Yoshino-Kumano National Park 90th Anniversary: "Kumano Pilgrimage Experience Walk Tour" in Heian Period Costumes Seeking Participants

The Kumano Sanzan Tourism Association (Location: Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, TEL: 0735-21-9649) is pleased to announce the "Kumano Pilgrimage Experience Walk Tour in Heian Period Costumes," a special event commemorating the 90th anniversary of the designation of Yoshino-Kumano National Park. The tour will be held on November 14, 2026 (Sat), and will take place around the Kumano Kodo, a representative of the World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountain Range," and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.

This tour offers participants the chance to experience the rich natural environment of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and the culture of the Kumano pilgrimage, which has continued for over a thousand years.

Event Overview

Event Name 90th Anniversary of Yoshino-Kumano National Park Designation "Kumano Pilgrimage Experience Walk Tour in Heian Period Costumes"

Date and Time November 14, 2026 (Sat) 9:00 AM - approx. 3:30 PM *End time may vary.

Venue - Walk Area: Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine and surrounding areas (including Kumano Kodo) - Meeting Point: Kumano Hongu Kan (Address: 100-1 Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture)

Organizer Kumano Sanzan Tourism Association

Background and Objectives of the Project

The pilgrimage to Kumano Sanzan has been known since the Heian period as "Ari no Kumano Mode" (Ants' Kumano Pilgrimage) due to the large number of people who walked in procession. This tour aims to recreate this historical pilgrimage in modern times, offering a special experience where all participants, dressed in Heian period-style costumes, walk in procession to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine and along the Kumano Kodo, allowing them to reflect on the people of ancient times.

Furthermore, 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the designation of Yoshino-Kumano National Park. The objective is to raise awareness for the conservation of the natural environment and, as part of sustainable tourism, to promote the charm of the Kumano region with themes of walking journeys, health promotion, and coexistence with nature.

Tour Highlights and Program (Tentative)

1. Heian Period Costume Procession Participants will change into costumes inspired by the Heian period and walk in procession around Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine and the Kumano Kodo. By walking along the historic pilgrimage route while embodying the atmosphere of that era, participants can fully experience the culture and faith of the Kumano pilgrimage.

2. Formal Pilgrimage at Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine A formal pilgrimage will be conducted at Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, one of the three Kumano Sanzan shrines. In this sacred site, registered as a World Heritage site, participants can find a moment of spiritual and physical centering in a solemn atmosphere.

3. Guided Walk of the World Heritage Kumano Kodo (approx. 3km) Participants will walk along the World Heritage Kumano Kodo with guidance from a local guide. This is a valuable opportunity to experience the charm of the Kumano Kodo, where nature, history, and faith intertwine, with expert commentary.

4. Commemorative Photo at "Chotto Yorimichi Observation Deck" with a View of Japan's Largest Torii Gate A stop will be made at the "Chotto Yorimichi Observation Deck," which offers a panoramic view of Japan's largest torii gate standing at Oyunohara, the former site of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. Participants will take commemorative photos in their Heian period costumes. Against the backdrop of the imposing torii gate and the autumn foliage, participants can capture a unique, out-of-the-ordinary moment.

5. Explanation of the Kumano Pilgrimage Mandala An explanation will be given using the "Kumano Pilgrimage Mandala," which was once used to clearly convey the state of the pilgrimage. Through visuals, participants can learn about Kumano faith and the pilgrimage practices of the time, making it a fulfilling program from a historical and cultural perspective.

6. Professional Photographer Accompaniment & Photo Data Gift A professional photographer will accompany the tour, capturing scenes of the Heian period costume procession, the pilgrimage, and the walk along the Kumano Kodo throughout the day. All captured data will be provided to all participants as digital data at a later date, usable not only as cherished memories but also for social media posts.

7. Local Delicacies Lunch & Local Specialty Treat A special bento box prepared by local restaurants will be served for lunch. Additionally, a tasting of local specialties unique to Kumano is planned, allowing participants to experience the region's charm through its cuisine.

8. Original Commemorative Gift All participants will receive an original tenugui (hand towel) commemorating the 90th anniversary of Yoshino-Kumano National Park designation.

9. Enjoy Autumn Foliage Around Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine The tour is scheduled during the season when the autumn foliage around Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is at its peak. The colorful leaves adorning the trees of the Kumano Kodo and the grand torii gate create a photogenic landscape that is also a highlight.

Recruitment Overview

Eligibility 10 years and older *Must be in good health and able to walk the specified distance. (Guideline: Approx. 3km relatively gentle Kumano Kodo walk + visiting the three shrines around Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine)

Number of Participants 29 people *If the number of applicants exceeds the capacity, a lottery will be held. Lottery results will be notified by email or phone in early October.

Participation Fee 6,000 yen per person (paid on-site) *Participation fee includes: - Heian period costume rental fee - Event insurance fee - Lunch bento - Tea - Professional photographer's photo data fee, etc. *Round-trip transportation costs to the meeting point are the responsibility of each participant.

How to Apply Apply in advance via the application form on the special website

Application Deadline Until September 30, 2026 (Wed) 23:59

Special Website https://www.kumano-area.jp/2026/06/24/6976/#

Event Flyer https://www.kumano-area.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/cc2e23ca8b063a38c81264410f0b7ff6.pdf

Schedule

08:30 AM Registration begins 09:00 AM Orientation 09:05 AM Kumano Pilgrimage Mandala Explanation 09:35 AM Change into Heian period costumes 11:00 AM Travel to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine & Formal Pilgrimage 12:10 PM Commemorative photo at "Chotto Yorimichi Observation Deck" with a view of Oyu no Harada's Grand Torii Gate 1:20 PM Lunch with local bento & local specialty treat 2:40 PM Pilgrimage to Sanden-sha Shrine and Oyu no Harada 3:30 PM Dissolution at Kumano Hongu Kan (after changing and completing survey)

*Itinerary and times may change due to weather or on-site conditions.

Notes for Participation

- This tour involves walking for the entire duration. - Please apply only if you can comfortably walk the specified distance (approx. 3km Kumano Kodo walk and visiting three shrines). - During this tour, a photographer will take photos, and all captured data will be shared with all participants as digital data. - The photo data may be used in promotional materials, official websites, and social media of the Kumano Sanzan Tourism Association. Please apply only if you agree to the photography and data usage. - The organizer has event insurance, but please consider obtaining your own accident insurance, etc., as needed, to cover accidents, injuries, or damage to belongings on the day. - Cancellations are generally not accepted for this tour. In the event of cancellation due to unavoidable circumstances, the full participation fee may be charged as a cancellation fee. - Changes to participants are possible up to 7 days prior. - Some itinerary items may be changed due to severe weather. In such cases, refunds of the participation fee will generally not be provided.

Information for Media Coverage

- This tour offers abundant visually appealing elements, including the Heian period costume procession, Japan's largest torii gate, the World Heritage Kumano Kodo, and autumn foliage scenery, making it suitable for coverage and articles from diverse angles such as sports/outdoors, tourism/leisure, lifestyle, beauty/health, and environment/nature conservation. - Centered around the 90th anniversary of Yoshino-Kumano National Park designation and "National Park Day" (July 21st), the content is highly compatible with features on the value of Japan's national parks and themes of walking journeys and well-being. - Pre-event interviews, on-site accompaniment, and interviews with organizers are also possible. Media outlets interested in these opportunities are requested to contact the inquiry contact below.

Inquiry Contact

Kumano Sanzan Tourism Association Secretariat Contact: Nitta, Seki Address: 2-4-8 Midorigaoka, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, 647-8551 TEL: 0735-21-9649 FAX: 0735-21-9640 Mail: e1307201@pref.wakayama.lg.jp

For details, please check the special website.

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