Nakahechi Imperial Route Section 1: Takijiri-oji to Chikatsuyu-oji

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Historical Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views

This trail is part of the Kumano Kodo, an ancient network of pilgrimage trails that link multiple Shinto and Buddhist shrines. Along these trails there are plenty of options for water and toilets. Hikers (and pilgrims) pack light and stay in accommodations (tb-kumano.jp/en/lodging/) at the various way stations.

Good flat trail with stone stairs for inclines. Parts of the trail are cobbled and can be slippery.

The trail starts by powering up hill for about a mile when you arrive at the shrine, Tsurugi-no-yama Sutra Mound. From here, pass a viewpoint and the trail heads north and down hill. After a road crossing, you have a powerful climb. Once the trail levels off you continue on the road and soon arrive at Takahara Kumano Shrine and rest area.

After leaving the shrine the trailhead steeply up hill for 1/2 a mile. From here, the trail continues more gently until it skirts Mount Akushiro. Continue along the blunt ridge until your at 7.5 miles, where you switch back down the mountain. The steep drop continues for a mile until you begin shadowing National Road #311.

A short rise leads back down hill until you arrive at Hirase.