KUMANO KODO KOYA-SAN (MOUNT KOYA)

Cindy Day Atlanta, GA March 2017

KUMANO KODO Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Peninsula

Relationship with the Camino • Only two pilgrimages routes in the

world to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Route

• Both have been around for over 1000 years

•  Tanabe, largest city in the area, is a sister city to Santiago

• Dual Pilgrim program was established in 2015

Dual Pilgrimage Program • Recognizes those who have walked the two UNESCO

World Heritage pilgrimage routes

•  The Dual Pilgrim logo is a combination of a shell and the Yatagarasu.

• Celebrates the pilgrimages of the rising and setting sun - Shades of orange, often seen in beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Focus of Kumano Pilgrimage • Worship at three Kumano Grand Shrines (Kumano

Sanzan)

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Kumano Nachi Taisha

Where in Japan?

Routes

Terrain

Finding your way

Views

Ryokans

Stamps

Ojis • Subsidiary shrines of the

Kumano Grand Shrines •  Line the Kumano • Protect and guide pilgrims

•  Places of worship and rest

Praying at Ojis and Shrines • Drop a coin in the donation box in front of the shrine

• Ring the bell above the box • Bow twice and clap twice • Pray • Bow once more

Torii Gates •  Formalized gateways that

designate the entrance to a sacred area.

• Mark the division of the secular and the spiritual worlds.

• Always located at the entrance of Shinto shrines

Oyunahara, Hongu

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano-Gawa River

Kumano Hayatama Taisha

Kumano Nachi Taisha

Certificate of Completion

Dual Pilgrim Honor

Dual Pilgrimage Program •  Limited edition Dual Pilgrim pin •  Featured on www.spiritual-pilgrimages.com

Major differences from Camino •  Terrain • Shorter time and distances • Can walk in both directions • Can visit shrines in any order • No horses or bicycles • Once on the trail, few “exit” points • Requires advance planning and reservations • Pre-pay and take cash •  Luggage service

Planning Tips • Adjust daily distances for terrain • Be ready to get wet • Study the transit system • Be flexible about food – vegetarian means fish • Consider renting Hotspot for wireless internet •  Learn courtesy phrases • Research Japanese etiquette

•  Shoes •  Baths •  Not blowing your noses in public •  Cellphone in public transport – “manner mode”

Resources for planning Kumano Kodo

• World’s Best Unknown Hike: Japan’s Kumano Kodo http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/06/travel/japan-kumano-kodo-hike/

•  Tanabe City Kumano Travel Tourism Bureau •  www.tb-kumano.jp/en/

• Kumano Travel Reservation System •  Local, community-based initiative •  Model for rural tourism in Japan •  www.kumano-travel.com

• Video •  https://vimeo.com/124734606

Special thanks to Yosmar Martinez for sharing her Kumano Kodo slides

KOYA-SAN (MOUNT KOYA)

History • Settled in 819 by Kukai

(Kobo Daishi) • Headquarters of the

Koyasan Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism

•  2004 UNESCO World Heritage Site designation

Getting There •  From Osaka take the Nankai Railway to Gokukurakubashi • Cable car to the top of the mountain • Bus from cable car to lodging •  http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com

What’s There?

•  120 major temples, some

provide shukubo lodging for pilgrims

• Some of the greatest Buddhist art

• Shops, cafes, and restaurants

• Atmosphere of tranquility

Shojoshin-in

Morning Prayers

Okunoin

Kukai’s Mausoleum

Kongobuji Temple (head temple)

Daishi Kyokai Temple

Questions?