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Posted on 2022, Nov 17th by Durna Yıldırım

Have you ever heard about Kumano Kodō?

MOL Turkey Kumano Kodō Blog MOL Turkey Kumano Kodō Blog

Kumano Kodō (熊野古道, Kumano Kodo) is one of the famous ancient pilgrimage routes that converge on three important shrines; Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, Nachi Taisha as known the Kumano Sanzan. Kumano Sanzan is the collective name for the area's three most sacred shrines. The Kumano Kodō routes are sacred and held great spiritual meaning since they connect the three famed Kumano shrines.

The Kumano Kodō is more than a heritage site with over 1000 years of history. It is home to the birth story of Japan as a nation. According to Kojiki, the first document in the history of Japan, Jimmu, was a direct descendant of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu, descended from the heavens to launch a war to become the nation’s first emperor. Jimmu won the war after traveling with his soldiers through the Kumano mountains under the supervision of a messenger, a three-legged holy crow named Yatagarasu.

In 2004, UNESCO registered the Kumano Kodō as a World Heritage Site, and it is one of only two pilgrimage paths to receive this coveted title, the other being the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

The Kumano Kodō promises epic and authentic experience, whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment or taking a stroll through breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. With it’s spiritual significance and awe-inspiring natural beauty, the Kumano Kodō is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Japan.