A Family Pilgrimage through Kumano Kodo: Exploring Japan's Sacred Trails

Echoes of Ancient Footsteps

Today was a day of embracing the physical challenges and savoring the simple joys that the Kumano Kodo offers. It was a day filled with steep climbs, breathtaking vistas, and the comforting reward of delicious meals. Each step deeper into the mountains felt like a step back in time, connecting us to the pilgrims of old who traversed these same paths seeking spiritual solace.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Kumano Kodo Omotenashi-Kan. Fueling up was essential, as Elena and I knew we had a long day of hiking ahead of us. Miguel, ever the energetic one, was practically bouncing with anticipation. The Omotenashi-Kan was charming, decorated in a historical style that I found particularly appealing. I was fascinated to learn that they make their own Mehari-zushi, a type of sushi wrapped in pickled mustard leaf. Elena found the mustard leaf a bit strong, but I enjoyed the unique flavor. We also had udon noodles with chicken, which was a delightful and fortifying start to our day.


Discover Kumano Kodo Omotenashi-Kan: A charming cafe offering delicious coffee and local cuisine along Japan's historic pilgrimage route.

With our stomachs full, we set off to tackle the Shiomi-togego'e Mountain Pass Crossing. The trail was challenging, with steep inclines that tested our endurance. I must admit, there were moments when I questioned my ability to make it to the top, but the stunning views kept us motivated. The fresh mountain air was invigorating, and the lush landscapes provided a serene backdrop to our trek. Miguel, of course, bounded ahead, his youthful energy seemingly boundless. Elena and I took a more measured pace, stopping frequently to catch our breath and admire the scenery. I tried to capture the beauty with my camera, hoping to preserve these memories for years to come, but a photograph can never truly capture the feeling of being there, surrounded by such natural splendor.


Discover the breathtaking hiking trails of Shiomi-togego'e Mountain Pass Crossing in Wakayama, where nature's beauty meets adventure.

The Kumano Kodo is more than just a trail; it's a journey through time, a connection to the past, and a celebration of the present.

As we continued our hike, we reached the Kumano-Kodo Shimizu-toge Pass. This section of the trail offered even more breathtaking vistas. The panoramic views were simply awe-inspiring, and we paused to take it all in. It's moments like these that make all the physical exertion worthwhile. Seeing the landscape stretch out before us, feeling the cool breeze on our faces, and knowing that we were walking in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who came before us – it was truly humbling. I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such a special place with my family.


Discover breathtaking views and spiritual trails at Kumano-Kodo Shimizu-toge Pass, a must-visit hiking destination in Wakayama, Japan.

By lunchtime, we had worked up quite an appetite. We made our way to Hinoki Steak House, eager to try their highly-rated Kumano beef. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. I ordered the top-of-the-range steak, cooked teppanyaki style, and it was absolutely divine. The beef was tender and flavorful, and the grilled squid, prawns, and vegetables that accompanied it were cooked to perfection. Elena opted for the hamburger steak, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Miguel, always eager to try new things, devoured his meal with gusto. It was just the fuel we needed to continue our journey.


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

As the day wound down, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink at Kumano Winery Guest House/Dal Chef’s Table. This place was a delightful surprise. It's an Italian restaurant and guesthouse run by a chef named Giovanni. It felt a world away from the traditional Japanese setting we had been immersed in. Giovanni came to Japan in 2013 and eventually opened his guesthouse, which has a vineyard and grows its own vegetables. The setting was beautiful, with views of Tanabe Bay. We sampled some of their homemade wine and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. It was a perfect way to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.


Experience the serene charm of Kumano Winery Guest House, where Italian cuisine meets local winemaking in the heart of Wakayama's stunning countryside.

For dinner, we chose Takehara, a restaurant known for its seafood. Being close to the port, the seafood was incredibly fresh. I opted for the tuna sashimi, which was some of the best I’ve ever had. The portions were generous, and the tuna was incredibly fresh. Elena tried a local specialty, a tuna set meal, and she was equally impressed. Miguel, of course, ordered everything he could get his hands on. The restaurant itself was cozy and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. It was the perfect way to end our day of hiking and exploration.


Experience authentic Japanese seafood in Takehara – where fresh ingredients meet exquisite culinary craftsmanship.

As I sit here reflecting on the day, I am filled with a sense of contentment. The Kumano Kodo has a way of stripping away the stresses of modern life and connecting you to something deeper. The physical challenges of the hike, the stunning natural beauty, and the delicious local cuisine all combine to create an unforgettable experience. I am so grateful to be sharing this journey with my family. It's creating memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.

Tomorrow marks the final day of our Kumano Kodo adventure. We plan to visit Kumano Kodo Park and the Kumano Kodo Information Center. We'll also enjoy breakfast at Sansaro Cafe, lunch at Tororoya, and a farewell dinner at Akihei. Before we leave, we will visit the Triple Kumano Kodo JAPAN shop to pick up some souvenirs. It's bittersweet to think that our pilgrimage is coming to an end, but I know that the memories and experiences we've gained here will stay with us long after we've returned home.

I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings, and I’m already looking forward to sharing our final day on the Kumano Kodo with you all. Perhaps we'll find some sunscreen, which I regrettably forgot to pack, along the way!