About Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes that Heal the Heart, Spun by Nature and History

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, and is the collective name for sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in Wakayama, Nara, and Mie prefectures in Japan. The area consists of three sacred sites (Kumano Sanzan, Koyasan, and Yoshino-Omine) and a pilgrimage route connecting them, offering visitors a deep sense of Japan's religious culture and Shugendo history from ancient to medieval times.

As a tourist destination, the Kii Mountains are characterized by a mystical atmosphere that blends nature and culture. The Kii mountain range is surrounded by deep forests, clear streams, and beautiful mountains, and the sacred sites and pilgrimage routes scattered throughout the area offer tranquility and healing to visitors. In particular, the Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route that has continued since ancient times, and is a historical path that many pilgrims have walked along. By walking this path, visitors can feel the thoughts and feelings of the pilgrims of the past.

As for recommendations, the first thing to do is to visit the Kumano Sanzan (three mountains). The three shrines, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha, each have different charms, and the Nachi Falls in particular are breathtakingly beautiful. Koyasan is also known as the sacred site of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, and is home to a number of important religious facilities, including Okunoin and Kongobuji temples. Here, visitors can also stay in lodgings and taste vegetarian cuisine.

In the Yoshino-Omine region, Yoshino-yama is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. Yoshinoyama is a sight to behold with its 30,000 cherry trees in full bloom, attracting many tourists. Omine is also known as a sacred place for Shugendo (mountain asceticism), and visitors can experience ascetic training to strengthen their body and mind by climbing steep mountain paths.

Walking along the pilgrimage route, visitors can experience the scenery and culture of ancient Japan. In particular, the Nakaheji and Kobeji paths of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes offer an unforgettable experience for visitors as they walk through beautiful natural surroundings.

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range is a tourist attraction that combines nature, history, and culture, providing visitors with deep emotions and healing.