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The rolling first section of the Nakahechi Imperial Route.


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Map Key

10.5

Miles

16.9

KM

Point to Point

2,293' 699 m

High

284' 87 m

Low

3,423' 1,043 m

Up

2,732' 833 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

68%

Max Grade (34°)

Dogs Unknown

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

Need to Know

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.

Description

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.

Shared By:

Russell Hobart

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#2

in Japan

#1848

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Japan

#2

in Japan

#1,848

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67 Since Jun 17, 2020
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Photos

The trail holding just above the stream.
Jul 22, 2023 near Tanabe, JP
Stairs heading up through the gateway.
Jun 18, 2020 near Tanabe, JP
River crossing in the forest.
Jun 18, 2020 near Tanabe, JP
Rustic trail twisting up the hill.
Jun 18, 2020 near Tanabe, JP
Look down on the town of Chikatsuyu.
Jul 22, 2023 near Tanabe, JP
Little crab living 50 miles from the ocean.
Jul 22, 2023 near Tanabe, JP

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 76 days ago
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