Kumano River

熊野川

Est. 120Shingu, Kansai

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Overview

Sacred river serving as a water-based pilgrimage route between major Kumano shrines.

A sacred waterway that serves as a vital artery of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. Pilgrims traditionally traveled by wooden boat down this river between Hongu and Hayatama shrines. Visitors today can take traditional flat-bottomed boat tours to experience the stunning gorge scenery.

Local tips

Book the traditional wooden boat tour well in advance, as it provides an incredibly peaceful and historically accurate way to complete this section of the pilgrimage.

Practical info

Japanese name: 熊野川
Nearest station: Shingu Station (10 min bus to boat launch)

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