Last day on the Kumano Kodo. Today is supposed to be the toughest day. This the Ogumotori-goe section. Distance : 14km , elevation gain : 1260m , elevation loss : 930m. It’s going to be a long day !
This morning I started at 9am. The sun was a bit shy but we still could see some nice lights between the trees.
After 30min hiking I met a friend from the J-Hoppers guesthouse , we decided to continue together. Union make the force !
Time to climb for some time now.
At that point the air became more humid. The sun disappeared and we were left with a misty fog around us. It felt like the time stopped. It was also very quiet and still. A great atmosphere.
Reaching the top after 2 hours of “stairs”. Not easy but way easier than the other days for me. I left my heavy luggage in the hotel I stayed yesterday. I went from 14 kilo to 1 kilo. The hike is more enjoyable with less weight to carry.
During this section you could see many statues from buddhism or shintoism. You could tell how old were theses rocks. It felt like travelling to the past or to different universes.
I wonder why this statue have cloth. Maybe to protect it from the cold ? Interesting.
This one made me smile ^^ This is a dog shrine I imagine.
After a few hours we finally reached a beautiful river and also a road where there were a … vending machine ! It was time for lunch break.
I bought a “hot green tea” bottle from that vending machine. I was supprised to see that you could buy hot items too. The tea tasted clean without added sugar. Suprisingly good actually but not sure about “heating plastic” thought ^^
After a sweet time with my dear American friend Taylor It was time for me to find my own pace and finish this trek. I always really enjoy spending some time hiking with different people. Each person has a different rythm and vibe and there is something to learn in each of them.
Bye Taylor 🙂
Now 6 more km to go. We are more than half way.
Walking alone is such a powerful meditation. You connect with the environment with your movements. While at the same time connecting with your deeper self. Each steps on the ground is one step closer toward that deeper self. Nature has no judgment. It’s a neutral space where you can unwind freely and enjoy.
I can now hear the sea from very far. We are getting there slowly but surely.
The view on the way down to Nachi. The all day was very misty.
After 7 hours I have finally reached the Three stories Pagoda and the Nachi No Otaki waterfall. The end of the pilgrimage route. How good it feels.
Let’s celebrate that.
Black sesame / brown sugar Ice cream. This has an intersting taste of moka and vanilla somehow.
The trek was not very long , it tooked me 4 days to complete it. But this was a journey. The immersion in this Japanese nature was fantastic. The Kumano Kodo felt like a spiritual journey in the wilderness. I have met some wonderful people along the way. I have to say I shared some of nicest moments in Japan during this trek. You really get to connect to another level with others when you are hiking. You go back to the basis. Walk , eat , sleep, take care of yourself and others. It’s so simple yet powerful. If I had to do it again I will make bookings for accomodations and I will hike with a lighter backpack. The stop at Yunomine Onsen is a must do. It really breaks the rythm and allow you to recharge in pristeen nature.
I’m more and more impressed by Japan. I love the way Japaneses connect with nature. I love the way they treat it. The way they use raw materials to build anything. I mean just look at the Onsens. It such a wonderful creation that you should try while in Japan.
Now time to go back to my previous hotel to get that backpack and afterward let’s go to the seaside.
Next destination , the fishing town of Kii Katsuura.
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