Kumano Kodo Magose Pass 熊野古道 - 馬越峠

Located in the Kii Mountains near the coast in southern Mie , the Kumano Kodo Magose Pass is a great place to get a taste of the Kumano Kodo. The Kumano Kodo is one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites and a major pilgrimage route, bringing pilgrims to the sacred mountains of the Kumano Region from Kyoto, Osaka, Ise and other major areas all over Japan for over a thousand years.

Reach the trail leading over the Magose Pass from either Owase or Aiga Stations along the JR Kisei Main Line.

From either of the stations you'll take a bus and get off at the Washige stop, then walk a few minutes to the southern end of the pass. If you're driving, you can find parking at the Miyama Michi-no-Eki rest area.

Magose Pass is on the Kumano Kodo's Ise Route. A relatively easy hike covering about five kilometers of the trail brings you over the pass and through gorgeous natural scenery. The hike takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.

Out in the woods, you'll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Japan's cities. You'll frequently encounter stone statues of Jizo along the way.

North and south of the Magose Pass are stone-paved sections that add to the trail's historic feel. From the top of the pass, a path leads up to the summit of Mt Tengura. Once at the top, you'll get a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside and the Pacific Ocean. To return to the pilgrimage route, just backtrack on the same path down to Magose Pass.

If you're visiting during cherry blossom season, don't miss the gorgeous scenery at Magose Park. Magose Park is beautiful with cherry blossoms and azaleas from spring to early summer and hagi (Japanese bush clover) in autumn.