Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine February 2018 | Page 82

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Travel | Kumano Kodo
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The trails of Japan’s
revitalised Kumano Kodo
once carried pilgrims
devoted to nature worship.
Today they transport hikers
through a mystical land of
hot springs, soaring cascades
and sacred shrines.
1 A torii (gate) in Kii Katsuura, close to the Kumani
Nachi Taisha shrine.
2 An elderly Japanese hiker on the Kumano Kodo.
3 A small tea plantation on the Kumano Kodo.
Hydrothermal hedonism
“Kimochi ii!” exclaims tour guide Motoko
Todo, as she sinks slowly below the steaming
waters of the Tsuboyu bathhouse. Japanese
for “It feels so great!”, these are two words
that adventurous tourists may find
themselves using on a daily basis if they
frequent some of the numerous onsen –
or hot-spring bathhouses – of Japan’s
Kumano Kodo.
Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status
in 2004, the Kumano Kodo is a meandering
network of ancient pilgrimage routes that
runs between a series of important shrines.
Extending across the lower half of the Kii
Peninsula, south of the city of Osaka, these
holy trails are serviced by a multitude of
wooden ryokan (traditional Japanese inns)
and hot-spring facilities, and provide access
to an incredibly picturesque land of
mountains, forests and fast-flowing rivers.
Nestled in the heart of the Kumano region,
Tsuboyu is the only hot spring in the world
Nestled in the heart of the Kumano region, Tsuboyu
is the only hot spring in the world registered as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An exclusive 30-minute dip in the naturally
hot waters of this bijou pool costs around
JPY750 (US$9), a price that most consider
well worth paying for such a unique and
gloriously relaxing experience.
“Soaking your cares away in an onsen is
a great way to round off a bout of strenuous
hiking,” says Todo. “It rejuvenates aching
muscles and is a great time to reflect
on the highlights of the day. I try to visit
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