Kumano Sanzan, the Japanese mythical pilgrimage listed as UNESCO World Heritage

09 Oct 2019

Nestled in the mountains of the Kii peninsula, about an hour from Osaka, you will find the group of shrines called Kumano Sanzan in the middle of Japan's most sacred pilgrimage. It includes Hongu Taisha, Taichi Taisha and Hayatama Taisha which are each connected by paths approximately 20 to 40 kilometers long. The road is also the only pilgrimage to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage with that of Camino de Santiago.

The Toori of Hongu

This sacred route has indeed attracted pilgrims for more than 1000 years but it is considered that the place was in fact already a place of worship during Japanese prehistory, where nature was venerated. During the 10th century, with the expansion of Buddhism, the place was reconverted and has been worshipping the two main religions of Japan eversince, being thus an excellent example of Shinbutsu-shugo, the fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism in the same place. In the 15th century, the road became so popular that it was nicknamed "The Pilgrimage of Ants to Kumano" because the large number of people walking from afar creating the illusion of a giant anthill.

The stone steps of the pilgrimage

Many Japanese people see this as an opportunity to recharge their batteries by doing some forest baths or taking advantage of the many onsens (hot volcanic springs) around the village of Hongu, including Yunomine Onsen, rich in history of at least 1800 years old. Among the other treasures nature has to offer are the Nachi waterfall, one of Japan's most famous waterfalls, which offers a magnificent view as a pagoda was intentionally built not far from the waterfall. . The latter is mentioned in the Heike Monogatari, one of the masterpieces of medieval Japanese literature.

The hot spring village of Yumine Onsen

In addition to the beautiful sanctuaries that will unravel along the walk, many festivals are held throughout the year, the most impressive of them being certainly the Kumano Oto Matsuri during which about 2000 men dressed in white go down the 538 steps Hayatama Taisha with torches, giving the impression of a river of fire descending from the sanctuary. This festival, whose history seems to go back more than 1400 years, takes place at the time of the new year according to the lunar calendar, and its date can vary from one year to another.