kumano kodo koya-san (mount koya) - … kodo koya-san (mount koya) cindy day atlanta, ga march 2017...
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KUMANO KODO KOYA-SAN (MOUNT KOYA)
Cindy Day Atlanta, GA March 2017
KUMANO KODO Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Peninsula
Relationship with the Camino • Only two pilgrimages routes in the
world to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Route
• Both have been around for over 1000 years
• Tanabe, largest city in the area, is a sister city to Santiago
• Dual Pilgrim program was established in 2015
Dual Pilgrimage Program • Recognizes those who have walked the two UNESCO
World Heritage pilgrimage routes
• The Dual Pilgrim logo is a combination of a shell and the Yatagarasu.
• Celebrates the pilgrimages of the rising and setting sun - Shades of orange, often seen in beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Focus of Kumano Pilgrimage • Worship at three Kumano Grand Shrines (Kumano
Sanzan)
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Where in Japan?
Routes
Terrain
Finding your way
Views
Ryokans
Stamps
Ojis • Subsidiary shrines of the
Kumano Grand Shrines • Line the Kumano • Protect and guide pilgrims
• Places of worship and rest
Praying at Ojis and Shrines • Drop a coin in the donation box in front of the shrine
• Ring the bell above the box • Bow twice and clap twice • Pray • Bow once more
Torii Gates • Formalized gateways that
designate the entrance to a sacred area.
• Mark the division of the secular and the spiritual worlds.
• Always located at the entrance of Shinto shrines
Oyunahara, Hongu
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Kumano-Gawa River
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Certificate of Completion
Dual Pilgrim Honor
Dual Pilgrimage Program • Limited edition Dual Pilgrim pin • Featured on www.spiritual-pilgrimages.com
Major differences from Camino • Terrain • Shorter time and distances • Can walk in both directions • Can visit shrines in any order • No horses or bicycles • Once on the trail, few “exit” points • Requires advance planning and reservations • Pre-pay and take cash • Luggage service
Planning Tips • Adjust daily distances for terrain • Be ready to get wet • Study the transit system • Be flexible about food – vegetarian means fish • Consider renting Hotspot for wireless internet • Learn courtesy phrases • Research Japanese etiquette
• Shoes • Baths • Not blowing your noses in public • Cellphone in public transport – “manner mode”
Resources for planning Kumano Kodo
• World’s Best Unknown Hike: Japan’s Kumano Kodo http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/06/travel/japan-kumano-kodo-hike/
• Tanabe City Kumano Travel Tourism Bureau • www.tb-kumano.jp/en/
• Kumano Travel Reservation System • Local, community-based initiative • Model for rural tourism in Japan • www.kumano-travel.com
• Video • https://vimeo.com/124734606
Special thanks to Yosmar Martinez for sharing her Kumano Kodo slides
KOYA-SAN (MOUNT KOYA)
History • Settled in 819 by Kukai
(Kobo Daishi) • Headquarters of the
Koyasan Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism
• 2004 UNESCO World Heritage Site designation
Getting There • From Osaka take the Nankai Railway to Gokukurakubashi • Cable car to the top of the mountain • Bus from cable car to lodging • http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com
What’s There?
• 120 major temples, some
provide shukubo lodging for pilgrims
• Some of the greatest Buddhist art
• Shops, cafes, and restaurants
• Atmosphere of tranquility
Shojoshin-in
Morning Prayers
Okunoin
Kukai’s Mausoleum
Kongobuji Temple (head temple)
Daishi Kyokai Temple
Questions?