Japan's Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage: Nakahechi, Koyasan, Kohechi, Iseji and Hongu trails

A guidebook to walking Japan’s UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, covering the Nakahechi, Choishimichi/Koyasan and Kohechi routes, as well as a Hongu loop, highlights of the Iseji route and shorter walks around Kumano Sanzan shrines. Since many of the trails involve steep ascents and descents, a moderate level of fitness is required.

Routes vary from 5 to 64km (3–40 miles) and crisscross the mountainous Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka. Some can be enjoyed in a single day or half-d...