Exploring the Sacred Trails of Kumano Kodo

Day 6: Echoes in Caves and Footsteps on Sacred Trails

Today was a beautiful blend of exploring the earth's hidden artistry and treading along paths walked by countless pilgrims. It's amazing how each day on the Kumano Kodo brings such diverse experiences, enriching our understanding of this region's natural and spiritual significance. I'm so glad Daniel is here to share these moments with me.

Our morning started with a hearty breakfast at KUMANOYASAI CAFE. This cozy cafe, nestled along the Kumano Kodo, is run by the warm and friendly owner, Shino. The emphasis is on fresh, local ingredients, and they offer everything from scrumptious pastries to invigorating coffee. I enjoyed a bagel lunch set which included coffee and a freshly baked filled bagel, fresh salad with homemade dressing, pickles and soup. It was the perfect fuel for the day's adventures ahead. It's these little gems that make traveling so special; stumbling upon a place where the food is delicious and the atmosphere is just right.


Discover tranquility at Kumonoyasai Cafe - where authentic flavors meet stunning nature along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail.

After breakfast, we set off to explore the Totsui Limestone Cave. This cave was formed over 250 million years ago and is relatively small, with tunnels extending only about 100 meters. It's the only limestone cave in the Wakayama Prefecture. Inside, we were treated to an up-close view of stunning stalactites. The temperature inside the cave remains around 15°C throughout the year, making it a cool escape from the summer heat. It felt like stepping into another world, with the quiet drip of water and the ancient formations surrounding us. Daniel, ever the curious one, was fascinated by the geology, while I was captivated by the serene, almost ethereal atmosphere. It was a fun, quick subterranean stroll.


Discover the enchanting Totsui Limestone Cave in Wakayama, a natural wonder filled with stunning rock formations and rich geological history.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and today, each step felt like a connection to centuries of pilgrims who came before us.

Next on our itinerary was the Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route. This route, also known as the Imperial Route, was used by emperors and nobles from the 10th century onwards. The Nakahechi Route is the most popular of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. We only hiked a portion of it today, but it was enough to feel the spiritual weight of this ancient path. The trail meandered through forests and small villages. The path is well-marked with signs in both Japanese and English. The air was thick with the scent of cedar and the sound of cicadas. We passed several Oji shrines along the way.


Explore the Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a blend of breathtaking nature and rich cultural heritage in Wakayama, Japan.

For lunch, we decided to try Hinoki Steak House. This steakhouse opened in 1972 and is run by the second-generation owner. Their flagship item is a hamburg made from 100% local high-quality “Kumano” beef. I opted for the Kumano beef hamburger steak, while Daniel chose the Katsuura tuna steak. The hamburger steak was truly exquisite.


Experience the exquisite flavors of premium steaks at Hinoki Steak House in Nachikatsuura - where every bite is crafted with care.

As evening approached, we found ourselves at Wine Kumano. This wine bar specializes in natural wine, craft beer, and coffee. It's a stylish place where you can enjoy wine and craft beer. They offer a multi-course vegetarian meal that can be made vegan. We enjoyed a glass of local wine as we reflected on the day's adventures. It was the perfect way to unwind and savor the memories we had created.


Experience authentic local cuisine and exquisite wines at Wine Kumano, a must-visit restaurant in Wakayama for food and wine lovers.

For dinner, we decided on Akihei. This Japanese restaurant offers vegan options available. I had a vegan bento box, and Daniel had a traditional Japanese meal. The staff was very accommodating and prepared the meal quickly. It was a delicious and satisfying end to a day filled with exploration and reflection.


Discover the essence of Japanese culinary art at Akihei in Tanabe - where tradition meets flavor in every exquisite dish.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Yoshino Kumano National Park and the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center. I'm particularly excited about visiting the Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand shrines. We might also stop by Toretore Market for some local souvenirs.

Today was a reminder of why we embarked on this journey in the first place—to connect with nature, history, and each other. The Kumano Kodo is more than just a hike; it's a pilgrimage of the soul.

Looking forward to sharing more adventures with you all!