About
Kumano is a sacred region in the Kansai area of Japan, set in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. It is known for its ancient pilgrimage routes, known as the Kumano Kodo, and for its mountain temples, which give the area a strong spiritual character. The name is also written 熊野.
What draws visitors
The Kumano Kodo is the reason most people come. These routes have been walked for centuries by pilgrims making their way to the region's shrines, and they are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for the cultural landscape they pass through. Walking even a section of the trail gives a direct sense of how pilgrimage has shaped this part of Japan.
What a visit feels like
Kumano suits travellers who want a slower, more reflective trip. The appeal lies in the mountain setting and in the temples that sit within it, rather than in a crowded city schedule. Visitors who enjoy walking, quiet places and the atmosphere of older religious traditions will likely find it rewarding.
Planning your trip
- The region lies within the Kansai Region, so it can be reached as part of a wider trip around western Japan.
- Plan for walking on mountain paths, and allow time to move between routes and temples.
- Choose sections of the Kumano Kodo to suit your fitness and the time you have available.
Kumano is best approached as a place to walk, pause and take in its sacred landscape. Those interested in Japan's religious and pilgrimage history will find it especially worth the journey.
