A Kumano Pilgrimage by Car

Behind the wheel along the Kumano River

Kenny King Hin Choi Nov 18, 2015 - 1 min read

Tiny villages are scattered on hills along the river

Near the mouth of the river at Shingu a stone tablet marks the beginning of the drive upstream

Traditional boats have been used by local people to transport themselves along the river

A lot of outdoor activities can be done on the Kumano River and its many branches

An indicator of the prestigious status of the river as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Some sections of the river are very shallow and covered extensively with stone bed

Behind the World Heritage Center in Kumano Hongu Taisha, one could walk along the river banks  and admire the terrific creation of mother nature

The roads are relatively wide but pay attention on the corners

The Kumano River runs from Mount Omine in Nara south through Mie and Wakayama Prefectures towards the Pacific Ocean. It ends at Shingu, where Kumano Hayatamataisha, a starting/ending point for the Kumano pilgrimage routes, is located.

The mountainous landscape along the 183 kilometer course is stunningly beautiful. You can board a traditional wooden boat to experience the true essence of it, but even simply driving along it is an enjoyable experience. Mountain roads and breathtaking views of the river left me with an excellent memory of my travel in Kansai.

Kenny King Hin Choi @kenny.king.hin.choi

I had spend almost the last 10 years traveling to different corners of the world seldom reached by others as tourists. Iraq, Kosovo, Albania, Bangladesh and Ukraine are among many others. To see and smell a place first handedly is absoulutely differnt from reading and hearing from mass media. Jap...