Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

- E P I C H I K E S O F T H E W O R L D -
MORE LIKE THIS
JAPANESE JOURNEYS
KUMANO-KODŌ
There are a number of old pilgrimage routes on the Kii Peninsula that were first
visited by emperors and nobles, then by yamabushi (mountain ascetics) and later
by the common people. Now a World Heritage–listed area, these sacred sites and
routes are based around Hongū Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha
‘grand shrines’ and the tracks that connect them. The Nakahechi Main Route from
Takijiri-ōji to Hongū Taisha, used since the 10th century, is the most popular. There
are several places to stay along the way, and in the vicinity of Hongū, some
excellent onsen (hot springs), including Yunomine and Kawa-yu. The best place to
get started is Tanabe, on the peninsula’s west coast, easily accessed from Kyoto or
Osaka. The Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau is a mine of information.
Start // Takijiri-ōji (Nakahechi Main Route)
End // Hongū Taisha (Nakahechi Main Route)
Distance // 24 miles (38km)
More info // www.tb-kumano.jp/en
TATEYAMA-KAMIKŌCHI HIKE
The classic hike covering the length of the North Alps takes around seven days in
the most spectacular alpine scenery Japan has on offer. This hike starts at Murodo
(8040ft, 2450m), the high point on the enthralling Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route,
which links the western and eastern sides of the North Alps with a series of cable
cars, buses, trolley buses through tunnels and a walk over the Kurobe Dam. Climb
the sacred peak of Tateyama (9890ft, 3015m), then head south to climb spear-like
Yarigatake (10,430ft, 3180m) and Oku-Hotaka-dake (10,470ft, 3190m) before
dropping into the remote resort village of Kamikōchi (4920ft, 1500m). There are
mountain huts with bedding and meals along the way, meaning you can take
minimal gear, plus a number of camping areas. In the four days between Tateyama
and Yarigatake you’ll likely see fewer people than on one Tokyo rush-hour subway
carriage!
Start // Murodo
End // Kamikōchi
Distance // 40 miles (65km)