Wakayama on Rambling Record

Kohechi

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kohechi is one of the three Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. It’s the most mountainous of the three and links Koyasan to Hongu Taisha. See:https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/kohechi/

I spent the night at the Nosegawa Hotel, tucked away in the Kii Mountains. The staff were welcoming, and the place had everything a hiker might need: hot baths of course, a shuttle service from Koyasan, drop-off at the trailhead, a picnic option, etc.—very convenient. The baths clearly weren’t off-limits to people with tattoos, because almost everyone had one! One guy had a tattoo covering his entire back. Judging by the style, I think he was a Yakuza… I didn’t ask for confirmation.

Koyasan

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

After leaving at 6:30, we take a bus to Saiin, then the train to Awaji. We change at Tengachaya, then again at Gokurakubashi. This third train only has four cars but large windows—perfect for enjoying the scenery comfortably seated. We finish the journey with a funicular to Koyasan Station, then a bus that drops us off at the Daimon Gate around 10 a.m. Phew!

We walk around the gate, then stroll along the main road. We pass Kongobu-ji and its iconic pagoda. The weather is beautiful and the autumn colors are vibrant.

Kumano Sanzan

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The three temples dedicated to the three sacred mountains of Kumano, in three days!

Day 1

Departure from Kyoto this Friday around 6:30 a.m. then change at Osaka to catch the Kuroshio. We board the train just in time after asking for directions twice: the platform for this train is quite far from those of other lines and is not very well indicated. After Wakayama, the train runs between sea and mountain until Katsuura.