Kumano Kodo · Eastern Route
The eastern Kumano Kodo linking Ise Grand Shrine with the three Kumano Grand Shrines. Remote mountain passes and dramatic Mie coastline — the longest approach to Kumano.
Begin at Ise Grand Shrine (Geku, outer shrine) and walk south through Tamaru and Nishiki, descending to the port of Owase on the Kumano Sea.
The most mountainous section of the Iseji, crossing three passes above 400m. The Magose-toge pass (320m) offers spectacular sea views.
The final section follows the Kumano River valley to Shingu and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, the second of the three Grand Shrines.
The Iseji passes through remote Mie Prefecture where mobile coverage is unreliable. Many sections cross isolated mountain passes with no signal for hours at a time.