A journey to achieve inner peace, spiritual fulfilment, or a deeper connection with nature is best encountered in solitude, away from every distraction. The Kumano Kodo Iseji Route is one of the few pilgrimage journeys that invite you to savour an authentic and spiritual experience trodding the lesser-travelled path of the Kumano Kodo.
Walk with us over this piece as we uncover the Iseji’s journey, from where it begins to where it ends, and all the wonders that lie along its awe-inspiring stretch. Explore our collection of Kumano Kodo Walking Adventures from self-guided to guided or private guided walks.
Photo credit: Kanisorn Pringthongfoo
Where It All Begins: The Sacred Starting Point
The Iseji Route traces its course from the revered city of Ise, home to the majestic Ise Jingu, the most sacred shrine in Japan, established over 2,000 years ago. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, Ise Jingu is considered the spiritual centre of Japan. The Naiku (Inner Shrine), believed to house Amaterasu's sacred mirror, is the starting point of your journey. This ancient sanctuary is reconstructed every 20 years as part of a Shinto ritual known as Shikinen Sengu, with the most recent reconstruction occurring in 2013, radiating a timeless reverence with its thatched roofs peeking through towering cryptomeria trees.
For those willing to tread the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route, the path begins here, where the serene atmosphere is set by the rustling leaves in the wind, the soft murmur of nearby streams, and the sense of history that flows through the shrine grounds.
As you depart from Ise, the journey unfolds like a living tapestry through rural landscapes, ancient forests, and the dramatic coastlines of Japan’s Kii Peninsula. The Iseji Route is a key branch of the larger Kumano Kodo, connecting the sacred Ise Grand Shrine to the mystical Kumano Sanzan—the three grand shrines of Kumano cradled deep within the Kii mountains.
Finishing in Sacred Kumano
Following days of treading challenging mountain passes, coastal trails, and lush forests, the route finally finds its end in the spirit-rich region of Kumano, at the three shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. These shrines have long remained a final destination for travellers and pilgrims seeking enlightenment and spiritual purification.
- Kumano Hongu Taisha
The spiritual heart of the pilgrimage, Kumano Hongu Taisha sits at the head of the sacred Kumano River. Here, pilgrims purify themselves in the river before making offerings at the shrine. The shrine’s atmosphere is solemn and profound, with its massive torii gate marking the entrance to a place that feels like it exists between worlds—the physical and the spiritual.
- Nachi Waterfall
Another breathtaking destination near Kumano Nachi Taisha is Nachi no Taki, Japan’s tallest waterfall. At 133 metres, this majestic waterfall has long been revered as a sacred site. Watching the water cascade down from the heights above is mesmerising—a reminder of the raw power of nature and the ancient spiritual significance it holds.
Distances, Timing, and Practical Tips
Extending approximately 170 kilometres from start to finish, the Kumano Kodo Iseji Route requires about 7–14 days to complete, depending on your pace and the sections you choose to walk. Many modern pilgrims find it beneficial to break the journey into smaller sections, allowing ample time to rest in the small villages and ryokan inns that dot the route.
While en route, you will find a variety of landscapes on the Iseji Route, stretching from mountain passes to coastal regions, with multiple access points for those who prefer to cover only parts of the pilgrimage. Should you prefer a shorter expedition, you can hop on express tours that can be completed in fewer days, focusing on the key highlights.
A Journey of the Soul
The Kumano Kodo Iseji Route may not be as frequented as some of the other paths in the Kumano network, but it offers a perfect balance of challenge, serenity, and nature. With fewer crowds encountered along the way, the journey appeals to the senses with an authentic and traditional vibe through this spiritual land.
So, we invite you to embark, connect with the ancient spirit of the land, and relish a journey of the soul through the spiritual heartland of Japan’s Kii Peninsula.
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