realm of Kumano and is a popular starting point for modern-day pilgrims. Takijiri-oji to Tsugizakura-ojipasses through the communities of Takahara and Chikatsuyu. From Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha there are many ups and downs on the trail before arriving at the shrine. Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe are routes running through Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring with 1800 years of history used for hot water ablution rites.
After paying tribute at Kumano Hongu Taisha, pilgrims travelled by boat down the Kumano-gawa River to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. A visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha completed the pilgrimage. On the return journey to Kyoto, pilgrims either retraced their steps or took the mountainous Ogumotori-goe and Kogumotori-goe passes to Hongu.
Fushiogami-oji
fushiogami-oji-2.jpgFrom the lookout point at Fushiogami-oji, pilgrims finally get their first glimpse of their goal, the Kumano Hongu Taisha. Pilgrims traditionally fell on their knees and prayed, which is what the word “Fushiogami” means. At the lowest point in the valley lies Oyunohara, the holy sandbank where the Kumano Hongu Taisha was originally located until a flood destroyed it in 1886. The salvaged remains were used to rebuild the shrine on higher ground.
There is a story that took place here at Fushiogami-oji that epitomizes Kumano. Around 1000 years ago Izumi Shikibu, a famous female poet, was on pilgrimage and started to menstruate at Fushiogami-oji. Purification is an important element in Japanese religion and blood is considered impure, so women who were menstruating were not allowed to worship. She was terribly distraught at not being able to pay homage and composed a poem in her distress.
熊野古道-Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes (Nakahechi)
The trail begins across National Road #311 from Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Michi-no-Eki rest stop. First you will be able to see the image of the small Gyuba- Doji in the trail. This statue shows Kazan, one of the first abdicated emperors to pilgrimage to Kumano, sitting on a horse and cow. And, the next Oji ─ Chikatsuyu-Oji is located in Chikatsuyu Village. Next section follows the old road through Chikatsuyu Village along the south side of Mt.Takao, gradually climbing over 200 meters in elevation.
In the shrine grove of Tsugizakura-oji are the massive Nonaka-no-Ipposugi cedar trees. The shrine grove and its old-growth trees were saved from destruction by Minakata Kumagusu during the early 20th century.
Day 4 Kumano Kodo 2019 part 2 of 3
Kumano Kodo day 4 from Tsugizakura to Kumano Hongu Taisha to Yunomine Onsen
熊野古道 中辺路 水呑王子 Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes Mizunomi-oji 2017年11月
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
The Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan's Imperial ancestors first began the tradition.
The classic pilgrimage circuit began in Kyoto at Jonan-gu shrine. From here, pilgrims took a boat down the Yodo-gawa River to Osaka, where they began their journey south to Tanabe. In Tanabe the trail turns east onto the Nakahechi route, which cuts deep into the heart of the mountains.
Takijiri-oji, one of the many Oji shrines, marks the entrance into the realm of Kumano and is a popular starting point for modern-day pilgrims. Takijiri-oji to Tsugizakura-ojipasses through the communities of Takahara and Chikatsuyu. From Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha there are many ups and downs on the trail before arriving at the shrine. Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe are routes running through Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring with 1800 years of history used for hot water ablution rites.
After paying tribute at Kumano Hongu Taisha, pilgrims travelled by boat down the Kumano-gawa River to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. A visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha completed the pilgrimage. On the return journey to Kyoto, pilgrims either retraced their steps or took the mountainous Ogumotori-goe and Kogumotori-goe passes to Hongu.
Mizunomi-oji is known as a shrine with a water source. A stone monument was erected here in 1723 by the feudal lord of the Kishu domain (present-day Wakayama prefecture). There are also small stone Jizo statues to the left of the fountain.
Jizo is a Bodhisattva, or a being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others, and is one of the most popular deities in Japan. Jizo is the saviour and protector of children and travelers, but also takes on other forms of folk belief. The small Jizo on the right is spit horizontally in the middle. People put coins in the crack and pray for relief from their backaches.
熊野古道 中辺路 水呑王子 Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes Mizunomi-oji 2017年11月
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
The Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan's Imperial ancestors first began the tradition.
The classic pilgrimage circuit began in Kyoto at Jonan-gu shrine. From here, pilgrims took a boat down the Yodo-gawa River to Osaka, where they began their journey south to Tanabe. In Tanabe the trail turns east onto the Nakahechi route, which cuts deep into the heart of the mountains.
Takijiri-oji, one of the many Oji shrines, marks the entrance into the realm of Kumano and is a popular starting point for modern-day pilgrims. Takijiri-oji to Tsugizakura-ojipasses through the communities of Takahara and Chikatsuyu. From Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha there are many ups and downs on the trail before arriving at the shrine. Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe are routes running through Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring with 1800 years of history used for hot water ablution rites.
After paying tribute at Kumano Hongu Taisha, pilgrims travelled by boat down the Kumano-gawa River to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. A visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha completed the pilgrimage. On the return journey to Kyoto, pilgrims either retraced their steps or took the mountainous Ogumotori-goe and Kogumotori-goe passes to Hongu.
Mizunomi-oji is known as a shrine with a water source. A stone monument was erected here in 1723 by the feudal lord of the Kishu domain (present-day Wakayama prefecture). There are also small stone Jizo statues to the left of the fountain.
Jizo is a Bodhisattva, or a being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others, and is one of the most popular deities in Japan. Jizo is the saviour and protector of children and travelers, but also takes on other forms of folk belief. The small Jizo on the right is spit horizontally in the middle. People put coins in the crack and pray for relief from their backaches.
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Hosshinmon-Oji / 熊野古道 中辺路・発心門王子～ 熊野本宮大社
和歌山県田辺市の熊野古道の中辺路・発心門王子から熊野本宮大社まで歩いてみました。
Kumano Kodo, Nakahechi route.
Hosshinmon-Oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha.
English guidance
#KumanoKodo #UNESCO #Japantrip #熊野古道
熊野古道 中辺路 発心門王子 Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes Hosshinmon-oji 2017年11月
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
The Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan's Imperial ancestors first began the tradition.
The classic pilgrimage circuit began in Kyoto at Jonan-gu shrine. From here, pilgrims took a boat down the Yodo-gawa River to Osaka, where they began their journey south to Tanabe. In Tanabe the trail turns east onto the Nakahechi route, which cuts deep into the heart of the mountains.
Takijiri-oji, one of the many Oji shrines, marks the entrance into the realm of Kumano and is a popular starting point for modern-day pilgrims. Takijiri-oji to Tsugizakura-ojipasses through the communities of Takahara and Chikatsuyu. From Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha there are many ups and downs on the trail before arriving at the shrine. Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe are routes running through Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring with 1800 years of history used for hot water ablution rites.
After paying tribute at Kumano Hongu Taisha, pilgrims travelled by boat down the Kumano-gawa River to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. A visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha completed the pilgrimage. On the return journey to Kyoto, pilgrims either retraced their steps or took the mountainous Ogumotori-goe and Kogumotori-goe passes to Hongu.
Hosshinmon-oji
hosshinmon-oji-4.jpgHosshinmon-oji is one of the most important sites on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route marking the outermost entrance into the divine precincts of the grand shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha. Historically, there were many gates along the Kumano Kodo that were physical markers of religious ritual stages, and Hosshinmon-oji is one of these important spiritual landmarks.
“Hosshin” means “spiritual awakening” or “aspiration to enlightenment” and “mon” means “gate”. Passage through this gate was a transformational rite marking initiatory death and rebirth in the Pure Land paradise.
熊野古道 中辺路 発心門王子 Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes Hosshinmon-oji 2017年11月
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
The Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan's Imperial ancestors first began the tradition.
The classic pilgrimage circuit began in Kyoto at Jonan-gu shrine. From here, pilgrims took a boat down the Yodo-gawa River to Osaka, where they began their journey south to Tanabe. In Tanabe the trail turns east onto the Nakahechi route, which cuts deep into the heart of the mountains.
Takijiri-oji, one of the many Oji shrines, marks the entrance into the realm of Kumano and is a popular starting point for modern-day pilgrims. Takijiri-oji to Tsugizakura-ojipasses through the communities of Takahara and Chikatsuyu. From Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha there are many ups and downs on the trail before arriving at the shrine. Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe are routes running through Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring with 1800 years of history used for hot water ablution rites.
After paying tribute at Kumano Hongu Taisha, pilgrims travelled by boat down the Kumano-gawa River to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. A visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha completed the pilgrimage. On the return journey to Kyoto, pilgrims either retraced their steps or took the mountainous Ogumotori-goe and Kogumotori-goe passes to Hongu.
Hosshinmon-oji
hosshinmon-oji-4.jpgHosshinmon-oji is one of the most important sites on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route marking the outermost entrance into the divine precincts of the grand shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha. Historically, there were many gates along the Kumano Kodo that were physical markers of religious ritual stages, and Hosshinmon-oji is one of these important spiritual landmarks.
“Hosshin” means “spiritual awakening” or “aspiration to enlightenment” and “mon” means “gate”. Passage through this gate was a transformational rite marking initiatory death and rebirth in the Pure Land paradise.
熊野古道 中辺路 発心門王子 Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes Hosshinmon-oji 2017年11月
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
The Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan's Imperial ancestors first began the tradition.
The classic pilgrimage circuit began in Kyoto at Jonan-gu shrine. From here, pilgrims took a boat down the Yodo-gawa River to Osaka, where they began their journey south to Tanabe. In Tanabe the trail turns east onto the Nakahechi route, which cuts deep into the heart of the mountains.
Takijiri-oji, one of the many Oji shrines, marks the entrance into the realm of Kumano and is a popular starting point for modern-day pilgrims. Takijiri-oji to Tsugizakura-ojipasses through the communities of Takahara and Chikatsuyu. From Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha there are many ups and downs on the trail before arriving at the shrine. Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe are routes running through Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring with 1800 years of history used for hot water ablution rites.
After paying tribute at Kumano Hongu Taisha, pilgrims travelled by boat down the Kumano-gawa River to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. A visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha completed the pilgrimage. On the return journey to Kyoto, pilgrims either retraced their steps or took the mountainous Ogumotori-goe and Kogumotori-goe passes to Hongu.
Hosshinmon-oji
hosshinmon-oji-4.jpgHosshinmon-oji is one of the most important sites on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route marking the outermost entrance into the divine precincts of the grand shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha. Historically, there were many gates along the Kumano Kodo that were physical markers of religious ritual stages, and Hosshinmon-oji is one of these important spiritual landmarks.
“Hosshin” means “spiritual awakening” or “aspiration to enlightenment” and “mon” means “gate”. Passage through this gate was a transformational rite marking initiatory death and rebirth in the Pure Land paradise.
熊野古道 中辺路 発心門王子 Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes Hosshinmon-oji 2017年11月
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
The Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan's Imperial ancestors first began the tradition.
The classic pilgrimage circuit began in Kyoto at Jonan-gu shrine. From here, pilgrims took a boat down the Yodo-gawa River to Osaka, where they began their journey south to Tanabe. In Tanabe the trail turns east onto the Nakahechi route, which cuts deep into the heart of the mountains.
Takijiri-oji, one of the many Oji shrines, marks the entrance into the realm of Kumano and is a popular starting point for modern-day pilgrims. Takijiri-oji to Tsugizakura-ojipasses through the communities of Takahara and Chikatsuyu. From Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha there are many ups and downs on the trail before arriving at the shrine. Dainichi-goe and Akagi-goe are routes running through Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring with 1800 years of history used for hot water ablution rites.
After paying tribute at Kumano Hongu Taisha, pilgrims travelled by boat down the Kumano-gawa River to Kumano Hayatama Taisha. A visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha completed the pilgrimage. On the return journey to Kyoto, pilgrims either retraced their steps or took the mountainous Ogumotori-goe and Kogumotori-goe passes to Hongu.
Hosshinmon-oji
hosshinmon-oji-4.jpgHosshinmon-oji is one of the most important sites on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route marking the outermost entrance into the divine precincts of the grand shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha. Historically, there were many gates along the Kumano Kodo that were physical markers of religious ritual stages, and Hosshinmon-oji is one of these important spiritual landmarks.
“Hosshin” means “spiritual awakening” or “aspiration to enlightenment” and “mon” means “gate”. Passage through this gate was a transformational rite marking initiatory death and rebirth in the Pure Land paradise.