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2 or 3 day pilgrim/mountain treks near Koya-San
I am interested in following a pilgrim route throug the mountains around Koya-san. There are several in that area listed in the Lonely Planet book but I am unable to find any publications with more details.
Has anyone done such a trek? (Omine-San trail is one I think) I'd like to spend 2 or 3 days including nights at mountain huts/temples and either finish or start in Koya-San. This has been recommended to me. I have spent a night in Koya-san before and really want to go back Many thanks Mark |
Here are some maps in English that I found for hiking near Koya-san:
http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/images/07_guide/map_1.pdf http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/images/07_guide/map_2.pdf Those are perhaps a bit shorter hikes than you wanted. For a longer hike, you want the Kumano Kodo: Kumano Kodo Kumano Kodo Maps Maps & Pamphlets |
Those maps look really interesting!
I think the Omine Okugakemichi route is the one I have heard of. My plan is to first head to a small island off the coast near Sendai (Miyagi?) travel towards Kyoto via some mountain onsen. Pilgram route through the mountains to Koya-San then back to Tokyo (14 days) Looking for japanese experiences rather than "sights" I've been to Kyoto, Tokyo, Kamikochi, Yunomie and Tsumago before. Sado island looks nice but less tranquil than Miyagi. Many thanks. You are a wealth of useful information Mark |
You're welcome. The Kumano area has a lot of beautiful scenery, I think you'd enjoy hiking there.
You might also try part of the Shikoku pilgrimage route someday, if you've heard of that. The 88 Temple Pilgrimage - Shikoku Island, Japan The Law of Attraction, Joy Yunxi Leo |
I have read about the 88 temple tour but I don't think I would do it justice with only 2 weeks in Japan.
There is another option which involves 3 sacred mountains (dewa?) but the photos I have seen don't look that interesting. I'd probably compare the mountains to KamiKochi and be underwhelmed. Mark |
Here is a site with pictures from the Kumano Kodo route to Koya-san, created by some local school kids:
A Far but Friendly Place: A Tour of Totsukawa Totsukawa trip > Walking Totsukawa > Kohechi1 Totsukawa trip > Walking Totsukawa > Kohechi2 You can also take a boat trip down the river nearby: Totsukawa trip > Seeing Totsukawa > Dorokyo More info on the area: sanzan yoshino sankei sankei-choishi sankei-oomine Kumano Hongu Welcome to World Heritage "Kumano Kodo" Kumano Hongu Photo Collection in Four Seasons Hiker's Map to Hongu |
Thanks for the links.
There are so many options but if I reach Koya-san through the mountains and stay at a mountain hut on the way then I'll be very happy. You seem to know a huge amount about the Wakayama area. Have you been to the Kibune valley near Kyoto or Nyuto Onsen area? I'm hoping to get to some natural onsen in little villages if possible. I've already visited Yunomine (the boil an egg place) and that was v beautiful thanks for any help. I'll get back to your links now Mark |
Quote:
There are a few more onsens in the Hongu area, in addition to Yunomine: Watarase Hot Spring , http://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/q-and-a/p...-Onsen-map.pdf Kawayu Hot Spring , http://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/q-and-a/p...-Onsen-map.pdf There are tons of other ones scattered all through the prefecture (and the country). Shirahama is supposed to have a nice one. It's well out of your way this trip, but my favorite onsen in Japan was Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama. |
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