Mt. Atsumi’s Pilgrimage 温海嶽の巡礼
Atsumi is said to have been founded by the creator of Shugendo himself: En no Gyoja. Walk upon its sacred Shugendo paths.
| Distance | 10.5km |
| Elevation | 720meters |
| Required Time | 5h |
| Danger level | Caution advised *Dangers include:Bear presence, Heat strokes, Slippery slopes, Slippery when raining, Fallen trees |
| Difficulty level (for beginners) | Moderate |
| Equipment needed | ● Water ● Hiking shoes ● Rainwear ● Sun hat ● Hiking sticks ● Food or snacks |
Difficulty levels have been designed for people who have a PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) score inferior or equal to 60. Experienced hikers or persons with a PAI above 100 can withdraw two cases to know the average difficulty for their fitness level. Example: Trails noted “Hard for beginners” correspond to “average” trails for experienced hikers or people with a PAI above 100.
1. This sign tells you where to start your pilgrimage
2. Continue straight
3. You get a view on Atsumi Onsen
4. You step inside the forest
5. Continue straight
6. There is a map in Japanese of the surroundings
7. Fill in your water bottles at the Kowa springs
8. Kowa Shimizu (Kowa Springs)
9. Cross the bridge at the Ichinotaki falls
10. Turn right at this sign
11. Don’t forget to write down your name
12. Get inside the forest
13. Cross the bridge
14. Continue straight
15. Cross another bridge
16. Spot the “Encounter falls”
The Deai no taki 出会いの滝 designates two falls that join in the same stream, making them look like lovers.
17. Climb the ladder
18. Cross another bridge
19. Climb the stairs
20. Spot the Sanno Falls
21. Use this spring to fill in your bottles
22. After a while, you arrive at the Kumano Shrine
23. A little further, Mt. Atsumi’s viewpoint
24. Go down
25. The tracks are narrow and some trees have fallen
Please be very careful when doing down the route.
26. Come across the Babasugi
“Grandma cedar”
27. Buddhist stele
28. This sign indicates you are near the end
29. This spring is the last spot of this hiking trail
Otsukaresama deshita! お疲れ様でした！”Congratulations for your efforts!”
