Visit Wakayama

Above the old road that was once used as the national highway, there is a stone monument made of crystalline schist. It was built in 1723, and the words “Hisohara-oji” are engraved on its front.

Nonaka-no-Shimizu Spring is known for its exceptionally clear, pure water and is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Selected Famous Waters.

It is a short detour from the trail to Tsugizakura-oji, requiring you to leave the main route and walk downhill for a little while. If you have time, be sure to stop and visit.

Tsugizakura-oji is one of the oji shrines that still preserves the solemn atmosphere of the ancient Kumano Kodo.

Records from 1109 already mention the large trees growing beside the road here. This suggests that Tsugizakura-oji had already been established by that time, more than 900 years ago.

The small shrine of Nakagawa-oji appears to have disappeared at an early date. However, in the late 19th century, the site still covered about 100 square meters and was recognized as a small local shrine.

In 1908, Nakagawa-oji was moved and enshrined together with Chikano Shrine. The shrine then disappeared from this location.

After Kobiro-oji, you will need to cross two more mountain passes—Waraji Pass and Iwagami Pass—before reaching Mitsukoshi Pass. The trail becomes quite steep, with many ups and downs, so pace yourself and watch your footing.

After passing Kobiro-oji, follow the signs and leave the paved road to walk down through the forest. You will soon rejoin the paved road, where there is a restroom.

There are no restrooms for some distance beyond this point, so be sure to use it before continuing.

The name Kumasegawa-oji appears in only one old document, written around the end of the 13th century.

The place name “Kumasegawa” refers to the area near the starting point of the climb up Waraji Pass, so this is considered the most likely location of the former shrine. However, because the shrine is not mentioned in other historical records, some people believe that Kumasegawa-oji may have been the same shrine as Kobiro-oji. Others even question whether Kumasegawa-oji existed as a shrine at all.

Iwagami-oji became accessible to visitors again when the route over Iwagami Pass reopened in October 2025, for the first time in 14 years.

An old diary written by a nobleman during the Heian period, more than 900 years ago, also records the name “Iwagami” using the characters 石上

Yukawa-oji is located in a valley below Iwagami Pass, near the source of the Yukawa River. In the past, many pilgrims stopped here to rest or spend the night, and lodging was provided for members of the imperial family and other aristocrats.

The current shrine building was rebuilt in 1983.

There are restrooms and a covered rest area here, making it a good place to take a break.

On the way from Mitsukoshi Pass to Inohana-oji, you will come to a small shrine dedicated to Funadama-no-kami, the deity of boats.

The shrine is located just after the point where the trail splits, with one path leading toward the Akagi-goe route. The nearest restroom is just before the shrine, at this trail junction.

Inohana-oji is located beyond Funadama Shrine. From the forest road, follow the trail that branches off to the right and goes downhill.

Be careful not to miss the trail marker and accidentally continue straight along the forest road.

Hosshinmon-oji was one of the five most important oji shrines along the Kumano Kodo and was deeply respected by pilgrims. It was also considered the place where the sacred area of Kumano Hongu Taisha began.

An old diary written by a nobleman in 1109 mentions Hosshinmon-oji, so the shrine is believed to have already existed at that time.

At the back of the approach, you can see the remains of the old shrine building, marked by a stone foundation. A new shrine was recently built on this site.

This site was once home to a small elementary school. Today, a green schist monument monument stands here with the words “Mizunomi-oji” engraved on it.

Pilgrims traveled from all over Japan, crossing mountains and seas to reach Kumano. When they finally arrived here and caught their first glimpse of Kumano Hongu Taisha—located at what is now Oyunohara—beyond the mountain ridges, they are said to have knelt down and bowed deeply in worship.

This is why the place came to be called Fushiogami, meaning “to kneel down and worship.”

In front of the oji shrine, there is also the Fushiogami Chaya, a free rest area that sells drinks, light meals, and simple souvenirs. Restrooms are available as well, so why not take a break here?

Haraido-oji is the final oji shrine before reaching Kumano Hongu Taisha.

It is said that pilgrims stopped here to cleanse themselves and remove the impurities of their journey. They then prepared themselves spiritually before approaching the sacred area of Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Oyunohara was the original site of Kumano Hongu Taisha until a major flood in 1889. It is said to be the place where the gods descended, and in recent years it has become a popular spiritual power spot.

The giant torii gate, a symbol of Oyunohara, is an impressive sight. It stands approximately 34 meters high and 42 meters wide.

 Near Kumano Hongu Taisha, you will find three unique hot spring areas, each with its own distinctive atmosphere and accommodations: Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen, and Wataze Onsen.