The '''Kumano Kodō''' is an ancient hiking trail that was part of the long road between [[Kōyasan]] in Wakayama and [[Ise Grand Shrine]] here in Mie.  It runs through the mountainous middle area of the Kii Peninsula, with an alternate route along the coastline.  Though much of the trail has disappeared, portions in [[Owase]] and [[Kumano]] are still preserved and can be hiked on even now.

The '''Kumano Kodō''' (熊野古道), meaning the "'''Old Kumano Road'''", is an ancient hiking trail that was part of the long road between [[Mount Kōya]] in Wakayama and [[Ise Grand Shrine]] here in Mie.  It runs through the mountainous middle area of the Kii Peninsula, with an alternate route along the coastline.  Though much of the trail has disappeared, portions in [[Owase]] and [[Kumano]] are still preserved and can be hiked on even now.

The Kumano Kodō, along with a few other pilgrimage routes as well as a number of shrines and temples in the Kii mountain range, is an officially recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site -- Mie Prefecture's only such site.

The Kumano Kodō, along with a few other pilgrimage routes as well as a number of shrines and temples in the Kii mountain range, is an officially recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site -- Mie Prefecture's only such site.

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