In 2019, Oku Japan became the first and only tour operator to open a branch office in the Nakasendo post-town of Tsumago. After more than a decade of working with the local community to ensure our tour activities align with the preservation goals of Tsumago, the community welcomed us &ndash; we renovated an old&nbsp;kominka&nbsp;home to serve as space for our team to operate daily activities and be available to both locals and any guests that may drop by.

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Becoming a part of the community in Tsumago</h2>

While the members of the community are warm and friendly to visitors, the community is widely viewed as being &#39;closed&#39;, because they deeply value and seek to preserve the traditions of the town which date back hundreds of years. In principle, the preservation of this Edo Period post-town comes first and serves as the basis for a great majority of activities and events within the community. This extends to business, and outsiders are widely excluded from operating within the town in order to ensure that the preservation of Tsumago is at the heart of all endeavours.

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As a result of Oku Japan&rsquo;s close ties to the community, we received permission to operate our branch office activities and were absolutely humbled and overjoyed at the opportunity. This has allowed us to further strengthen our ties in Tsumago, confidently introducing international guests to this beautifully-preserved post-town while aligning with Tsumago&rsquo;s preservation goals and receiving feedback from locals each step of the way.

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In July 2019, shortly before the official opening of our office, we were kindly invited to participate in the yearly Wachino Jinja Festival. Our team member Shinya had spent months living in Tsumago, and then on the first night of the festival, joined the local men in carrying the&nbsp;mikoshi, the miniature portable shrine often seen at festivals which carries the deity as it is transported to its shrine.

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Oku Japan&rsquo;s team in Tsumago</h2>

Yasushi and Noriko are a husband and wife couple on our team and have been serving as our base in Tsumago since the opening of our branch office. Yasushi and Noriko are regularly invited to join local club activities and have had the joy of experiencing both the big and small moments of togetherness in Tsumago. Noriko was invited to join a soba noodle-making activity with a local club, and the pair often take part in small celebratory drinking parties after important events.

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Working closely with the Tsumago Lovers Association, Yasushi and Noriko are involved in the various activities the association operates, helping out in any way possible with local preservation efforts and also maintaining the relationships we have built over the years, so we can feel confident that everything we do aligns with the needs of the post-town while also bringing value to our guests who visit Japan with us and experience hiking on the Nakasendo.

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One such activity was a local clean-up organised by Yasushi. During autumn, he recruited volunteers from within Tsumago as well as from surrounding towns, and everyone then gathered in Tsumago to engage in trail maintenance for the portion of the Nakasendo Trail near Tsumago. Clearing overgrown shrubbery and removing debris, everyone worked together to improve the safety of the trail. They then turned toward Tsumago itself, cleaning up the public toilet and street.

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Visit Oku Japan while you&rsquo;re on the trail</h2>

Our Tsumago office is a bit different from our Chikatsuyu office, located on the Kumano Kodo, in terms of functionality. In Chikatsuyu, our office also serves as a place for some of our guests to stay the night. In Tsumago, this type of business activity is strictly reserved for the community members to maintain the traditions of the town.

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However, our office will greet you as you arrive into Tsumago after walking from Magome, and we are there to welcome you with tea and a chat as you rest. Yasushi and Noriko are there to provide you with more information about Tsumago, answer any questions you may have and introduce you to neighbours should they stop by.

After more than a decade of working with the local community, in 2019 Oku Japan became the first and only tour operator to open a branch office in the Nakasendo post-town of Tsumago.

Oku Japan's activities in Tsumago

<h2>A historical look at dining etiquette in Japan</h2>

Traditional Japanese cuisine is characterized by serving small portions on a variety of dishes. Appreciating the pure taste of every ingredient is the heart of&nbsp;kaiseki ryori, the ultimate showmanship of a Japanese chef. With a luxurious meal comes exquisite pottery, lacquerware, and impeccable table manners to match. In the old days, it was only nobles and high-ranking officials who had the time to sit down and leisurely enjoy a meal. It is no surprise that this rank of society bestowed an eating order upon every dish to maximize its flavour in combination with the other ingredients present.

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Slowly, over the years and as the societal gap began to close, these table manners spread to the general populace in diluted form. Dietary etiquette was regarded as a culture and discipline passed down within the family on the same level as general mannerisms and customs. This whole package of &lsquo;rules&rsquo; is considered the correct and polite thing to do when being served or serving food.&nbsp;

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<img alt="Regional hot pot" height="667" src="https://static-oku.diqit.io/uploads/oku/nabe-1663827378276.jpg" width="1000" />

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<h2>Tipping etiquette in Japan</h2>

The level of hospitality bestowed upon you needs only to be reciprocated with an elegant appreciation of the food before you. As such, there is no need for a monetary reward when it comes to dining, and there is no real tipping etiquette in Japan. This tends to be a particularly interesting and occasionally confusing aspect of Japanese culture for American guests in particular, due to the strong tipping culture in the United States. Oku Japan was featured in an interesting article Matador Network about Japan&rsquo;s dining etiquette and&nbsp;<a href="https://matadornetwork.com/read/never-tip-japan/">why you should never tip</a>.

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<h2>What to expect when being served a meal in Japan</h2>

Upon being served your first traditional Japanese meal, you will notice the attention to detail in some of the smallest things. Special lacquerware spoons are provided for lacquerware dishes, not for aesthetic purposes, but because silverware might scratch the delicate lacquer surface. Rice is always served on your left, so you may hold it in your left hand while holding your chopsticks in your right.

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In Japan, it is common to pick up dishes and bring them closer to your mouth for cleaner eating. Bringing your face closer to the plates is called &lsquo;eating like a dog&rsquo; and is considered improper. The chopstick rests that you see on your table are actually quite a recent invention starting in the Meiji era. Before eating at a dining table became common, people ate from their personal serving tray and their eating utensils never made contact with another surface. Keeping chopsticks clean from other surfaces was only done during Shinto rituals.

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Even now, most family members have their own personal chopsticks that they use for every meal. Maybe this is because the idea of clean chopsticks used to be associated with the divine? While Japan is modern and even boasts some incredibly advanced technology, many traditional beliefs and superstitions are alive and well.

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<h2>Japanese dining rules are not as strict as one may think</h2>

While there is a plethora of rules connected to Japanese cuisine, the truth of the matter is that they have become quite relaxed over the years as foreign cuisine started to mix with mainstream culture. While most locals will not call you out on minor mistakes, and it is best to follow the example of the people around you, there are three big offenders that you would do best to avoid.

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The first faux pas is placing your chopsticks upright in your rice, as this looks very similar to a funeral offering for the deceased. The second faux pas also has a connection to funerals. Passing anything from chopstick to chopstick is only done during funerals as a ritual after cremation, when relatives pass the remaining bones of the deceased to each other and place them in the funerary urn. To pass food to someone, first place it on a plate and then pass the plate on. The last faux pas is fairly simple as it is uncommon in most cultures as well - pointing with your chopsticks to people. This has no cultural background, but is simply considered messy and rude, your chopstick is an eating tool after all.

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<img alt="Fresh fish" height="667" src="https://static-oku.diqit.io/uploads/oku/ingredients-1663827421146.jpg" width="1000" />

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Seeing so many rules laid out may seem overwhelming or difficult to remember. Even in the country itself there is debate on certain rules and even the names for certain utensils. This just goes to show that no one singular rule sticks and that learning as you go is the best approach &ndash; in general, be mindful and respectful, and those you are interacting with will appreciate your efforts. See it as another way of connecting with the local people and their culture. You might even learn something new that you can share with your friends who have visited other regions in Japan.

While there is a plethora of rules connected to Japanese cuisine, the truth of the matter is that they have become quite relaxed over the years as foreign cuisine started to mix with mainstream culture.

Understanding Dining Etiquette on Your Trip to Japan

We often find ourselves at a crossroads in life, struggling to choose the right path. The signs can be confusing, or we simply seek answers to confirm we are headed towards our destination. What if I told you it is possible to walk both paths and find the balance in between? Follow in the footsteps of Dual Pilgrims who have walked very different roads but arrived at the same profoundly spiritual conclusion.&nbsp;

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<h2>What does it mean to be a Dual Pilgrim?</h2>

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, and the Kumano Kodo, are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites because of their cultural and historical significance. In fact, these two pilgrimage routes are the only ones with UNESCO status in the world. Travellers who have walked both pilgrimages are known as Dual Pilgrims.

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As a pilgrim of either route, you will receive items to identify you as such. For the Camino de Santiago this is the scallop, and the Kumano Kodo has a book with which to collect special seals. They may serve as proof of completion and will be presented at the end of your journey to receive your recognition as a Dual Pilgrim. For many these serve as treasured mementos of their pilgrimage.

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The creation of each route finds it origin in religion, but many people do not walk it because of a relationship with the divine. A pilgrimage is a unique way to discover yourself and find a place for your wayfaring soul. While not all travellers are spiritual beings, vast nature and the experience of venturing into the unknown have a way of pulling in everyone. Perhaps this is why we wander &ndash; not only to satiate our hunger for knowledge, but also to broaden our horizons. What are your doubts? Are you facing a big decision? Perhaps you simply long to explore a new setting while stretching your legs at the same time.

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<h2>Why become a Dual Pilgrim?</h2>

The Camino de Santiago and Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes have many similarities, though they come from significantly different spiritual traditions. They cross over mountains, past agricultural landscapes, and place importance on connecting with locals.

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In modern times, a pilgrimage has become a way to embrace what people of times past would have felt and experienced. Because of their protected status, the old roads are still intact and you will pass the same markers as thousands of travellers before you. For many, walking the Kumano Kodo has become an addition to their itinerary in order to discover old Japan. As a country that rushes to embrace modernity and technology, its historical spirit can sometimes be buried beneath neon lights and massive urban cities.

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While walking the Kumano Kodo, the barrier between you and nature becomes ever so thin, allowing the surroundings to influence your thoughts and spur a surrender to the present moment. The same goes for the Camino de Santiago. Though its roads are mostly flat and take you past agricultural landscapes and cities, it is the journey across different countries, exploring new cultures and customs, that makes it so eye-opening. Perhaps the essence of a Dual Pilgrim is appreciation of the present and connections between all of these areas of life.

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<h2>How to become a Dual Pilgrim</h2>

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Travellers acquire Dual Pilgrim status after completing at least the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago on foot or by horse, or the last 200 km by bicycle.

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To become eligible for Dual Pilgrim status on the Kumano Kodo side, you will need to complete one of the following on foot and collect the stamps along the way:

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<ul>
	<li>🡆 Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (approximately 38 km)</li>
	<li>🡆 Kumano Nachi Taisha to/from Kumano Hongu Taisha (approximately 30 km)</li>
	<li>🡆 Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (approximately 7 km) plus visits to both Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha, or</li>
	<li>🡆 Mount Koya to Kumano Hongu Taisha (approximately 70 km)</li>
</ul>

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If you are not acquainted with the details of the Kumano Kodo&rsquo;s classic Nakahechi route, these options can appear a bit complex to decipher. Oku Japan offers several self-guided walking options that will ensure you meet the requirements and are able to collect your stamps, as well as your Dual Pilgrim certificate if applicable. The tours shared below are all fantastic options for the traveller seeking Dual Pilgrim status now or considering it in the future.

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Oku Japan are there to help you along your journey. When you walk the Kumano Kodo with us, not only do you have emergency support from our team in Kyoto, but also the support from our branch office in Chikatsuyu. Perhaps it is only after completing the Camino de Santiago that you discovered you could seek dual pilgrim status. We will help prepare you for your journey with our comprehensive documentation, including bespoke topographical maps, detailed walking instructions, and your personalized itinerary. We book your accommodations, inclusive of breakfast and dinner, as well as your rail tickets. We can also arrange same day luggage transfer for your hike. Before your journey, you&rsquo;ll receive detailed documentation to prepare you for your trip to Japan, so you can travel worry free, and enjoy your pilgrimage.

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As a Kumano Kodo Dual Pilgrim, how will you see the world? We&rsquo;re excited to find out.

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, and the Kumano Kodo, are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites because of their cultural and historical significance. In fact, these two pilgrimage routes are the only ones with UNESCO status in the world.

Do you want to become a Dual Pilgrim?

The white-clad figures that pop up frequently during a search about the famous Shikoku 88 pilgrimage have an official name. They are called&nbsp;Ohenro.&nbsp; It is not an exclusive term - &nbsp;anyone can become one when walking the trail. There has been some confusion regarding the &nbsp;proper name for the pilgrims of Shikoku but the simple explanation lies in the way Japanese use language. The official name of the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japanese is&nbsp;Shikoku Henro. The word &lsquo;henro&rsquo; simply translates to &lsquo;pilgrimage&rsquo; and is generally used for any pilgrimage. The &lsquo;O&rsquo; character is an honorific, a prefix used to add an air of importance to a word. This is why tea, or &lsquo;cha&rsquo; is &nbsp;&lsquo;ocha&rsquo; and a person undergoing a pilgrimage becomes an &lsquo;Ohenro&rsquo;.

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<h2>Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage</h2>

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Curiously, in Japan this more esteemed term is almost exclusively associated with the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage, despite it containing a wider meaning. This is because in the case of Japan, the &lsquo;Shikoku 88&rsquo; was the first type of pilgrimage to ever exist. During the Heian period (794 &ndash; 1185) the Shikoku area was a training ground for monks and people trying to attain spiritual enlightenment. Kukai, posthumously known as Kobo Daishi, was the monk who started it all. He was born in Shikoku and, later in life, founded the esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism. Because of his prominence his birthplace and training ground became a sacred place. Just as Kobo Daishi travelled across Shikoku to improve people&rsquo;s &nbsp;prospects for enlightenment; many of his adherents wished to follow in his footsteps. In doing so, this became the first type of pilgrimage. Over the years, many more trainees followed and the pilgrimage extended throughout the island.

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It is said in Buddhist canon that human beings have 88 worldly desires and every temple visit helps you purify yourself of these desires. Because of the expansion of the pilgrimage route, the Shikoku pilgrimage never had a set order. The first guidebook for the trail was written in 1687 titled&nbsp;Shikoku henro michishirube&nbsp;and instituted the numbering system of the temples called&nbsp;fudasho. This guidebook extensively used&nbsp;Ohenro&nbsp;as an honorific description of pilgrims, reinforcing its usage among the populace.

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<h2>The Pilgrims Known as Ohenro</h2>

As the term&nbsp;Ohenro&nbsp;became normalized, so did their appearance, but the origin of the white clothing is a somber one. While white is generally considered a symbol of purity in the West, in Japan it holds the meaning of a &lsquo;new beginning&rsquo; or an &lsquo;empty slate&rsquo;. The white garb of the&nbsp;Ohenro&nbsp;is meant to represent a shroud. Before cremations became the norm, Japanese people used to be buried wearing a pure white kimono. More than 1,000 years ago when the pilgrimage was established, a long journey through the mountains was extremely dangerous.

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Guidebooks did not exist until much later and pilgrims often had no idea about the terrain and dangerous animals lurking in the woods. As such, the white clothing was a preparation for a dangerous journey so that the body would be properly cared for in case of death. Of course, nowadays the pilgrimage isn&rsquo;t life-threatening, and roads have become more accessible. Despite this, modern-day pilgrims continue the white tradition as symbol of preparation for the journey and to identify themselves to the locals.

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Some of the final items that an&nbsp;Ohenro&nbsp;will possess are a conical sedge hat called a&nbsp;sugegasa&nbsp;and a wooden staff called a&nbsp;kongozue. This wooden staff with carvings is said to embody Kobo Daishi as he is said to accompany every pilgrim on their journey. The&nbsp;sugegasa&nbsp;is used simply because it protects the wearer from sunlight and rain. Other essential items for the serious pilgrim are a Buddhist prayer beads, bell, candles and a pilgrimage book to record your visits.

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An&nbsp;Ohenro&nbsp;on the Shikoku Pilgrimage is someone who not only carries on a journey of self-reflection and enlightenment, but an active practitioner of an ancient tradition and its customs. Anyone and everyone can become an&nbsp;Ohenro, continuing the pilgrimage for another thousand years.

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<img alt="" height="300" src="https://static-oku.diqit.io/uploads/oku/ohenro2-1663832765174.jpg" width="200" />

The white-clad figures that pop up frequently during a search about the famous Shikoku 88 pilgrimage have an official name. They are called Ohenro. It is not an exclusive term - anyone can become one when walking the trail.

The Ohenro Pilgrims of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

One of the most common questions we get with regard to seasonality is &lsquo;when is cherry blossom season in Japan&rsquo;?&nbsp;

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As winter comes to an end,&nbsp;sakura&nbsp;(cherry blossoms) are eagerly awaited, as they add further colour to the landscape of Japan. They blossom first in southern areas of the country and work their way north, from sea-level to mountain-top. So, you have a very good chance of seeing them whether you are enjoying Japan in late March or even in early May.

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In March and April, cherry blossom mania begins - forecasts as to when and where the blooms will appear first and when they will peak make the morning weather reports.&nbsp;Sakura-flavored items make their way into restaurant menus, coffee shops, and supermarkets. The fleeting pink petals are celebrated in photography, poetry, and art. The cherry blossom season, however, is just one short part of a beautiful parade of spring flowers in Japan.

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The locals typically flock to the best sites to do&nbsp;&#39;hanami&#39;&nbsp;(seeing flowers) in cities, parks, country areas, and even mountain trails. Television weather reports carry daily advice about where and when to go. Office workers organise&nbsp;hanami&nbsp;parties, bringing food and drink and as well portable karaoke machines. Beer is consumed in great quantities, and the karaoke microphone is passed around even as darkness descends. In years past, we&rsquo;ve had our own&nbsp;hanami&nbsp;parties in Kyoto.

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Hanami&nbsp;is a centuries-old tradition, starting perhaps during the early Nara period when Chinese tradition still was having a profound influence on Japan. Aristocrats of Heian-era Kyoto would hold&nbsp;hanami&nbsp;parties and write haiku poems while sipping sake. Karaoke may have replaced haiku, but it&#39;s still a uniquely Japanese event.

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Forecasts anticipate dates for cherry blossoms but it is worth knowing that these dates are not fixed. Mother nature will work to her own schedule, and weather conditions can be a factor in how early or how late the flowers bloom.&nbsp;

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Most forecasts will show two dates. The first is when the blossoms begin to appear, and the second &ndash; usually about a week later &ndash; is the date when the blossoms are expected reach their peak. After reaching their peak the flowers become very fragile, and if the spring is wet, the rain will make fast work of the blossoms.

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<img alt="" height="783" src="https://static-oku.diqit.io/uploads/oku/cherryblossoms2-1663836556377.jpg" width="1000" />

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There are many different kinds of cherry trees &ndash; some early-blooming and others late-blooming, so even when the blossoms for one type have fallen, those of others may still be about to reach their peak.

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Every year, it seems that the cherry blossom season begins earlier. In Okinawa, with its warm climate, the cherry blossoms have come and gone this year, and they appear as early as January and lasting as late as early February.

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For the four main islands of Japan, the forecasts usually start with predictions for the first blooms in Kyushu in mid to late March, with a peak about a week to 10 days later. In popular low-lying areas of Western Honshu and in Tokyo (Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Matsuyama)&nbsp;sakura&nbsp;make their first appearance in the latter half of March and peak at the beginning of April. In more mountainous inland areas or along the Sea of Japan, the first blossoms tend to appear in early April, peaking soon after. In southern Tohoku, the blossoms begin appearing around mid-April and also have a short window before reaching their peak. In Hokkaido,&nbsp;sakura&nbsp;emerge from late April and peak in early May.

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The blossoms emerge later at higher altitudes, and as most of our tours combine lower-lying and mountain areas, the cherry blossoms are often visible well into April, making the opportunities to view Japan&rsquo;s famed cherry blossoms during the Spring season are plentiful.

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<img alt="" height="667" src="https://static-oku.diqit.io/uploads/oku/cherryblossoms3-1663836597915.jpg" width="1000" />

In March and April, cherry blossom mania begins - forecasts as to when and where the blooms will appear first and when they will peak make the morning weather reports. Sakura -flavored items make their way into restaurant menus, coffee shops, and supermarkets.

When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

In Japan it is said that you are born Shintoist but die Buddhist. This is evidenced in practice as many events celebrating life are conducted at shrines, while rites for the afterlife are performed at temples. In Buddhism, a spirit is considered a living being that is still present in the family home even after passing&mdash;where Japanese families with room to spare will have a traditional Buddhist altar in their homes. This alter serves as a residence for those who have passed where they continue to be treated as living beings, receiving morning greetings and food.&nbsp;

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It is believed that Japan chose Buddhism as the preferred funeral rite due to its more positive image of life after death. However, the truth is that cremation, a uniquely Buddhist ritual, became mandatory during the Showa era to conserve limited space. The last rites performed by a Buddhist monk actually take inspiration from Shinto rituals, as Japan&rsquo;s indigenous religion stresses the importance of an afterlife more than Buddhism does.

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The Shingon (esoteric) sect of Buddhism that resides on Mt. Koya has a succinct view of those who have passed, wherein their graveyard Okunoin is not home to the dead, but waiting spirits. Buddhism doesn&rsquo;t consider the body and the spirit to be separate, but as one entity intertwined to form a complex individual. The bridge to Okunoin serves as a boundary between worlds, and the cedar trees lining the path seem to open a barrier that welcomes you into the spirit world.

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Traditionally, a Japanese grave consists of only a headstone and a collection of wooden sticks engraved with the posthumous Buddhist names belonging to the family. These headstones have a compartment to store the ashes of the deceased and a dedicated area for flowers, incense and the family seal. As such, a grave is considered a peaceful last resting place with members of the family visiting to routinely clean the headstone and leave drinks or snacks.&nbsp;

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Venture deep into Okunoin and you will encounter many different graves, some that don&rsquo;t even match any of the previous descriptions. This is because there are more than 200,000 different graves gathered around the mausoleum of the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Lord Kukai (known posthumously as Kobo Daishi). Mt. Koya&rsquo;s temple complex is another creation of Kukai, to serve as the centre of Shingon Buddhism and as a retreat from worldly affairs.

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The spectacular growth of Okunoin is attributed to his massive spiritual influence, inspiring many from all over Japan to request that their remains be placed as close to the mausoleum as possible. To the Shingon Buddhist sect, Kukai has not passed on but is in a state of eternal meditation. Food is offered to him every day and certain monks will enter the mausoleum once a year to trim his hair and change his clothing.&nbsp;

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While Kukai&rsquo;s mausoleum is considered to be the most important location in the graveyard, there are some other interesting artifacts to be found in Okunoin. The best time to learn about the stories surrounding this mystical final resting place is at night during one of the special tours offered by resident monks, where the lit lanterns at dusk really make it feel as though you have stepped into the home of spirits. There, your guide will teach you about the cemetery&rsquo;s famous superstitions and otherworldly objects, such as the Miroku Stone, a large stone at the centre of Okunoin that judges your sins--heavier for the sinful and light for the righteous, challengers must attempt to lift it with just one hand.

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It is interesting to note that not only monks are buried here. In fact, anyone regardless of background is permitted a final resting place on the mountain. Still, if eternity is too big of a commitment for now, the Shingon Buddhists of Mt. Koya run various temple retreats known as Shukubo that give visitors a glimpse into what life is like on Mt. Koya. Each temple has its own charm, but what stays the same is the spiritual experience. Entering the mountain and seeing the light shine through the thick forest canopy on the mossy ground really makes you feel like you have been transported to a different world.

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One of the core beliefs of Shingon Buddhism is a love of present life and a search for the truth. Being in the presence of veneered spirits brings inspiration and knowledge to celebrate life and understand its mysteries. Shingon in Japanese means &lsquo;true word&rsquo;, because it challenges its followers to get closer to the unwritten eternal wisdom of Buddha. Thus, a visit to Mt. Koya allows you to see the daily efforts of the monks up close and even participate. We invite you to open yourself to the mysticism of the mountain and the spiritual power of the more than 200,000 monks before you.&nbsp;

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&quot;Esoteric Buddhism is a portal that transcends all space in an instant. With it, you can surely attain Buddhahood whilst you are alive.&quot;

Kukai

The bridge to Okunoin serves as a boundary between worlds, and the cedar trees lining the path seem to open a barrier that welcomes you into the spirit world.

Okunoin Cemetery on Mt. Koya

As I wash my hands at a basin before a large&nbsp;torii&nbsp;gate, I am reminded of how this small gesture has become so ingrained in my manners when visiting a Japanese shrine. It is very strange, since I don&rsquo;t consider myself a particularly religious person following any specific devout path and surprisingly, such feelings are shared with a lot of Japanese people as well. Still, there is a great deal of spirituality in Japan, much of it displayed through pilgrimage routes dotted across the country.

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Traditional religious pilgrimages are still undertaken today, albeit with the assistance of more modern means such as trains, buses and cars. One of the oldest pilgrimages in the world is the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, first walked by the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kukai, in 815. Those who walk the trail and pass by all 88 temples are said to be accompanied by the pilgrims who walked before them, in spirit.

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Pilgrims are known as&nbsp;ohenro&nbsp;and have been visiting the 88 temples since Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, first walked the trail in 815. Anyone can walk the trail and become an&nbsp;ohenro&nbsp;regardless of gender, age or nationality, and the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail still attracts thousands every year thanks to the popularity of Kukai, who is considered something of a legendary spiritual leader and is sometimes portrayed as a Buddhist superhero in children&rsquo;s books. His impressive intellect and charismatic personality was what drew many to follow in his footsteps as well as visit &nbsp;various key locations of his life, such as the place of his birth and the temples he founded, hoping to gain some of Kukai&rsquo;s spiritual understanding.

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Not too far away, fusing Shintoism with Buddhism, is the Kumano Kodo Trail in Wakayama prefecture &ndash; not tied to the memory of a single person like the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The Kii Mountains through which it winds are said to be the birthplace of this religious harmony due to their spiritual energy, and the more nature-focused Shinto religion was first to settle in the region. They built shrines that gathered energy from the beautiful mountainous landscape, before Buddhist monks arrived soon after, building temples along the roads they shared with Shinto priests.&nbsp;

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Not only Buddhism, but also Christianity found its place on the sacred trail, with the Kumano Kodo being the official partner of the Santiago De Compostela in Spain, granting people who walk both trails the status of Dual Pilgrim. It is this spirit of hospitality that lives on in the people of the Kii Peninsula and a belief that spiritual energy is created not only by the divine, but also by the people.

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Japan is unique in that its two principal religions have shared locations of spiritual significance for hundreds of years through which pilgrims commune. Legends can turn a simple tree into a vessel for a Shinto deity and statues into protectors of the village, and these legends pass down ancient teachings and wisdom. One of the best things to do on a pilgrimage is observe and listen &ndash; not just to the people, but to the tales told by the rustling of the leaves and in the way the sunlight dances through the canopy. When walking the Kumano Kodo or the Shikoku 88, you are not only following the footsteps of someone great who came before you, but building a foundation for your own greatness.

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I don’t consider myself a particularly religious person following any specific devout path and surprisingly, such feelings are shared with a lot of Japanese people as well.

Spirituality on pilgrimages in Japan

&lsquo;Solo travel&rsquo;.

Some may be apprehensive of the idea of travelling alone, more accustomed to group travel as a part of a celebration, get-together with friends, or a family vacation to bond and grow closer to the people you are familiar with. However others may feel extremely liberated by the prospect of travelling alone, seeing it as an opportunity to get familiar with someone who you are in contact with every day but perhaps never take the time to check in with; yourself.

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Buddhism, one of Japan&rsquo;s main religions, emphasizes self-reflection. When we are confronted with ourselves, it is important to understand the difference between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness is a feeling of abandonment, a negative state of isolation, whereas solitude is a positive and constructive feeling that helps you get to know yourself. For Buddhist monks, solitude is a way of connecting with the other world. By removing all other elements from your space, you are allowing Buddha to travel with you.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, Japan&rsquo;s indigenous Shinto religion uses the polytheistic concept of&nbsp;kami&nbsp;(or god) to describe the holiness and spiritual aspects of every object and living thing around you. A tree, rock or place can contain a&nbsp;kami, and so can you &ndash; this principle is seen in Shinto shrines where the main object of worship is a mirror, the reflection of all that is you.

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By choosing your destination you are effectively taking control of your journey. Not being tied to another person&rsquo;s choice will open up many of your own. After all, you are free to go where you want and most importantly, create connections. People are social and we will always seek out company. You are never the only solo traveller and this longing to connect will push you to utilise your communication skills; tricky when you don&rsquo;t know the country&rsquo;s language. Locals are always interested to know why someone is travelling alone. See your trip not as a journey by yourself, but as a chance to connect with new people and make new friendships that may last a lifetime.

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Japan is a country that is very friendly towards solo travellers. Historically, people walked trails by themselves as wandering merchants,&nbsp;ronin&nbsp;(&lsquo;masterless samurai&rsquo;) or religious pilgrims. These wanderers were welcomed at small roadside inns and given food and boarding in exchange for coin, or work if times were tough. Today, an inn will not request labour in return for a bed, but the openness to welcome strangers remains.

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If you are wondering whether Japan is safe for solo travel, you will be delighted to know that the country has a trustworthy network of public transportation and there is a great amount of English signage, facilitating your journey. The locals have an amazing sixth sense for noticing people who are lost and will immediately try to help if you look even the slightest bit perplexed. And don&rsquo;t forget, the&nbsp;kami&nbsp;that inhabit every roadside shrine will be protecting you on your travels. Walking one of Japan&#39;s ancient trails with Oku Japan provides an additional layer of security as well - we have local branch offices on both the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trails, maintaining local connections and serving as bridge for you during your visit.

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A family trip creates precious memories but a journey of self-discovery is equally priceless. Neither is better than the other, but their purposes do differ. If you ever feel like there is a roadblock in front of you, a solo-trip might just be what you need to move past it. Japan is such a unique and diverse country to discover and experiences are absorbed differently when there is no one there to immediately share them with.

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The many intricate secrets and historical facts about a location will be etched better into your memory when you prepare to share your story down the line. As for the moment, the experience is there only for you, and you will remember the whole journey so much better because it was you, and just you, who had the courage to seek new places and explore the world.&nbsp;

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So, now that you have perhaps bolstered your confidence to undertake solo travel, be sure to carry it with you as your own precious&nbsp;kami.

Japan is a country that is very friendly towards solo travellers. Historically, people walked trails by themselves as wandering merchants, ronin (‘masterless samurai’) or religious pilgrims.

What is solo travel in Japan like?

The historic Nakasendo Trail runs through the Japan Alps and is one of a network of five roads, used to travel to and from Tokyo, known collectively as the Gokaido. The Nakasendo, which translates to &lsquo;central mountain route&rsquo;, is a 534km trail connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, and many parts of this legendary route have remained largely unchanged thanks to local conservation efforts. Warlords and porters alike travelled this long road for centuries and&nbsp;juku&nbsp;post towns sprung up along the route to provide accommodation for weary travellers. Much of the preservation of the area&rsquo;s history and culture takes place in these historic towns, where inns are run by generations of the same family and local delicacies such as&nbsp;gohei mochi&nbsp;(skewered rice cakes with miso sauce) are still enjoyed by visitors just as they were hundreds of years ago.

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The Kisoji is a very important section of the Nakasendo Trail as it served an integral role in the region&rsquo;s commerce, with eleven of the sixty-nine post towns being on this portion of the trail. Being located in the remote Kiso Valley, many of these towns avoided modernisation and are subsequently a wonderful way for the modern traveller to experience old Japan.

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One of the most popular sections of this trail is the path from Magome to Tsumago. Starting in Magome serves as a wonderful introduction to the atmospheric towns visited along the Nakasendo, filled with rustic storefronts, inns and tea houses. And the hike itself isn&rsquo;t difficult, with well-maintained stone paths complemented by the beautiful natural scenery of the forests and surrounding mountains. Once you leave Magome, the trail eventually leads to Tsumago after about two or three hours of leisurely hiking.

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Tsumago, the 42nd of 69 post towns along the Nakasendo, is one of the best-preserved in all of Japan due to the local people going to great lengths to sustain an edo period atmosphere. Cars are prohibited from driving through the town and modern aspects of urban life and infrastructure such as vending machines and telephone poles are not permitted. Stepping into Tsumago feels like slipping back into old Japan and offers a starkly contrasted experience to the bright lights and busy life of Tokyo or Osaka.&nbsp;

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Further along the Nakasendo is Kiso-Fukushima &ndash; located roughly halfway between Kyoto and Tokyo, this post town was once an important checkpoint. Travellers in the past would go through an inspection process here as the Tokugawa shogunate were on the lookout for illegal goods and women in disguise trying to sneak through. The building where these inspections occurred has been reconstructed and displays some of the confiscated weapons, instruments of torture and the passes that were required to continue traveling along the trail.

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With a short train journey to Yabuhara and an approximate three hour hike, travellers will arrive at Narai, which was one of the most prosperous post towns. Located at the foot of the Torii Pass (one of the more strenuous parts of the Nakasendo), Narai was also referred to as &lsquo;Narai of a thousand inns&rsquo;. Its long main street is lined with ryokan and minshuku, along with shops selling local souvenirs selling wood carvings and dried fruits. Similar to Magome and Tsumago, the local community has preserved the history and culture of this post town with the help of the government, and this is most evident in the restored buildings in which these businesses operate.

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While there are other notable towns along this legendary route, one of the most memorable aspects of a visit to this area is the human connection made with the local residents. Whether they are innkeepers of a minshuku or a friendly shopkeeper, guests of Oku Japan consistently comment on the positive experiences shared with the locals encountered along the way. The post towns along the Kiso road are so passionately well preserved because the community holds such a deep affection for the culture and heritage passed down for generations.

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With the immense cultural and social impact this trail has had on the country, a visit to this area would make an unforgettable experience for any traveller wishing to learn more about Japan&rsquo;s heritage and history. Following in the ancient footsteps of samurai, travellers can immerse themselves in the evocative atmosphere of the post towns and experience the stunning natural beauty that has inspired art and literature for centuries. Most visitors to Japan will visit major cities such as Tokyo or Kyoto but a well-rounded itinerary would surely include walking along a portion of this legendary route, getting away from the busy streets and neon lights to walk along the historic Nakasendo trail.

While there are other notable towns along this legendary route, one of the most memorable aspects of a visit to this area is the human connection made with the local residents.

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Oku Japan's activities in Tsumago

Samantha Marino

Understanding Dining Etiquette on Your Trip to Japan

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Do you want to become a Dual Pilgrim?

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The Ohenro Pilgrims of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

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When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

Oku Japan

Okunoin Cemetery on Mt. Koya

Ilse Montald

Spirituality on pilgrimages in Japan

Ilse Montald

What is solo travel in Japan like?

Ilse Montald

History on the Nakasendo

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