Many people may say, “I don’t want to walk too strenuously, but I want to enjoy the atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo”.
Some people may think that Kumano, in particular, is “quite difficult even to reach” due to accessibility issues.
In this issue, I would like to introduce “recommended Kumano Kodo” that can be reached in a day trip from Osaka.
Fujishirozaka
This time, let me introduce you to Fujishirozaka on the Kumano Kodo Route.
Fujishirozaka is located on the Kiiji route and can be reached by train from Osaka in about an hour.
Although the Kiiji route has not yet been registered as a World Heritage site, there are already several places that have been registered as national historic sites. Considering the order in which they are registered as World Heritage sites, additional sites may be added to the list in the future.
On this route, the Fujishiro Shrine and the Suzuki residence are such sites.
The first half of the route has many interesting sights such as the remains of the Suzuki residence, the Fujishiro Shrine, the tomb of Crown Prince Arima, and the bamboo grove on Fujishirozaka, while the second half of the route changes dramatically and takes you through tangerine fields.
The Garden of Suzuki residenceFujishirozakaTangerine fields
If you make it all the way up Fujishiro-zaka, a “reward” will be waiting for you.
Although slightly off the course, Fukusho-ji Temple is also recommended. Fukusho-ji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple, which is rare in this area, and is said to be the place where Kukai crossed the Fujishirozaka slope and practiced asceticism just before going to Tang China.
In addition, under the devotion of Yorinobu Tokugawa, the first lord of the Kishu domain, Gumonjido was built.
Gumonjido is a hall where the Shingon esoteric Buddhism practice called Kokuzo Gumonji Dharma is performed. Both the main hall and the Gumonjido are nationally important cultural properties.
On the premises of the temple is the “Urami no Taki Waterfall,” which is said to have been named by Lord Yorinobu. As the name suggests, the waterfall can be seen from the back (however, there are times when there is no water. Whether you can see the waterfall or not depends on your luck!).
As you will see when you go there, it is a place with a unique and relaxing atmosphere.
Fujishirozaka may be a little tough, but it is packed with sights, scenery, and more than enough to give you a taste of the atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo.
Please come and visit once.
Access
Departure: Kainan Station
End: Fukusho-ji Temple (or Kutsumoto-dobashi)
Distance: approx. 5 km
Approximate time required: 3-4 hours
From Fukusho-ji Temple, take a taxi to Kainan Station or Kamogo Station. For taxies, call Ariko Wakayama 073-471-3333. Taxis are available without reservations on the day of the ride. If there is a vehicle waiting at Kamogo Station, it will take about 10 minutes. If the vehicle is out of service, it will pick you up from Kainan Station in 20 minutes. It is possible to walk to Kamogo Station, but it takes about 1 hour.
Guide Requests
It is a waste to just walk! Walking with a guide will make your walk even more enjoyable.
