We’re heading to Japan on the latest episode of The Camino Podcast:
Episode 38 – The Kumano Kodo: There are two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes–Spain’s Camino de Santiago, of course, and Japan’s Kumano Kodo. The latter’s long and storied history rival’s the former’s, but it has only really appeared on the radars of Western pilgrims over the last decade or so. Like the Camino, the Kumano Kodo is really a series of connected routes, oriented in this case towards several prominent shrines, most notably Kumano Hongu Taisha. This episode offers an introduction to the Kumano Kodo, thanks to the insights of Mike Rhodes, the Destination Manager & Guide for the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau, and Greg Ng, a recent pilgrim.
Check out the additional links below for more information on this episode:
The Kumano Kodo: The route has gotten a ton of press coverage in recent years–check out, for example, articles in The Guardian, CNN, USA Today, and the BBC. You can find Mike at the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau. Click on their reservation system to book accommodations and make other plans. If you’d prefer greater independence, you might start with Cicerone’s new guidebook on the route.
Koyasan: I loved Koyasan and encourage everyone walking the Kumano Kodo to check it out, even if you’re not walking the Kohechi route. In particular, Okunoin Temple is a remarkable place, well deserving the better part of a morning, when the fog still creeps through the tombs. It’s also a rare fantastic place for vegans on the Kumano Kodo to eat very well, thanks to the shojin ryori (Japanese Buddhist cuisine) on offer at a number of monasteries in the town (where you can also sleep). Here’s one account
Greg Ng: You can follow Greg at followgreg.com and also on Instagram. You can also find Greg’s 11-minute video of just sights and sounds from the Kumano Kodo.
Dual Pilgrim #500: In case you thought I was exaggerating…
