Pop Japan

Kumano Kodo is a network of pilgrimage routes found in the southern Kansai region. Kumano Kodo and Camino de Santiago are the only pilgrimage routes to be registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These trails lead to the sacred site "Kumano Sanzan." At the center of the sacred site, three shrines can be found, namely: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, together they're known as Kumano Sanzan. 

The experience alone of walking along the routes is already a form of sacrifice as the trails are difficult and dangerous to pass through. These trails, namely Nakahechi, Ohechi, Iseji, Kohechi, and Omine Okugake, are also linked to other shrines such as Koyasan, Yoshino and Omine, and Ise, Japan's most important shrine.

Tags: kumano kodo, pilgrimage routes, kansai region, camino de santiago, unesco world heritage site, kumano sanzan, hongu taisha, hayatama taisha, nachi taisha, kohechi, omine okugake, koyasan, yoshino, omine, ise, japan