Nakahechi Imperial Route - Ukegawa to Koguchi

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Historical Significance · River/Creek

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. Runners (and pilgrims) pack light and stay in accommodations (tb-kumano.jp/en/lodging/) at the various way stations.

Pay your respects when entering shrines ( matcha-jp.com/en/874#:~:tex…. )

Good flat trail with stone stairs for inclines. Parts of the trail are cobbled and can be slippery.

On the far side of town you head up the hill on a 0.5 mile of steep switchbacks.

Continue along at an easy pace passing the ruins of a tea house and finally arriving at the edge of Mount Nyoho. Enjoy the vast viewpoint and then continue down the hill. After a dip and another rise you pass along the summit of Mount Kogumontori. Soon you pass the Ishido-jaya Teahouse ruins while rolling along the high country.

From here a steep drop and ascent push to the summit of the section. Pass the Sakura-chaya Teahouse Ruins and continues down a series of steeper sections. The last 3/4 of a mile cuts through.