Kumano Kodo Iseji Route, Mie

Slightly unusual paths of pilgrimage

Although there is a way of various pilgrimages in all areas of Japan, but slightly unusual paths of pilgrimage like “start point and goal point, both of those are sacred places” is the “Kumano Kodo Iseji Route.” It is a way of approximately 170 kilometers in total length to link two sacred places called Kumano Sanzan (three major shrines, Kumano-Hongu-Taisha, Kumano-Hayatama-Taisha and Kumano-Nachi-Taisha) to Ise Grand Shrine.
It is a course of the common people for the pilgrim who finished worship to Ise Grand Shrine to aim at Kumano.

Most extravagant pilgrimage way in Japan

There are globally few pilgrimage way that both start and goal in the paths are the sacred place. Generally, the style which a pilgrimage way has one holy place in the destination, or turns around many small holy places in order is almost the case. it may be able to be called most extravagant pilgrimage way in Japan which start from Ise Grand Shrine to Kumano Sanzan of the goal.

Rare example of roads registered as a word heritage site

In 2004, Kumano Kodo Iseji Route was registered as a world heritage site (cultural heritage) of UNESCO, as “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” It is a rare example of roads which have been registered as a word heritage site, along with “Santiago de Compostela” (Spain).

It make Japanese people feel nostalgia

The stone pavement and the wood of the Japan cedar which surround them, or the hinoki will make a good picture. Moreover, the scene of the sea which is visible from a peak, and the traditional house in Japan which stands in a line in a colony make Japanese people feel nostalgia. Of course, a life of people glimpse from there, and the interaction with people on a journey are also attractive.

Impression beyond the imagination

While this way was a way of the pilgrimage, it was also a way of the life that indispensable to the residents who live there. Kumano Kodo Iseji Route where a living and faith are close together leaning on each other.
The way of a prayer in which people have traveled from ancient times for approximately 1,000 years. At the point which kept walking, an impression beyond the imagination will be surely waiting.

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