Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

By Daisy

What are the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range?

The Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range of Japan are a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its spiritual, historical, and cultural importance.

These sites represent some of the most significant religious centers in the country, seamlessly blending Buddhist traditions with Shinto beliefs in secluded natural landscapes.

There are three main sites that have served as pilgrimage destinations for over a millennium: Koyasan (Mount Koya), Kumano Sanzan (the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano), and Mount Yoshino and Mount Omine. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route connects these sites. It is one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world recognized by UNESCO (the other being the Camino de Santiago in Spain).

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Making a purchase through an affiliate link will mean a small commission for this website. This will not affect your price.

Why are the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range a UNESCO World Heritage site?

The sites and the pilgrimage route were recognized in 2004 and meet several UNESCO criteria. They highlight the unique fusion of Shintoism and Buddhism. The sites “bear exceptional testimony to the development of Japan’s religious culture over more than a thousand years,” according to UNESCO. The shrines along the route were unique creations that later influenced the design of shrines all over Japan.

In fact, the most striking feature of the Sacred Sites is that they are not merely a “simple” collection of historical landmarks or archaeological relics from the past. Instead, they are a living and breathing part of Japan, reflecting the country’s traditions, beliefs, and fascinating culture.

What can you expect on a visit to these sites?

In short: natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Japan has a long history of interweaving influences between Buddhist practices imported from China and Korea and the indigenous Shinto traditions that were already present in the country. This blend has created a unique fusion of beliefs where Buddhas and Kami deities often merge.

The deep mysticism and search for secluded areas in Buddhism, along with Shinto traditions that focus on the divinity of nature, mean that wherever you find particularly beautiful natural scenery, you are likely to find a worship site seamlessly integrated into the landscape.

The following is a brief overview of each of the three sacred sites and their significance:

Koyasan

Located on a plateau on Mount Koya, Koyasan is the center of Shingon Buddhism. It is home to over 100 temples and was established by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. During my visit to Koyasan, I was struck by the serene and peaceful atmosphere, with Buddhist monks and devotees moving peacefully from one temple to another.

The head temple is Kongobu-ji, known for its beautiful rock garden and significant religious ceremonies. It’s also noteworthy in that it was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the feudal lord who accomplished the small feat of unifying Japan. His dynasty gave rise to the Tokugawa shogunate, the last and most prominent shogunate in ancient Japan.

Koyasan is also home to Okunoin cemetery, a large and ancient gravesite hosting the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. This makes it an important religious site in its own right. These attributes make Koyasan one of the most sacred sites in the entire country.

Kumano Sanzan

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to visit Kumano Sanzan. However, it holds major significance, being the intersection of the larger Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and a central part of the route itself. It hosts the three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Hayatama Taisha, Hongū Taisha, and Nachi Taisha. The three shrines stand approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) apart.

Accommodations near Hayatama Taisha., Hongu Taisha, or Nachi Taisha.

In Shinto tradition, kami (deities or spirits) are “split” from their original shrines and enshrined in other locations, spreading their essence to different places. The over 3,000 Kumano shrines throughout Japan have all received their kami from one of these three original sites, making Kumano Sanzan a crucial center for Shinto traditions.

Mount Yoshino and Mount Omine

Mount Yoshino and Mount Omine are important sites for Shugendo, a form of Buddhism that focuses on asceticism, physical endurance, and connecting with nature in secluded environments. Yoshino and Omine offer beautiful hiking trails dotted with small shrines and worship spots leading to the main temples.

Yoshino is also considered a prime location for seeing cherry trees in full bloom. I personally place it in the top three cherry-blossom spots in all of Japan.

Are these routes in the Kii mountains worth visiting?

Absolutely. The shrines and temples provide a fascinating glimpse into Japanese traditions and religious beliefs, as well as stunning natural landscapes.

Whether it’s the towering cedar forests, mountains with waterfalls, or secluded trails lined with cherry trees, the natural beauty of these sites is awe-inspiring. The spiritual and religious undertones further enhance the captivating atmosphere.

What sorts of travelers would like the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range?

Travelers who appreciate tranquil retreats and are curious about different cultures and religions will find the Sacred Sites captivating. Similarly, nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts will also gravitate to these destinations.

Tips for visiting these sacred sites and pilgrimage routes

Understanding a bit about the religions is essential for fully appreciating the sites and for avoiding unintentional disrespect or faux pas. You can find more information on religious etiquette in this articles on Shinto religious etiquette for travelers.

Take a one-week hiking trip along the Koyasan and Kumano Kodo trails.

Koyasan – Okunoin Cemetery

While visiting a cemetery might not initially seem like an ideal sightseeing activity, Okunoin is one of the key attractions in Koyasan. As the largest cemetery in Japan, it houses over 200,000 gravestones, including those of notable historical figures. Resting in Okunoin is considered the greatest honor for religious practitioners. The cemetery even features company gravestones, such as those of Panasonic and Nissan, offered as benefits to loyal employees.

The cemetery lies in a cedar tree forest, with streams, brooks, and simple gravestones adorned with moss. Large Buddha statues overlook the serene grounds, along with smaller Jizo statuettes (rigorously wearing red hats and bibs to protect them from the cold).

There are two paths through the cemetery. One leads through the modern gravesite and another through the ancient site, the latter clearly being the preferred route. At the far end lies the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, who is believed to be in eternal meditation. Lanterns dot the winding pathway. There are even candlelight night tours, enhancing the cemetery’s profoundly peaceful and mystical atmosphere.

Koyasan – Temple lodging

Koyasan is also unique in that many of its over 100 temples offer shukubo, or temple lodging experiences, where guests can spend the night and participate in traditional practices such as morning prayers and meditation. Unfortunately, I was unable to book a shukubo, as they are not typical hotels with many rooms. They are highly sought after, being consider one of the top experiences for visitors to enjoy in Japan.

It’s important to note that these are not enactments or performances designed for tourists, but actual religious temples. They serve as spiritual retreats, not places where you are treated as a “client.” For example, evening meals are served at a predefined time in the common hall with the monks, and the menu consists of the monks’ vegetarian cuisine. However, this is also a paid experience where you stay for one or a couple of nights. You won’t be able to claim that you “became a Buddhist monk” by spending weeks in a monastery.

Book accommodations in Koyasan. Look for the word “shukubo” or “syukubo” if you are looking for a temple stay.

Yoshino – The best flower-viewing spot in Japan

Mount Yoshino is famous as the premier location for viewing cherry blossoms during the short sakura season in spring. It is famous for its vast number of cherry trees – over 30,000 – adorning the mountainside. I visited in 2023, and while it doesn’t offer the close-up viewing experience found in city parks, the sheer abundance of trees scattered across the mountain is truly breathtaking.

Due to its relative inaccessibility, Mount Yoshino is less crowded with international tourists. Instead, it attracts many local visitors during the brief 2-3 weeks of full bloom. If you plan to visit Yoshino, be sure to arrange accommodations and/or car rentals well in advance.

Where are the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range?

The Kii Mountain Range is located on the Kii Peninsula of Japan, south of Nara and Osaka on the main island of Honshu. It spans the Wakayama, Nara, and Mie prefectures, and, being a vast and distributed region rather than a single site, it offers several access points.

Visiting the sites “properly,” meaning via the pilgrimage route, is a challenging endeavor in terms of endurance. It requires multiple days since the different sites are about 100 kilometers apart. After all, it is a pilgrimage route.

During my visit during the popular cherry blossom season, I rented a car to travel to Koyasan and Yoshino (over multiple days), as finding accommodation in the main towns was difficult, if not impossible. Parking is available near all the sites, making it easy to visit each before driving to the next.

However, all the sites are accessible using public transportation. 

For Koyasan, the most straightforward approach is to take the train to Gokurakubashi Station (about 2 hours from Osaka). Then take the short 10-minute cable car ride to Koyasan Station, where several local buses connect you to various sites, including Kongobu-ji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery.

To get to Yoshino, take the train to Yoshino Station at the base of the mountain (reachable from Osaka in about 2 hours on the Kintetsu Railway). A short walk from there will bring you to the mountain base. Then you can either hike or take the ropeway to the small town hosting the main sites in Naka Senbon.

For Kumano Sanzan:

• Kumano Hongu Taisha: Take the JR Limited Express to Kii-Tanabe Station, then a bus to Hongu Taisha. 
• Kumano Hayatama Taisha: Take the JR Limited Express to Shingu Station, followed by a taxi or walk to the shrine. 
• Kumano Nachi Taisha: Accessible via JR Limited Express to Kii-Katsuura Station, then by bus or taxi to the shrine.

For more information about the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, see the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website.

Have you been to these sites in the Kii mountains? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!