Kumano Kodo, season 2

The path (el camino)

We had a first go at the Kumano Kodo at the end of April. Enough to have the right of getting the official stamp.

But it was so great that we wanted more. So when we saw that there was a possible break to the rainy season we went for it. So on Sunday 3rd of July, off we went.

Early start, Korushio 3 train for Kii-Tanabe from Kyoto at 8-35. We got there at 11-15 and at 11-35 we jumped on the bus direction Shingu. Off at Gyuba-doji-mae, roughly at 12-40. There we found lunch. and walked to a place called Nonaka where giant cedars seem to be looking after a fantastic source of fresh water. The night at Minshuku Tsugizakura in Nonaka, held by a great couple… he has been a cook all over Japan, and the Kaiseki dinner was exceptional.

On Monday we walked from there to Hongu Taisha great shrine which is the key place of the Kumano Kodo. The day was very long. In theory, 21km of ups and downs. In practice we managed to get lost… We arrived in time to get our books stamped and go on to Kawayu Onsen where we booked a room at Sansuikan Kawayumatsuya. We met there Ann, from Australia: she has walked all over the world but was finding Kumano Kodo hardest of all. So this is encouraging!