Osaka Area | Spend a day exploring the start and end of the Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site.

Shirahama Onsen, one of the three oldest hot springs in Japan, is not only a seaside hot spring resort, but also a great starting point for a day trip to the Kumano Kodo. Start your day with a hearty breakfast. The breakfast at Shirahama Onsen FIVE SPRING RESORT THE SHIRAHAMA exceeded my expectations. Since it's by the sea, you can enjoy fresh seafood caught that morning, including lobster, abalone, sea urchin, and sea bream. If you don't want sashimi, the restaurant staff can grill it for you. [Kumano Kodo] The Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site, consists of the Kii, Kohechi, Nakahechi, Ohechi, and Iseji routes. They all have different starting points, but they all lead to the same destination - Kumano Hongu Taisha. From the hotel, you can spend a day exploring the Kumano Kodo, covered in dense forests and filled with a mysterious atmosphere. [Takijiri-oji] Takijiri-oji is one of the most revered "oji" among the 99 Kumano oji, and is the starting point of the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo. [Kumano Hongu Taisha] Kumano Hongu Taisha is located deep in the Kii Mountains and is one of the three Kumano Sanzan. All pilgrimage routes on the Kumano Kodo eventually lead to the stone steps of Kumano Hongu Taisha. In 1889, the original shrine at Oyunohara was destroyed by a severe flood. After reconstruction, the world's largest torii gate now stands at the original site. In the evening, return to FIVE SPRING RESORT for a kaiseki meal. The chef creates seasonal dishes using fresh local seafood and Kumano beef. White sand beaches, clear waters, ancient hot springs, and the Kumano Kodo World Heritage Site - visit Shirahama before it becomes too popular!