A quaint coastal town on the tip of the Kii peninsula in Mie Prefecture, Ise has been welcoming pilgrims to pay their respects at Japan’s holiest shrine for centuries.

Local culture is characterized by a deep sense of empathy and respect, from the easily digestible udon catering to weary pilgrims to the heavy shimenawa ropes that hang in front of doorways marking each home as a sacred space.

Ise Shrine

The Uji-bashi leading to the Naiku is said to be the bridge between the material and spirit worlds.

Ise shrine is the geographical and spiritual heart of Ise, making up around a fifth of its total area. It’s the most sacred Shinto site in Japan and is considered a spiritual place. Walking in silence beneath the sunlight filtering through thousand-year-old fragrant cypress trees, you can’t help but feel something special about Ise.

There are 125 shrine buildings spread across the temple grounds. It’s split into two parts: the Geku (outer shrine) and Naiku (inner shrine), so you’ll need to dedicate at least a half, if not full, day to exploring the area.

Entrance to both sections is well-signposted, and you can pick up a map at the stands outside the main entrance gates. Be sure to be respectful. The shrine’s sanctity is strictly observed.

Every 20 years, the shrine buildings of the Ise Jingu are taken down and rebuilt in a tradition known as Sengu no-gi.

Don’t expect to find any vending machines or food stalls once you’re inside, turn off your phone and use your indoor voice wherever possible – the atmosphere is so tranquil and contemplative you’ll find yourself whispering anyway.

Before you enter the shrine, you should cleanse yourself at the purification fountain near the entrance.

There are wooden ladles lined up; take one and fill with water, rinsing your left hand, then your right, followed by your mouth (sipping water from your hand, not the ladle, and spitting as delicately as you can into the drains at the bottom). At the Naiku, many pilgrims choose to wash in the Isuzu River’s crystal clear flow just over the other side of the Uji-bashi bridge.

Oharai Machi Street

Sample the local delicacies along the shopping street.

Spend some time exploring Oharai machi street, the original pilgrim’s pathway lined with traditional shops selling local specialties of akafuku mochi, panju and Ise udon. Stop at the Akafukumochi Main Store at the top of the street for some pre-shrine tea and sweets. 

The store starts lighting its ovens at 4 a.m. to serve early visitors to the shrine. Nearby is the Okage Yokocho, a bustling Edo-style market that recaptures the golden age of pilgrim culture in Ise.

Meoto Iwa

Pray for love at the ‘husband and wife’ rocks of the Meoto Iwa.

The Meoto Iwa, also known as “Wedded Rocks,” are two holy rocks just offshore connected by a thick shimenawa (sacred rope). Couples come here to pray for luck in love at the adjacent Futami Okitama shrine. Visit early if you’re visiting from May to July to view the sunrise exactly midway between the rocks.

Japanese history buffs can visit the Ise Azuchi Momayama Cultural Village close by for a chance to experience Edo life through ninja shows, rides and architecture. You can spy the gilded roof of the reconstructed Azuchi Castle from the road heading to the Meoto-Iwa.

Ise’s Historical Landmarks

Try to spot the gilded roof of the reconstructed Azuchi castle as you make your way around the area.

Along the seaside promenade leading to Futami, there are a couple of interesting sights. The Hinjitsukan is a former holiday home for the Imperial Family that has been turned into a cultural museum.

Next door the Iwatokan Hotel is also a salt plant, where you can watch artisans make pure salt to be offered at the shrine (or at your tempura plate.)

Dedicated shuttle buses ferry tourists to and from the major sites. You can also rent a bicycle for more freedom. Walking between points of interest is ambitious but doable. You can more access information at the Tourist Information Center just in front of Ise-shi station.

At the top of Mount Kanzan lies Chuson-ji Temple in northern Japan’s Iwate Prefecture. Housing the “Golden Pavilion” of the north, it’s a scenic spot that lets you experience a beautiful temple without the crowds and a few ancient surprises.

Konjikido Temple

Photo by: Pohan Chen Konjikido in winter.

The highlight of Chuson-ji is Konjikido Hall, founded in 1124. The small building is covered in gold and often compared to Kinkakuji, the world-famous Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. It showcases several forms of art and culture from the period it was constructed, such as lacquer work, metalwork, and pearl inlays.

Konjikido also houses the mummified remains of leaders of the Fujiwara Clan. Lord Kiyohira’s mummified body was placed under the central altar. The remains of his son, Motohira, were discovered below the northwest altar.

Photo by: lin Judy (快樂雲) Konjikido houses the mummified remains of the Fujiwara clan leaders.

Originally built outdoors and exposed to the elements, a second structure was built around Konjikido in 1288 for protection. Today, it is surrounded by glass within a concrete building, and photography of the interior is prohibited.

The Sankozo Museum, also called the Treasure Hall, opened in 2000 to preserve Chuson-ji’s historic treasures. More than 3,000 important cultural properties and national treasures are housed here, such as Buddhist statues, scriptures, and other relics that survived the devastating fire.

Chuson-ji history

Photo by: Yasunari(康就) Nakamura(中村) Every August, there is a performance at the temple’s Noh Theatre

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded by a Buddhist monk named Ennin in 850, known for studying Buddhism around Japan and recording a travelogue.

In the 12th century, Lord Kiyohara of the Fujiwara clan undertook a large-scale construction project to expand the temple in memory of the lives lost during previous wars. At its height, Chuson-ji had more than 40 halls and pagodas, and 300 residences for monks. 

Hachimando Hall Shrine on Chuson-ji Temple’s grounds.

The temple complex declined after 100 years during a period of political strife. Only two temple structures survived a massive fire in the 1300s. The same buildings still stand today—the Konjikido Temple and a storehouse for religious sutras.

A few buildings were rebuilt over the following centuries, including the main hall. Many Buddhist rituals associated with the temple still occur. Built in 1909, it houses a historical Buddha, with eternal flames lit on either side.

Visitors can get to Chuson-ji by making their way up the Tsukimi-zaka (moon-viewing hill), lined by trees planted during the Tokugawa period (1603-1868).

Kamakura is a seaside destination just an hour’s train ride from Tokyo. It boasts plenty of temples, interesting local delicacies, and spectacular ocean views.

Komachi-dori

The town of Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is characterized by its main shopping street; Komachi. Originally the shrine’s market, this street offers souvenir stalls and street food. One of the local delicacies is shirasu-don; whitebait fish on top of rice. You can freely sample all the flavored soybeans at various stores. For Studio Ghibli fans, there is a packed-to-the-brim store at the start of the street where you can buy figurines and other merchandise.

Photo by: Claire Heginbotham Ghibli Shop in Kamakura.

The town of Kamakura, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is characterized by it’s main shopping street; Komachi. Originally the shrine’s market, this street offers souvenir stalls and street food. One of the local delicacies is shirasu-don; white bait fish on top of rice. You can freely sample all the flavored soybeans at various stores. For Studio Ghibli fans, there is a packed-to-the-brim store at the start of the street where you can buy figurines and other merchandise.

Temples in Kamakura

Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

After your explorations, it’s a 10-minute walk back to Kamakura station.  Take the nostalgic-and-historic Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) to Hase.

The Hase-dera Temple houses one of the largest wooden statues in Japan: Kannon. It was supposedly thrown into the sea to drift to it’s new home. When it landed near Hase, they built the Hase-dera temple to house it.

Photo by: Claire Heginbotham Sasuke Inari Shrine.

From there, wander about 10 minutes up the hill, taking time to stop at the specialty ice cream shops and bakeries. Soon, you’ll find yourself at the famous Daibutsu (Great Buddha), the towering bronze buddha is the second-biggest in Japan and one of the main attractions of Kamakura, though there is more charm that lies beyond.

After, a small hike up the hill will land you at the Sasuke Inari Shrine. The shrine hosts a red torii-gate path and hundreds of tiny fox ornaments. Even more interesting, it’s a small, quiet remnant of a secret ninja village.

For yet another highlight, take the train or stroll over to the area of Gokurakuji where you’ll be able to find sweeping views of the ocean and mountains.

Photo by: Claire Heginbotham

Last, head back toward the station but head oceanside. Inamuragasaki Park has a number of lookout points. Just below the park there is a flat rock jutting out onto the ocean. This is a famous photo spot and features in many Japanese TV shows.

The rock is the the perfect place to sit and enjoy the sunset while watching the surfers. If you are lucky and visit on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mt. Fuji towering over the island of Enoshima, which is another great day trip that’s near Kamakura.

This historic area is a wonderful place to go for a taste of traditional Japan without having to travel too far.

Dig this scenery? Check out more temples in Japan.

You won’t be able to feel the power of the Ushiku Daibutsu (Buddha) through photos alone, so take a trip out to Ibaraki Prefecture to experience it for yourself. The Ushiku Buddha is an impressive sight, not to mention the third tallest statue in the world. Above all, it is an immersive experience where you can even go inside this multi-story Amida Buddha.

The Great Buddha indeed.

Jutting gracefully into the horizon line, the Buddha is a haunting silhouette that can be spotted from the nearby expressway. Three times the size of the Statue of Liberty, the Buddha at its base is 120 meters high, representing the 12 beams of light that are said to come from the Amida’s body reaching throughout the world. The positioning of the hands signifies his acceptance of all sentient beings, and just one hand is nearly 50-feet tall so he can accept a lot.

“Do I have something on my face?”

Inside the Ushiku Buddha

You’ll be guided through a mini-spiritual awakening and bare witness to its peculiar beauty once inside. From the entrance, you will walk from pitch-black darkness to the mysterious “World of Infinite Light and Life” room, which features mesmerizing lit-up Buddhas.

Photo by: Victoria Vlisides More than 3,400 of these line the 3rd floor fo the Buddha.

From there, you can view photos and the history of the statue. You also get a better perspective of just how large it is thanks to a replica of the Buddha’s 8-foot toe (about 2.5 meters).

The most somber sight is the “World of Lotus Sanctuary.” More than 3,400 small golden Buddha statues line the walls. The small statues, called tainaibutsu (a Buddha inside a bigger Buddha), are memorials acting as graves purchased by the deceased’s families.

Photo by: Victoria Vlisides A closer look at the tainaibutsu.

On the 4th and 5th floors is the lookout area called the “Room of Mt. Grdhrakuta,”  which allows you to see out of thin windows built into the statue’s chest. On a clear day, you can even see Tokyo Skytree in the distance. There is a sitting area, as well as a gift shop inside, too.

Outside the Buddha: An unbeatable sight

Best time to visit is in spring or summer for the lantern festival shown here.

On your way out, don’t forget to visit the veranda. You’ll find a 4,000-ton buddha standing upon a blooming lotus flower. The view of the Jodo Teien garden is magnificent. Various flowers and plants in bloom depending on the season. In springtime, cherry blossoms completely elevate the experience.

Photo by: Victoria Vlisides The interior is incredibly spacious.

Although it is just about 90-minutes outside of Tokyo, it’s not really in a tourist-friendly area. Perhaps that’s why most tourists and even Japanese residents have not visited. Its remoteness may contribute to its seclusion, especially when compared to more popular daibutsu statues such as those in Nara, Kamakura, or at the Nanzo-in Temple in Fukuoka.

Photo by: Victoria Vlisides The surrounding cemetery.

Hopefully, more tourists can learn about the statue and visit. The Ushiku Daibutsu should be a priority sightseeing stop for those seeking a spiritual and unearthly experience.

For a country that is synonymous with all things compact, the iconic Kamakura Daibutsu – nicknamed the Great Buddha – was no small feat to build back in the 13th century.

Drawing inspiration from the Nara Daibutsu housed at Todai-ji Temple, the Kamakura Buddha towers at a rivaling height of approximately 44 feet (roughly 13 meters) and weighs in at a whopping 93 tons.

But even bigger than its size was the unwavering devotion to construct, time and again, the image of the Enlightened One.

You can actually enter the giant Buddha statue. Photo by Rodrigo Fernandez.

Founder of the Kamakura Shogunate (the region’s governing samurai), Yoritomo Minamoto was also a patron for the religious arts and wanted to demonstrate his power by constructing an equally powerful image of the worshipped deity. To fulfill the warlord’s wishes of leaving a legacy after his death, the Kamakura Daibutsu was founded entirely on donations from Minamoto fans.

Finally cast in 1252, the statue was reconstructed three times until 1452. The Great Buddha has been serenely sitting in the lotus position on the grounds of the Kotoku-in Temple ever since.

Yoritomo Minamoto was also a patron for the religious arts and wanted to demonstrate his power by constructing an equally powerful image of the worshipped deity.

Another colossal monument on display at the temple is a pair of straw zori sandals made to fit the feet of the big Buddha. While donating straw sandals is a practice with a long-standing tradition, adorning oversized footwear (called waraji) is an expression of gratitude and prayer for safe travels. (And “lower-body health” back when feet were the only means of getting around.)

You can venture inside the hollow body of the statue for a relatively small fee. But beware that the statue interior can reach sweltering temperatures in the summertime.

Try a Great Buddha cake baked and sold around Kotoku-in temple.

Stop by Kotoku-in Temple’s souvenir shop to take home a pocket-sized souvenir of the Kamakura Daibutsu. Or follow your nose to the sweet scent of manju (a cake filled with red bean paste) baked in the image of the big man himself.

• Wakakusa Yamayaki (Mountain Roast): Jan. 25, 2020. It's held annually on the fourth Saturday of January.

Luckily, the unfairly overlooked Mount Wakakusa stands right next to the main temple area. Venturing from Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Shrine will lead to further exploration of the mountain that offers a lovely view of Nara, plus seasonal goodies and events.

Photo by: Nathan Vennekens Great view with a short hike.

Climbing Mount Wakakusa

While it is officially a mountain, most visitors will not find it a challenging climb at 342-meters high. A relaxed pace and a moderate amount of effort should be enough to ascend the slope to the lower plateau in 15 to 20 minutes. Thankfully, even a short hike is rewarded by a view that takes in all of Nara’s major sites.

Most people are content with the view from the first spot, but the summit of the mountain can be reached with an additional 20-minute walk.

While the burial mound at the very top isn’t particularly attractive, the upper slopes are where the birds and deer congregate after a long day of eating the rice crackers thrown by tourists. In the evening, expect to see murders of crows packed tightly with herds of deer grazing on the grassy knolls.

Wakakusa Mountain Roast and other seasonal highlights

Depending on the season, the area also has some special events worth checking out. Mount Wakakusa is famous locally for its cherry blossom trees during hanami (blossom viewing) season in spring. There’s also an interesting senbei (Japanese rice cracker)-throwing competition around that time.

Photo by: IH Mount Wakakusa’s annual burn.

On the fourth Saturday of each January, the mountain’s dead grass is burned in a festival known as yamayaki (mountain roast), which is commonly known as a prescribed burn. Here, the whole mountain is lit up in flames and later fireworks are launched into the sky.

Photo by: Find 47 Don’t miss the fireworks show.

Mount Wakakusa will give travelers a different perspective on the major sites of Nara and to be seeing it all from the top is a unique view into a sacred world.

Interested in hiking through Japan’s awesome nature? Check out our hiking section.

When in Izumo, it’s customary to do two things: eat the soba noodles the area is famous for and visit Izumo Taisha Shinto shrine.

The shrine is one of Japan’s oldest, as well as a top destination when in Shimane Prefecture. Many of the buildings at the shrine complex reflect the indigenous Taisha-zukuri style, the oldest architectural tradition in Japan. Almost completely surrounded by mountains, the atmosphere here is sacred and serene.

Photo by: かがみ～ A towering torii gate at the entrance.

The giant straw ropes called shimenawa that resemble anacondas coiled around a tree branch are Izumo Taisha’s most famous feature. They represent the separation between the mortal and supernatural worlds. In fact, the shimenawa at the Kagura Hall at Izumo Taisha are the largest in Japan, measuring 13 meters long and weighing five tons.

What’s with all the rabbits at Izumo Taisha?

The main worship hall, where the Shinto deity Okuninushi is enshrined, is fenced in to divide the sacred from the everyday space. Built in 1744, this hall is the tallest in Japan, at about 24 meters. But it’s what lies behind the cherished building that catches most visitors’ attention.

Photo by: Jesse Ramnanansingh Rabbit statues at Izumo Taisha. So cute!

At the back of the hall, there’s a cluster of cute rabbit statues! The rabbits are important to this shrine because of their connection to Okuninushi. Japan’s sacred text of creation stories, the Kojiki, tells a legend about how the god rescued a white rabbit from being eaten by sharks. Delight in the different personalities, quirks, and poses of each one as you walk through the shrine grounds.

At the nearby museum you’ll find Japan’s largest collection of excavated bronze swords and bronze bells, and learn more about the history of the holy Izumo region.

A shrine dedicated to matchmaking

Photo by: Jesse Ramnanansingh Pray to find your future mate.

The ritual for praying at Izumo Taisha is slightly different than at other shrines around Japan. Instead of clapping twice as you usually do at a Shinto shrine, at Izumo, you clap four times—twice for yourself and twice for your current or future partner.

Many young Japanese girls come to the shrine to pray for luck finding a future husband. Okuninushi is the Shinto god of marriage and good relationships, after all.

Dancing Demons??

Close to the shrine is an entire street lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Try regional specialties like Izumo soba, which is made from buckwheat seeds and served with grated daikon, nori (dried seaweed) and spring onions.

Shimane Prefecture has yet to reach tourists’ Japan bucket lists, but it’s well on its way.

Kumano Sanzan is a trio of revered Shinto shrines situated in the Kumano region of southern Japan. The shrines’ importance stems from the fact that they lie deep in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture’s Kii Mountain Range, an area sometimes called the land of the gods.

Religious pilgrims have traveled between the three—Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha—via walking trails known as the Kumano Kodo for over 1,000 years. While the three shrines are most accessible by car or bus, walking the ancient pilgrimage road is a life-changing spiritual experience.

Photo by: puffyjet Hayatama Taisha, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano.

Kumano shrines, holy places dedicated to this sacred area, are located all over Japan. The Kumano Sanzan, however, are the headquarters of the unique sect of nature worship combining Shintoism and Buddhism popularized in the area.

History of the Kumano Sanzan

The Kumano Sanzan shrine complexes were likely constructed between the sixth and ninth centuries as places of nature worship. Though their locations have remained roughly intact since then, remodeling and reconstruction have been necessary over the years.

Photo by: Xavi Every year on July 14, portable shrines at Nachi Taisha are set on fire during the Nachi Fire Festival.

In the 11th century, the Kumano Sanzan became a pilgrimage destination for the Imperial family.

By the late 15th century, however, the majority of pilgrims to Kumano were civilians—monks traveling for religious purposes, artists looking for inspiration, and other common folk. The pilgrimage was so popular people began to refer to the long processions as the “Kumano ant pilgrimage.” If you thought congested foot traffic at tourist sites like Mt. Fuji was a new phenomenon in Japan, think again!

The Kumano Sanzan today

Photo by: Nicolas Anglade Hongu Taisha.

Modern development has crept into the sacred Kumano region, covering parts of pilgrimage trails with paved highways and replacing ancient forests with towns and cities. Yet, large areas remain untouched by modern infrastructure making the journey to the three shrines much like it was centuries ago.

Let's Get Spiritual

Due to flooding in 1889, however, Hongu Taisha was moved from its original location to its present site about a kilometer away. The tallest torii (shrine gate) in Japan towers over the entrance at 33m (108ft) high.

Photo by: Anders Lanzen The tallest torii gate in Japan greets pilgrims along their journey.

One of Japan’s most breathtaking sights is a vermillion at Nachi Taisha standing in front of the nation’s tallest waterfall, Nachi no Taki. The splendid view (as seen in the photo at the top of this page) draws many visitors and photographers annually. Nachi Taisha is also conveniently located nearby the coastal onsen resort of Katsuura. If traveling to the shrines on foot via the Kumano Kodo trail, this is a nice place to relax your tired feet.

Nachi Taisha.

Hayatama Taisha has occupied the same riverside spot since at least the 12th century, though a Shinto creation myth claims that three gods first descended to Earth in the area many centuries earlier. Sacred rocks and trees touched by these deities remain sites of worship. The shrine is also home to a museum housing a myriad of National Treasures.

The Kumano Sanzan and Kumano Kodo are considered a UNESCO World Heritage as sacred sites in Japan.

Kohechi is the most remote and strenuous route of the four main Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. Zigzagging over steep peaks, the route crosses over three mountain passes, reaches over 1,000 meters in elevation, and spans over 65 km (40 mi) in length.

The hike begins in Wakayama Prefecture at the legendary Koyasan, also known as Mount Koya. Revered for over 1,000 years, Mount Koya is one of Japan’s most sacred sites. It’s home to the nation’s largest graveyard, Okunoin, where you’ll find the grave of Kobo Daishi—the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

Start your journey on the otherworldly grounds of Mount Koya.

Taking hikers through Wakayama and Nara Prefectures, Kohechi ends at Hongu Taisha, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan in Japanese). Though tough, the opportunity to see two of Japan’s most holy places and the incredible sights along the way make it worthwhile.

Hike through Wakayama’s sacred mountains

Historically, Kohechi was used by Buddhist monks living on Mount Koya. They would travel across the treacherous mountains on foot to pay homage to the sacred Grand Shrines of Kumano. Today, you can walk the same path.

Photo by: Roderick Eime Kohechi will take you through sleepy mountain towns.

While hiking over the forested peaks and braving narrow cliff-side pathways, you’ll come across extraordinary sights. Hidden moss-covered statues, traditional ryokan with natural onsen baths, and ancient gravesites are just some of the treasures you’ll stumble upon. Not to mention the views!

There are four sections of Kohechi: Mizugamine Peak (Koyasan to Omata in Nara), Obako-toge Pass (Omata to Miura-guchi), Miura-toge Pass (Miura-guchi to Totsukawa Onsen), and Hatenashi-toge Pass (Totsukawa Onsen to Hongu Taisha). Each section takes about a day to complete.

Photo by: Roderick Eime Breathtaking mountain views in the Totsukawa village.

The hike ends at the grand Hongu Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan, which is often called the “Land of the Gods.” From there, it’s possible to continue traveling along the other pilgrimage trails to the other Grand Shrines and more sightseeing spots if you wish.

Preparing to hike Kohechi

Photo by: Wiki The Kohechi trail is very isolated in some parts and you may have to trek through heavy fog and rain.

This mountaintop route is long and steep, and should not be undertaken without careful preparation or by those not in peak health. There’s always a chance of harsh rain, wind, or fog and parts of the trail are closed during winter due to heavy snow. Kohechi is very isolated in parts with no convenience stores or places to buy food or supplies along the way. Only experienced hikers should consider attempting it.

Hiking the entire trail takes four days, so you’ll need to pack everything needed for that duration. There are inns along the way, but you’ll want to figure out your accommodation in advance just to be safe.

Ohechi is perhaps the most unique route of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. Meandering over forested mountain passes and along the coastline of Wakayama’s Kii Peninsula, this hiking trail provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean’s pristine waters. The landscape is so beautiful it once attracted writers and artists from all over Japan.

The Ohechi pilgrimage trail will lead you along the stunning coast of Wakayama.

To see Japan through the eyes of poets of painters of old, hike Ohechi. You may find yourself inspired by the end.

Kumano Kodo’s Coastal Route

During the Edo period (1603-1868), Ohechi was used for both spiritual enlightenment and sightseeing along the southeastern coast of the Kansai Region. Most of the Kumano Kodo routes were made primarily for monks and the elite to make the pilgrimage to Kumano Sanzan (Three Grand Shrines of Kumano) which is considered the “Land of the Gods.” The Ohechi route, however, was taken by ordinary people. Writers and artists especially traveled these roads to enjoy the views of the sea, seeking inspiration for their works.

The stunning Nachi Taisha is one of the sacred Three Grand Shrines of Kumano.

Historically, the Ohechi trail connected Wakayama Prefecture’s seaside town of Tanabe with Nachi Taisha, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. However, the modern recommended route ends short of Nachi Taisha at Mirozu Station. This is because large sections of the trail’s latter half have been paved over by modern highways. You can, of course, continue on to Nachi Taisha, but it will involve walking across highways with no pedestrian footpaths, so be careful.

Though less popular these days (meaning you might be lucky enough to have the trail to yourself), Ohechi continues to provide a scenic refuge for anyone who wishes to visit.

Hiking the Ohechi trails

Photo by: ©JNTO You’ll cross a variety of terrain including forests and rice paddies before reaching the ocean.

Hiking the full Ohechi trail takes about three days, but segments of the route can also be done as day hikes. A four-day trek is also an option. This longer itinerary includes walking along the highway, which can be unsafe, but also more sightseeing—including the famous Hashigui-iwa rock formation (approximately 40 large rocks rembling a bridge).

At the start of Ohechi, you’ll walk along paved roads and rice paddies. Subsequent days take you through forests with incredible ocean views and eventually along the seashore itself. You’ll also pass by a viewpoint with a Buddha statue overlooking the sea, ancient ruins of castles and teahouses, and small shrines dedicated to the sacred landscape.

Photo by: Wiki One of the small oceanside shrines you’ll pass along the Ohechi trail.

The three passes that make up the hike are called Tonda-zaka, Hotoke-zaka, and Nagai-zaka. Whether completing the multi-day trek or doing shorter day hikes, the towns of Tanabe, Shirahama, and Susami are the best places to base yourself.

There are villages and train stations along the way where you can purchase food and beverages, but we still recommend carefully planning ahead and bringing all your supplies with you just in case.