JAPANESE CULTURAL PILGRIMAGE

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Explore this fascinating country by joining the locals on their UNESCO trails for this adventurous cultural immersion of lodgings, customs and foods
  • Explore the magical city of temples and gardens of Kyoto with our local friends
  • Village to village walking on enchanting sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail
  • Enjoy wonderful views over the valleys, mountains and the Pacific Ocean
  • Stay at an authentic Shukubo pilgrims' lodging on Mount Koya
  • Bathe in the thermal waters at hot-spring inns
  • See the atmospheric grand shrines at Hongu and Shingu
  • Stay in a Buddhist temple and participate in morning rituals
  • Limited to 6 for an intimate adventure. Many inns too small for more. Register early!

DESCRIPTION:

Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō) refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. The Kodo ("old ways") are a key part of the region's UNESCO designation, and have been in use for over 1000 years. They are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site.

The pilgrimage routes developed as a way for people to move between the sacred areas on the Kii Peninsula. At the center of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan.

By the 12th century, the Kumano Sanzan were well known shrines in Japan, drawing pilgrims from Kyoto, Osaka and beyond. More than just a means to reach the three shrines, the pilgrimage trails were designed to be a religious experience in themselves and often pass through difficult, even dangerous, mountain terrain.

The Kii Peninsula points south away from Kyoto and Osaka and is one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan, despite its proximity to these great cities. On the Kii Peninsula are the three Grand Shrines of Kumano, pilgrimage destinations for successive emperors and their families from Kyoto since the 11th century. Our walk focuses on both the Nakahechi-do and Kohechi-do, weaving through forested mountains and small villages first towards the Grand Shrine of Hongu and then onwards to the mountain-top temple complex of Mount Koya.

In addition, we start by exploring the fabled city of Kyoto with our Japanese friends for two days. We need to limit to 6 people as some of the lodging are very limited; this also necessitates early registration.

Meets in Osaka, Japan
Saturday, May 25th - Sunday, June 9th, 2024
Cost: $4,400/person. $1,500 deposit to register

To Register - Call Now! Contact the PPS office at 585-346-5597!


Request an information packet for complete information on this adventure