Kumano Kodo Iseji Route — Ancient Pilgrimage Trail

The Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is a network of UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trails crossing the Kii Peninsula to reach the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines. The Iseji Route (伊勢路) is the eastern approach, starting from Ise Jingu and traversing Mie Prefecture's mountainous interior for 170km through ancient forests, mountain passes, and traditional villages. The route connects Ise Jingu (Shinto) with Kumano (mountain worship), representing Japan's syncretic religious traditions.

The trail dates to the Heian period (794–1185) when emperors and aristocrats walked from Kyoto to Kumano via Ise. Today, hikers follow stone-paved paths through cedar forests, crossing centuries-old stone bridges and passing moss-covered jizo statues. The Iseji Route is less crowded than the famous Nakahechi Route but equally scenic, with sections like Magose-toge Pass (馬越峠) showcasing perfectly preserved Edo-period stone paving winding through forest.