Three Legged Crow –  March 15, 2025

  • Kumano Kodo: Day 1 / Takijiri-Oji to Nonaka
  • Distance: 11.3mi 
  • Total mileage:  11.3 miles
  • Ascent:  3,410’ /Descent: 2,136’
  • Time: 7h 40m (moving 6h)
  • Weather: 45-55° /  light rain and wind in afternoon

OVERVIEW 

  1. Drive from Totsukawa to Hongu Taisha Shrine 
  2. Park at shrine
  3. Bus from shrine to Takijiri-Oji 
  4. Walk: Takijiri-Oji to Nonaka
  5. Sleep at Nonaka 

Kumano Kodo started about 660BC with legendary Emperor Jimmu who was the descendant of a sun goddess. While on his way to Yamato (present day Nara and first capital of Japan), he was guided over mountains by a mythical three-legged crow sent from heaven to discover Nachi Falls.  Nachi Falls became the home for one of the three grand shrines collectively known as Kumano Sanzan. 

Three legged crow.
Temple gates separate the secular from sacred world. Bow before and after entering.
Kumano Hongu Taisha.
One of three grand shrines of Kumano Sanzan.

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