Check out Takumi’s NEW English youtube channel🎵
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https://www.youtube.com/@takuway
I went on a quick over-night trip!
🌿✨
Early in the morning, I arrived at Shirahama Resort Airport.
My high school junior, Masumoto-kun, picked me up by bus.
From there, we headed to the sacred Kumano Kodo.
Have you ever been?
Thanks to the generosity of Hiromi Wada,
I had the pleasure of experiencing this journey with a wonderful group of about ten people!
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The Sacred Path of Kumano Kodo: A Journey Through History and Faith
The Kumano Kodo (熊野古道) is an ancient pilgrimage route that leads to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano—Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. For centuries, countless travelers have walked these sacred paths, each step steeped in history, legends, and deep spiritual meaning.
1. Kumano Faith and Pure Land Beliefs
*During the Heian period (794–1185), Kumano was believed to be a gateway to the Pure Land of paradise. Nobles and commoners alike embarked on the Kumano pilgrimage to seek spiritual salvation and peace in the afterlife. The pilgrimage became so popular among the aristocracy that it was famously called "The Ant Procession of Kumano", as the sheer number of worshippers marching in long lines resembled columns of ants.
- 2. The Fusion of Shinto and Buddhism: Kumano Gongen
The deities enshrined at the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano embody the syncretic faith of Shinto-Buddhist fusion (Shinbutsu-shūgō). For example, the main deity of Kumano Hongu Taisha, Ketsumimiko-no-Ōkami, was associated with Amida Nyorai (Amitābha Buddha) in Buddhism. This belief led many monks and ascetic practitioners to regard the Kumano pilgrimage as a path of Buddhist training and enlightenment.
3. The Medieval Expansion of the Pilgrimage
By the Kamakura (1185–1333) and Muromachi (1336–1573) periods, samurai and commoners also began making the journey. Notable figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Emperor Go-Toba are known to have undertaken the pilgrimage, with Emperor Go-Toba being particularly devoted to Kumano worship.
In the Muromachi period, Kumano Bikuni, a group of Buddhist nuns, traveled across Japan spreading the faith, further popularizing the Kumano pilgrimage among the general public.
4. The Edo Period: A Pilgrimage for the Masses
During the Edo period (1603–1868), pilgrimage culture flourished, with Kumano Kodo and Ise Pilgrimage becoming two of the most popular spiritual journeys for the common people. Roads connecting various parts of the Kii Peninsula to Kumano were improved, making access easier.
By this time, the pilgrimage was not just about religious devotion—it also became an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, hot springs, and the joy of travel itself.
5. Kumano Kodo Today: A World Heritage Pilgrimage
In 2004, Kumano Kodo was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." Today, it draws visitors from all over the world—spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike—who walk the same ancient paths as pilgrims of the past.
More than just a trail, Kumano Kodo is a path of the soul, carrying centuries of devotion, prayers, and cultural heritage. Walking this sacred road, one can still feel the echoes of those who came before, making a timeless connection to history and faith.
The Guide, Mr. Torii
Thank you so much,
Mr. HiromiWada!
The luxury of huddling together in the mist.
We deepened our learning as we walked
Look at this midst!
The path to paradise.
八咫烏・・・
熊野本宮大社の神紋（シンボル）
Yatagarasu: The Sacred Three-Legged Crow
Yatagarasu (八咫烏) is the divine symbol of Kumano Hongu Taisha, deeply rooted in Kumano’s spiritual tradition.
- This legendary three-legged crow is said to have guided Emperor Jimmu, Japan’s first emperor, leading him on the right path to victory. Because of this, Yatagarasu represents both guidance and triumph.
- The three legs of Yatagarasu are often interpreted as a symbol of harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. As an emblem of Kumano faith, it holds a profound connection to the region’s spiritual heritage.
- Even today, Yatagarasu continues to be a powerful symbol of leadership and success.
- It is featured on the Japan Football Association’s emblem, signifying the spirit of guidance and victory in modern times.
More than just a mythological creature, Yatagarasu is seen as a spiritual guide, believed to have the power to lead people in the right direction in life. If you ever walk the Kumano Kodo, keep an eye out for Yatagarasu’s symbol along the way—it might just inspire your own journey!
The Yatagarasu is also on the soccer emblem!
Dentist Jizo Statue
Orthopedic Jizo Statue
Doctors Everywhere!
Hiromi-chan is a wizardess of the Kumano Kodo!
The lunch box is delicious!
I was deeply moved by the vastness of the Kumano Kodo and its embrace of everyone—both people and ideas—with open arms!
Friends for over forty years.
To Kumano Hongu Taisha!
I was so impressed by the black mailbox!
The origin of the word “postcard”.
We gathered at Kumano Hongu Taisha from the morning
and received the formal blessings! Thank you so much!
Each moment is sinking in,
and we finally arrived at the entrance of Kumano.
In any case, it's such a deep world!
The past, present, and future.
A place of revival.
Next, we moved to Nachi Falls!
This is the place I visited with my family during a trip when I was in elementary school.
Looking at the falls, I wonder what I must have thought back then as an elementary school kid...
(Kei Yokoyama's drinking fountain)
We all had udon together.
If it weren’t for Hiromi Wada,
I wouldn’t have been able to have this experience!
I’m truly grateful—thank you so much!
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By the way, there will be a 60th birthday party for Takumi Yamazaki in Tokyo on March 20th.
On that day, there will be a seminar starting at 11:30 AM.
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The seminar will be held near the venue of the 60th birthday party at 11:30 AM!
Masumoto-san, who is joining us again this time, has been a friend for over 40 years. He is an active educator and a speaker who conducts classes that help make dreams come true.
Chosa-san has a long career as a counselor and is a versatile genius who can also do coaching, with skills in both land and water.
The event will be held next to Hikarie!
CHI.
Have of you heard of this?!
The flight prices for the Bali tour may increase in April, so please hurry and reserve if you hope to join us!
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https://forms.gle/Z3KcdBB9y5knoytv8
Let’s go on a trip in June!
The TK Bali Tour—I wonder how many years we’ve been doing this now?!
It all started with Kiyoshi Nagatomo, and by the way, March 14th was his birthday!
