And then there it
This post is part of my notes on hiking the Kumano Kodo as part of my Japan trip. Read other hiking notes as well.
Goodbye Tanabe, hello Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo Map Kumano Kodo Start Kumano Kodo Start Kumano Kodo Start Kumano Kodo Start
A short bus ride from Tanabe brought me to Takijiri, the starting point of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route. A visitors center and the first of many shirines and gateways mark the start of the trail.
A first introduction to the rules of the Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo Typical Sign Kumano Kodo Sign Kumano Kodo Shrines Kumano Kodo Cairns Kumano Kodo Beautiful Roads
The first kilometers are the first introduction to the rules of the Kumano Kodo. The superb signage. The large wooden signs. The
But first, the climb. A steep climb brings me to the top of the hill. It is a preview of the even tougher climbs I will face in the next few days. The climb between Hongu Taisha and Yunomine but above all the tough climb from Koguchi (probably in my top 5 of toughest climbs, together with Fimmvörðuháls in Iceland and one of the climbs on the Jordan Trail between Dana and Petra).
But the views are amazing. Green forests as far as you can see.
And then, after a few more kilometers, the first village, looking out over the rice fields. The village is home to one of the tens of vending machines you will encounter on the trail – perfect to restock on drinks.
The woods that come after remind me of my home country of Belgium and the Ardennes region. Green, loads of trees, small streams crossed by wooden bridges.
Minshuku Nonaka Sanso
Kumano Kodo Descent Kumano Kodo Great food
At the end of the day, I descended on a steep descent into the valley towards the Nonaka Sanso. Minshuku Nonaka Sanso is a family run guesthouse in the Nonaka area of Nakahechi village next to route 311. An annex cottage with an Irori hearth is the focus of the minshuku, where meals are sometimes taken. I had one of
A great preparation for my second day towards Hongu Taisha and Yunomine.
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