Exploring Japan’s Sacred Serenity: From Trails to Temples
Embark on a journey beyond the bustling cities of Japan and immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of the country’s sacred spaces. Venture along the revered Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, engage in meditative moments with monks, and savor the flavors of regional cuisine. Rooted in the rich tapestry of Japanese Shinto traditions, where the divine essence is believed to reside within every facet of nature, this awe-inspiring experience unveils a profound respect for the interconnectedness of the world.
Throughout Japan, a multitude of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, nestled amid lush forests and perched atop majestic mountains, stand as testaments to the harmonious union between the earth and the spiritual realm. These hallowed grounds beckon visitors seeking profound cultural encounters. Enrich your next sojourn to the Land of the Rising Sun by adding these sacred sanctuaries to your itinerary.
The Kumano Kodo: An Ancient Pilgrimage Within the picturesque Wakayama Prefecture’s Kumano region, a spiritual heartland has thrived for over a millennium. Just a short journey from Osaka or Kyoto via express trains, this captivating locale boasts rugged mountains, verdant forests, and enchanting waterfalls. During the Heian period (794-1185), Japanese royalty and aristocracy embarked on a 40-day pilgrimage from the ancient capital of Kyoto to Kumano, in pursuit of purification. Today, the Kumano Kodo stands as one of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrimage routes worldwide, spanning a remarkable 621-mile network of seven main trails that connect urban centers to the region’s three principal shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha – collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan.
The trails of the Kumano Kodo meander through breathtaking natural wonders, including the revered Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall, a towering cascade reaching a height of 436 feet, revered as a divine Shinto deity. To embrace tranquility and avoid crowds, consider visiting during the serene autumn months when the ancient woodlands adorn themselves in vibrant hues. “When in Japan, spending time walking amidst the mountains holds great significance,” emphasizes Catherine Heald, owner of Remote Lands, an esteemed tour company specializing in Japanese travel. “Much like immersing oneself in onsen hot springs, being at one with nature brings forth cleansing of the body, mind, and soul.”
Take respite amidst the trails of Kumano Kodo, finding solace in meditation and reflection.
Each path within the Kumano Kodo offers a unique experience, allowing travelers to embark on short strolls or multi-day treks. The Nakahechi route spans 43 miles, commencing in Tanabe on the west coast of the Wakayama Prefecture. Virtuoso advisors can expertly arrange knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and rejuvenating onsen experiences along the way. For those seeking a more challenging endeavor, the Kohechi route stretches 40 miles, culminating atop the mystical Mount Koya. As an extraordinary reward, a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple complex welcomes weary hikers to spend a night in its sacred quarters. This spiritual sojourn includes savoring wild mountain vegetables and sampling koyadofu, the region’s traditional freeze-dried tofu, presented in delectable shojin ryori Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Furthermore, guests have the unique opportunity to partake in morning meditation sessions, chanting harmoniously with the resident monks.
Indulge in the serenity of Japan’s sacred landscapes, as you traverse the remarkable Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, embracing the harmonious connection between nature and the divine. This profound journey promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul, offering moments of tranquility, self-reflection, and cultural immersion.
.
Discovering Sacred Connections: Trails to Temples in Japan :
Immerse yourself in the profound spiritual journey offered by the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, where each path presents a unique experience for travelers. Whether you choose to embark on a brief exploration or spend several days trekking, this remarkable route unveils the majestic beauty of Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture. Virtuoso advisors are adept at organizing expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and rejuvenating onsen experiences along the 43-mile Nakahechi route, which commences in Tanabe on the prefecture’s west coast. For the more adventurous hikers, the rigorous 40-mile Kohechi route leads to the mystical Mount Koya, rewarding them with an overnight stay at a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple complex. This extraordinary spiritual sojourn encompasses indulging in the region’s traditional koyadofu dishes, sampling wild mountain vegetables, and engaging in morning meditation sessions while harmonizing with the resident monks.
The Kumano Kodo also offers an opportunity for intrepid travelers to connect the Kumano Sanzan with the revered Ise Jingu complex. Stretching across the Kii Peninsula in northeastern Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu is home to 125 shrines and holds great significance. The Naiku, Ise Jingu’s inner shrine, is believed to house the spirit of the sun goddess Amaterasu, a supreme deity in Shinto religion and revered ancestor of Japanese emperors. The Edo era witnessed one in ten Japanese people embarking on a pilgrimage to Ise Jingu, and to this day, it attracts over 8 million visitors annually.
Your sacred arrival at Ise Jingu commences with a symbolic walk across the Ujibashi Bridge, a remarkable 334-foot cypress structure spanning the Isuzu River. Adorned with grand wooden torii arches at each end, signifying the transition from the earthly realm to the spiritual realm, it is customary to pass beneath the torii along the sides of the bridge, allowing space for the gods. Ascending wide stone steps beyond the bridge, you will reach the solemn sanctuary of Naiku, with its distinctive peaked rooftop visible behind four rows of fences. Every two decades, Ise Jingu’s principal structures are meticulously dismantled and reconstructed using 12,000 cypress logs, symbolizing the Shinto belief in the cyclical renewal of nature. While access to certain areas of Naiku is restricted, pilgrims can express their wishes at the gate. Virtuoso advisors can assist in timing your visit to coincide with some of the 1,500 annual rituals performed across the complex, focusing on prayers for peace, prosperity, and a fruitful harvest. Notably, January, April, and late September are particularly popular months for these rituals.
Embark on a soul-stirring exploration, traversing the trails of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and immersing yourself in the sacred serenity of Ise Jingu. Allow the harmonious connection between nature and spirituality to illuminate your journey, leaving an everlasting imprint on your heart and mind.
Unveiling the Bounties of the Sea and the Spiritual Majesty of Izumo Taisha :
Spanning over 600 miles of picturesque coastline, the Mie Prefecture is blessed with abundant gifts from the sea. Strolling through the streets surrounding Ise Jingu, you will encounter a delightful array of restaurants serving delectable ise-ebi (spiny lobster) and hand-caught abalone from the Shima coast. At the lantern-lined Okuno steakhouse, savor the melt-in-your-mouth marbled Matsusaka beef, a culinary gem of the region. Just thirty minutes west of Ise by train, you can witness the extraordinary talents of Mie’s traditional ama, the “sea women,” clad in white bodysuits and diving without scuba gear, as they demonstrate their free-diving skills in harvesting shellfish from the ocean around Mikimoto Pearl Island. Take a moment to explore the Mikimoto Pearl Museum, where you can marvel at its collection of pearl-, ruby-, and diamond-encrusted globes. Complete your visit by perusing the Pearl Plaza, where you’ll find exquisite cultured-pearl jewelry and souvenirs in enchanting ivory and rose hues.
Journeying to the lush forests of Shimane Prefecture, which overlook the Sea of Japan, a one-hour flight west from Osaka or a 90-minute flight from Tokyo will lead you to the awe-inspiring Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. This sacred sanctuary pays homage to Okuninushi, revered as the creator of the Japanese archipelago. Mentioned in texts dating back to the 700s, Izumo Taisha holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest shrine.
While Izumo Taisha attracts visitors throughout the year, November holds special significance as it is believed that eight million Shinto gods gather here for a celestial conference that lasts an entire week. The grand Kamiari Festival, illuminated by magnificent bonfires, draws crowds of devotees who come to seek blessings and good fortune. As you arrive, a path lined with majestic 400-year-old cedar trees guides you to the main hall, adorned with a colossal straw rope known as a shimenawa. This awe-inspiring decoration, measuring 42 feet in length and weighing five tons, symbolizes the presence of the gods.
Indulge in the coastal treasures and immerse yourself in the spiritual magnificence of Izumo Taisha. Experience the harmony of the sea’s bounty and the sacred rituals, creating memories that will linger in your heart long after your visit.
During the Kamiari Festival, a remarkable event that aligns with the buckwheat harvest season, visitors have the opportunity to savor a cherished culinary delight: Izumo soba noodles. These noodles, renowned for their delightful chewiness and enticing nutty fragrance, are crafted from buckwheat flour. At Izumo Soba Kizuki, you can experience the regional specialty in two enticing variations. Indulge in a bowl of cold soba noodles, elegantly presented warigo-style and often adorned with nori seaweed, shredded radish, or green onion. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the comforting warmth of kamaage-style soba served in a flavorful broth. To enhance this gastronomic experience, complement your meal with the perfect sake pairing, as the flavors harmonize exquisitely.