There is only 6 weeks left for us to learn about Kumano-kodo and to find a unique accommodation in that area. I searched for the history and the culture of Kumano-kodo. I found a lot of information on the Internet. I read the information on Kumano-kodo one by one. I found an article stating that Kumano has been written in the oldest Japanese history book called “Kojiki”. I also found an article in the Kojiki history book that stated that during the ancient times, Japan was called Toyo-Akitsu-Shima (blissful dragonfly country). Apparently, Akitsu means dragonfly.
In ancient Japan, dragonflies were the symbol of happiness. I found that the area called Akitsu-no (means dragonfly field) is close to Kumano-kodo. I think Akitsu-no is a great name named after the Kojiki history book and this district is very mythological. I started looking for information on the Akitsuno-no town and I was able to find a unique accommodation – a farmhouse lodge. We are so excited to visit Kumano-kodo and Akitsu-no.
Kumano-kodo refers to a network of pilgrimage trails that runs through the southern Kansai region. “Kodo” means old path and it is a key part of the region’s UNESCO designation, and have been in use for over 1000 years. These are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated as a world heritage site.
The pilgrimage routes developed as a way for people to move between the sacred areas on the Kii Peninsula. At the center of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan.
(http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4952.html)
For your information:
We recommend you to contact Akizno Garten information center.
Akizuno Garten provides tours, guides, food and accommodation.
Related website:
http://agarten.jp/index.html (Japanese)
https://asoview.com/en/act/115/
http://www.spiritual-pilgrimages.com/en/photo- gallery?q=ja
http://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano- kodo/%2Fphoto-gallery
http://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/lodging/#minshuku
http://www.kumano-travel.com/index/en/action_ContentsList_SearchExec/init1/s_classification1/s_area_id3/s_category_id35
