The Omine Okugake Trail is a spectacular mountain pilgrimage route stretching approximately 170 kilometers between Yoshino in Nara Prefecture and the Kumano Sanzan, the three great shrines of Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture. Following the rugged main ridgeline of the Omine Mountains, where many peaks rise between 1,000 and 1,900 meters, the trail has served as a sacred place of mountain worship for more than 1,300 years. According to tradition, it was established in the early eighth century by En no Gyoja, the legendary founder of Shugendo, a Japanese religious tradition that combines mountain asceticism with elements of Buddhism and ancient nature worship.
In 2002, the Omine Okugake Trail was designated a National Historic Site of Japan. In July 2004, it became part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Pilgrimage routes recognized as World Heritage sites are relatively rare, and the trail is often discussed alongside famous European pilgrimage routes such as the Camino de Santiago.
The trail connects Mount Yoshino, home to Kinpusenji Temple and one of the principal centers of Shugendo, with the sacred Kumano region, including Kumano Hongu Taisha. Although the name Mount Omine is often used to refer specifically to Mount Sanjo, the term Omine in the context of this pilgrimage encompasses the wider mountain range extending from Yoshino, across Mount Sanjo and Mount Hakkyo, and onward toward Kumano.
The highest point along the route is Mount Hakkyo, also known as Butsukyo-dake, at 1,915 meters. Steep ridges, rocky slopes, and demanding ascents make this one of the most challenging routes associated with the Kumano pilgrimage network. Historically, it was a sacred domain entered by ascetics undertaking rigorous mountain training.
Along the trail are 75 sacred sites known as nabiki, where practitioners stop to pray and perform religious observances. The sequence extends from Shosho-den at Kumano Hongu Taisha, numbered 1, to Yanagi no Shuku on the banks of the Yoshino River, numbered 75. These sites include mountain summits, rocky outcrops, caves, waterfalls, and other places believed to embody the presence of deities or Buddhas.
Notable sites include Sho-no-Iwaya, where ascetics traditionally undertook severe winter retreats; Mount Misen, associated with the training of En no Gyoja; and Zenki, a historic mountain settlement connected with Shugendo. Together, the 75 nabiki form a spiritual landscape in which the natural environment and religious practice are inseparable.
Traditional Okugake training continues today. The principal season associated with Mount Sanjo runs from the opening of Ominesanji Temple on May 3 until its closing on September 23. During this period, Shugendo practitioners undertake demanding journeys through the mountains as part of their religious discipline.
A section of Mount Sanjo remains closed to women for religious reasons. The restricted area extends from Gojobunseki to the north to Amidagamori to the south. Visitors should respect the established boundaries and local religious customs.
There are two traditional directions of travel along the Omine Okugake Trail. Junpu proceeds from Kumano toward Yoshino, while Gyakuho travels from Yoshino toward Kumano. Historically, the Junpu tradition was associated with Shogoin Temple and the Honzan-ha branch of Shugendo, which developed within the Tendai Buddhist tradition. Gyakuho was associated with Daigoji Temple’s Sanboin and the Tozan-ha branch, linked to Shingon Buddhism.
Although the practice changed over the centuries alongside the rise and decline of pilgrimage to Kumano, both traditions have continued to shape the religious history of the mountains.
Yanagi no Shuku (No. 75): Located on the banks of the Yoshino River, this is the final site in the numbered sequence of 75 nabiki when counted from Kumano toward Yoshino.
Mount Sanjo (No. 67): One of the central sacred mountains of Shugendo, known for its religious significance and the continued restriction on women’s entry in a designated section.
Mount Misen (No. 54): A revered peak north of Mount Hakkyo, associated with mountain worship and ascetic practice.
Mount Hakkyo (No. 51): At 1,915 meters, this is the highest peak on the route and one of the most prominent landmarks of the Omine Mountains.
Mount Shaka (No. 40): A striking summit crowned by a statue of Shaka Nyorai, the Buddha who represents the historical Buddha.
Kumano Hongu Taisha, Shosho-den (No. 1): A major sacred site in the Kumano region and the starting point of the numbered sequence of nabiki.
Approximately 36 kilometers of the trail pass through Totsukawa Village, where the remains of important mountain lodgings and training sites can still be found. These include Jinsen no Shuku, Jikyo no Shuku, Heiji no Shuku, and Gyosen no Shuku. The area is also associated with Koshosei-sui, a spring traditionally believed to have medicinal properties, reflecting the long-standing spiritual importance of the landscape.
Within Kamikitayama Village, roughly 20 kilometers of the route cross some of the most demanding terrain, at elevations of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 meters. Despite the steep and rugged conditions, the area supports rich natural habitats, including native beech and spruce forests. Seasonal flowers such as white azaleas, rhododendrons, and Japanese magnolias add color to the mountain scenery.
The trail is therefore not only a route of religious discipline but also a place where valuable remnants of Japan’s natural environment survive.
The Butsukyo Primeval Forest around Mount Hakkyo contains subalpine evergreen coniferous woodland dominated by Japanese fir. This ecologically important forest is designated a Natural Monument of Japan.
The mountains between Mount Misen and Mount Myojo are also known for their natural stands of Japanese magnolia, which produce delicate white flowers in early summer. The habitat, covering approximately 100 hectares, is likewise protected as a Natural Monument and is valued for its scientific and botanical significance.
Tamaki Shrine stands near the summit of Mount Tamaki, close to the southern end of the Omine mountain range. It has long been revered as the principal guardian shrine of the Totsukawa area. Towering trees fill its grounds, including the enormous Jindai-sugi cedar, traditionally said to be around 3,000 years old, creating an atmosphere of deep solemnity.
During the Kamakura period, the area developed as a sacred destination for Shugendo practitioners, and mountain lodgings were established for those undertaking religious training. The shrine and its surroundings preserve important elements of the region’s religious history and include designated historic and cultural properties.
A challenging itinerary through Tenkawa Village begins at Dorogawa Onsen Bus Stop and travels through Mount Sanjo, Mount Gyojagaeri, Mount Misen, and Mount Hakkyo before returning to Tenkawa Kawai Bus Stop. The suggested journey takes two nights and three days and includes overnight stays at mountain lodgings on Mount Sanjo and at Misen Hut.
Advance reservations are required for overnight accommodation. The traditional lodging season for the Mount Sanjo lodgings is May 3 to September 23, while Misen Hut generally operates from late April to mid-November. Opening dates and operating arrangements can vary, so confirm conditions before departure.
From the Kawai intersection on National Route 309, follow Prefectural Route 21 toward Dorogawa. At the end of the road, paid parking is available at the Omine Ohashi parking area. Dorogawa Onsen Bus Stop is approximately 4 kilometers from the Omine Ohashi trailhead, a walk of about one hour.
The route traverses remote, high mountain terrain. Anyone planning to hike it should research the intended section carefully, check current trail and weather conditions, and carry suitable equipment. A full traverse requires substantial mountaineering experience, physical fitness, and careful logistical planning.
National Historic Site: Omine Okugake Trail.
Natural Monuments of Japan: Butsukyo Primeval Forest and the natural habitat of Japanese magnolia.
The trail extends across a broad area of Nara and Wakayama prefectures, including Yoshino Town, Kawakami Village, Kurotaki Village, Tenkawa Village, Kamikitayama Village, Shimokitayama Village, Totsukawa Village, and Gojo City in Nara Prefecture, as well as Tanabe City and Shingu City in Wakayama Prefecture.
The following is the traditional numbered sequence of sacred sites along the pilgrimage route. Names and readings are given in romanized form to help international visitors identify the places.
No. 1: Hongu Shosho-den
No. 2: Oyunohara
No. 3: Saishu-dake
No. 4: Yunomine Onsen
No. 5: Kogumotori-goe
No. 6: Ogumotori-goe
No. 7: Taisen-dake
No. 8: Takakura-yama
No. 9: Shinsen-daira
No. 10: Tamaki-yama
No. 11: Omori-yama
No. 12: Furuya no Shuku
No. 13: Kosho-zan
No. 14: Ogami-kaeshi
No. 15: Kiku-ga-ike
No. 16: Shia no Shuku
No. 17: Yari-ga-take
No. 18: Kasasute-yama
No. 19: Gyosen-dake
No. 20: Nuta no Shuku
No. 21: Heiji no Shuku
No. 22: Jikyo no Shuku
No. 23: Kenko-mon
No. 24: Nehan-dake
No. 25: Hannya-dake
No. 26: Komori-dake
No. 27: Okumori-dake
No. 28: Zenki no Sanju-taki
No. 29: Zenki-san
No. 30: Chigusa-dake
No. 31: Koike no Shuku
No. 32: Sobakusa-dake
No. 33: Futatsu-iwa
No. 34: Senju-dake
No. 35: Dainichi-dake
No. 36: Gokaku-sen
No. 37: Shotten no Mori
No. 38: Jinsen no Shuku
No. 39: Totsu-mon
No. 40: Shaka-ga-take
No. 41: Kuhachi-dake
No. 42: Kujaku-dake
No. 43: Bussho-ga-take
No. 44: Yoji no Shuku
No. 45: Shichimen-san
No. 46: Fune no Tawa
No. 47: Goko no Mine
No. 48: Zenji no Mori
No. 49: Kiku no Iwaya
No. 50: Myojo-ga-take
No. 51: Hakkyo-ga-take
No. 52: Furuima-juku
No. 53: Chosen-dake
No. 54: Misen
No. 55: Kobase no Shuku
No. 56: Ishiyasumi no Shuku
No. 57: Ichi no Tawa
No. 58: Gyojagaeri
No. 59: Shichiyo-dake
No. 60: Chigo-dまり
No. 61: Miroku-dake
No. 62: Sho no Iwaya
No. 63: Fugen-dake
No. 64: Waki no Shuku
No. 65: Amidagamori
No. 66: Ozasa no Shuku
No. 67: Sanjo-ga-take
No. 68: Joshin-mon
No. 69: Nizo no Shuku
No. 70: Aizen no Shuku
No. 71: Kinpu Shrine
No. 72: Yoshino Mikumari Shrine
No. 73: Mount Yoshino
No. 74: Joroku-yama
No. 75: Yanagi no Shuku
The Omine Okugake Trail is far more than a mountain hiking route. It is a living pilgrimage path shaped by centuries of prayer, spiritual discipline, and reverence for nature. Crossing its rugged peaks and remote forests offers a glimpse into Japan’s religious heritage and the enduring traditions of Shugendo.
For those who undertake the journey with appropriate preparation and respect for its sacred character, the trail offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the natural grandeur of the Kii Mountains while reflecting on the relationship between people, the mountains, and the spiritual world.