Marisa Vitale’s Field Notes from the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail
Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and by our ECT Clubhouse members. Get the lowdown on destinations across the globe from travelers and locals alike. This week, photographer, Marisa Vitale, shares her highlights and planning tips from the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail in Japan.
Hi all! My family and I are currently in our 9th month of our year around the world trip and our 5th week in Japan. I felt the need to reach out and write some field notes about the Kumano Kodo, a 4-day hiking pilgrimage trek in the Kii Peninsula of Japan. We all agreed this might have been the best trek we’ve ever done in our lives. And I’m not just saying that, we travel and trek a bunch and this was hands down one of the top ones around the world. I’d give it a 9.9 out of 10, only dropping in points because it was pretty strenuous at parts. But the landscape is unreal! Misty forests with trails traversing up and down ancient stone paths or tree roots, hidden shrines peeking out of thick forests, the most gorgeous and magical experience! Highly recommend it.
Stay
Kirinosato Takahara - Plan accommodation in advance! We did not do this and it made our path a little funky as we had to backtrack and even skip a part of the trail just to get to a place that had space to stay. The Kirinosato Takahara lodge I would highly recommend. The owner lived in Grenada, Spain for 4 years and will play flamenco guitar for you! His wife makes the most delicious meals that are all included and their onsen is a great way to unwind after a day of hiking.
Do
Yunomine Onsen - Make sure your accommodation has their own onsen or there is a public one nearby. Soaking in these hot waters is so healing for sore legs at the end of the day. There is the oldest onsen in Japan apparently at Yunomine Onsen pretty much in the middle point of the trek. Use their public onsen or buy some eggs and boil them in the public stream of hot water.
Do
Nachi Falls - The trek ends at the famous Nachi Falls, just in case you weren’t blown away enough with the magic of the forest trails. Catch this view with a grand pagoda to make the ultimate Japanese snapshot for your memories.
Also included in her notes:
A website she recommends for finding lodging along the way
General insights into tackling the trail to make sure you’re fully prepared for the experience
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