However Japan also has some of the most dramatic scenery in Asia, with breathtaking mountains, gorgeous coastal beaches and ancient forests waiting to be explored. Hiking in the countryside is a great way for travellers to experience the ancient soul and incredible natural beauty of Japan.
The Kumano Kodo trail is in Japan's main island, Honshu, and the trek stretches across the mountainous Kii Peninsula. It has a history going back over 1000 years when it was a popular pilgrimage site for people from all walks of life, including retired emperors and aristocrats. Today the trek is one of only two pilgrimages in the world listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Kumano Kodo network of routes features three important Shinto shrines, called the Kumano Sanzan, as well as cedar forests, farms and natural hot springs.
Traditionally the trek was part of a spiritual retreat; pilgrims would purify in the hot springs, walk in the deep forest and pray at the sacred sites. Kumano Kodo shares this history with another famous trekking site, Santiago de Compostela or Way of St James, which crosses France and Northern Spain. The two trails were twinned in 1998 and it is possible to get a dual pilgrim passport for completing both trails.
Even if you are not an experienced hiker you can still enjoy the calming beauty of the Kumano Kodo trail. There are transport networks that allow travellers to take a train or bus for some of the route rather than doing the trek, which can take four to six days on average. One of the easiest walks on the trail starts in Daimonzaka and consists of gentle cobblestone stairs, surrounded by breathtaking views of Japanese cedar trees.
The most popular times of year to visit the Kumano Kodo trail are spring (March/ April) during the cherry blossom season or autumn (October/ November) when the trees start changing colours. Humidity and rainfall are at a peak during the summer months of June, July and August. The trails are open all year round, since the area doesn't get especially heavy snowfall. The Kii Peninsula is one of the most rainsoaked areas of Japan, so trekkers are advised to bring adequate rain projection year round.
The easiest route to the Kumano Kodo is from the city of Osaka. Travellers can take the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service from Osaka to Tennoji, then transfer to a Limited Express Kuroshio train on to Kii-Tanabe Station in Tanabe City and finally a bus to Takijiri or other parts of the trails. The Limited Express Kuroshio trains also depart from Shin-Osaka direct to Kii-Tanabe.
Air New Zealand has flight deals to Tokyo starting from $529 economy one way tax inclusive. T&C applies. Please visit www.airnz.co.nz for more details.
For more information about travelling in Japan, visit jnto.org.au