Travel Tips ｜ Outdoors and Adventure
Relive the journeys of retired emperors and aristocrats (Kumano River boating)
The only “river pilgrimage path” designated as a World Heritage site
Pilgrimages to Kumano were popular among retired emperors, aristocrats, and common people alike. While several routes exist from Kyoto to the Kumano Sanzan Shrines, the main route during the Middle Ages was the “Nakahechi” route from Tanabe to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. It is said that pilgrims took boats down the Kumano River from Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine to Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine. Kumano River boating enables you to relive the ancient pilgrimage to Kumano through this river pilgrimage route.(Photo provided by: Kumanogawa River Boat Center)
Index
90 minutes of relaxation listening to the sound of the stream and wind
The river pilgrimage route starts from the “Kumano River Boat Center” located near the Dorokyo-kaido Kumano-gawa River Roadside Station. Go down to the river bank and board a wooden boat, then travel down the river in a relaxed state of mind with the wind blowing across the river’s surface. Along the way, relive memories of past boat journeys while listening to your guide telling the story of Kumano.
©Kumanogawa River Boat Center
Journey accompanied by the elegant sound of the shinobue (bamboo flute)
The section along the Kumano River from Hongu to Shingu, measuring kuri hacho (around 36 km/22.36 mi), is called the Kuri-kyo Gorge. From Tanaga to Shingu, there are hard rocks (igneous rocks) formed due to magma activity around 15 million years ago, and as the terrain on both sides of the river is steep, you can see unusually shaped rocks and waterfalls. The guide will show you strange rocks and spectacular scenery, such as “Nunobiki Falls,” where the water flowing down the rock face looks like a white cloth; “Nabiki-ishi rock,” a huge steeply inclined rock; and “Tsurigane-ishi rock,” of which it is said the world will end if it falls. The climate is especially mild in spring and fall, perfect for river boating. You can enjoy a taste of eternity while listening to the guide playing the shinobue flute.
* Sometimes the guide is unable to play the shinobue due to the weather, such as wind or rain.
©Kumanogawa River Boat Center
* Information is subject to change. Please be sure to check with the site/facility before heading out.
