Kumano Kodo Holidays

Not many pilgrimage trails can claim to be UNESCO World Heritage-recognised (only one other, in fact), but Japan’s Kumano Kodo is no ordinary route. Located in Honshu’s mystical Kii Peninsula, this ancient network of trails has been in use for over 1,000 years, connecting sacred sites across the region. Far from being a means of just getting from A to B, the Kumano Kodo is a sacred experience in itself. Winding through knotted forests, over undulating mountains, along coastal paths and past towering waterfalls, following the Kumano Kodo is to follow in the footsteps of emperors, aristocrats and artisans of a bygone era. A holiday to the fairytale-like Kii Peninsula allows you to journey into the spiritual heart of Japan. You can travel as much or as little of the lattice-like paths as you want, but a must-do is the magical trio of Shinto shrines known as the Kumano Sanzan: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha. Read more