Forest covers 90% of Kihoku Town.
It is the home of the World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo, with its stone-paved steps and cypress forest covering the sky. Enter the mysterious forest and you will be transported to a bygone world.

Anyway, it doesn’t just rain, it pours.
Some people say it’s like a bucket of water has been poured from above. Naturally, the townsfolk are used to it.Thanks to the rain, the air, sky and greenery are clear and sparkling. We love the rain!

We are a small town, but we love festivals!
Lively people gather during festivals and bring the town to life! There are many events you can participate in, so come and join in and have fun with us!

Kumano Kodo was registered as a World Heritage Site in July, 2004, as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.
The route connecting Ise-jingu Shrine (Tamaru) to the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, Kumano Hongu Taisha) is called Iseji. It was such a busy route that the line of pilgrims using it was likened to a trail of ants.
Download the English map.(PDF)

Iseji route introduction

KUMANO KODO (only Japanese)

Hotels

Enjoy a taste of luxury in guest rooms with an open-air hot spring bath.

Hotels(only Japanese)

Guesthouses

Reasonably priced, with a homelike atmosphere. Choose from room only, one meal per stay (breakfast) or two meals per stay (dinner and breakfast).

Guesthouses

Campsites

There are campsites near the sea and rivers. You can choose a cottage with a kitchen, or a tent site.

Campsites(only Japanese)