Kumano Kodo Kii-ji Walking Tour from Hoshiya Station

The former Nakasuji Residence once belonged to a wealthy local farming family in the Edo period. Its traditional wooden house, earthen storehouse, and serene garden reveal the lifestyle of prosperous villagers. As you walk through the tatami rooms and corridors, imagine travelers resting here centuries ago along the Kumano pilgrimage route. *note:Open only on weekends and national holidays from March to November.

This historical park and museum preserve ancient burial mounds and artifacts from the Kofun period. Walking among reconstructed tombs and stone monuments, you can sense how early worship and nature intertwined in this land. It’s an ideal place to feel the roots of faith that inspired the Kumano pilgrimage.

The Yata Pass marks a quiet stretch of the ancient Kumano Kodo Kii-ji route. Gentle slopes and cedar forests frame the stone path where pilgrims once walked toward the sacred shrines. This short hike captures the essence of the Kumano journey—tranquil, spiritual, and deeply connected to the land.

Itakiso Shrine enshrines the deity of trees, Itakeru-no-Mikoto, and has long been revered as the spiritual gateway of Kii Province. Surrounded by forest, the shrine radiates calm and reverence. Travelers once prayed here for safe journeys, while locals honored the sacred bond between trees and life itself.

This spacious park celebrates the harmony of agriculture and daily life. Visitors can enjoy local produce, handmade foods, and colorful flower fields. It’s a refreshing stop to rest and reflect on the journey, feeling the gentle rhythm of the countryside that has supported travelers along the Kumano Kodo for centuries.