Magose Pass

Magose PassKumano KodoIsejiOwase cypressstone paving

Mie · Owase

34.0844°N, 136.1987°E

Magose is the most walked section of the Kumano Kodo Iseji, and the reason is the paving. Two kilometres of stone laid through a forest of Owase cypress, kept in better condition than anywhere else on the route because this coast gets over four metres of rain a year and unpaved paths simply wash away — the stones were a practical necessity, not a decoration.

The climb is moderate and the surface is even, so it is walkable by people who would not attempt the harder passes. From the top a side path climbs to Tengura-san, where a boulder with a ladder up it gives a view over Owase town and the bay. From the Michi-no-Eki Miyama to Owase Station takes about two and a half hours over five kilometres, and there are no toilets on the pass.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Open access | Daylight only

Closed: Open year-round | Avoid in heavy rain

Entrance Fee

Free | Free parking at the roadside station

Best Season

Spring and autumn | Avoid heavy rain and midsummer heat

Visit Duration

2 hours 30 minutes | 3–4 hours with Tengura-san

Getting There

Access Information

Magose-cho, Owase, on the Kumano Kodo Iseji between Kihoku and Owase. From the Michi-no-Eki Miyama, which has a free car park for about 20 vehicles, to JR Owase Station is about 5 km and around 2 hours 30 minutes on foot. From Nagoya IC via Miyama IC is about 2 hours 20 minutes by car; by rail, take the Nanki limited express to JR Owase Station, about 2 hours 40 minutes from Nagoya, then a Mie Kotsu bus to the Washige stop. There are no toilets on the pass — use those at the roadside station. Free to walk.

Insider Guide

Premium

**No toilets on the pass.** Use the roadside station before starting. It is a two-and-a-half-hour walk with nothing in between. **The stones exist because of the rain.** Over four metres a year on this coast. Unpaved sections wash out, which is why this is the best-preserved paving on the Iseji. **Add Tengura-san.** A side path from the summit to a boulder with a ladder, and a view over Owase and the bay. It adds about an hour and is the best part. **Walk it one way and take the train back.** Roadside station to Owase Station, then rail. Doing it as an out-and-back doubles the distance for no gain. **Wet stone is slippery.** In a place that rains this much. Boots with grip rather than trainers.

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