Walking the Tondazaka Slope in Shirahama | A World Heritage Hike Along the Kumano Kodo Ohechi, Where the Quiet of a Coastal Pilgrimage Trail Awaits

What Is the Tondazaka Slope in Shirahama? | A Signature World Heritage Trail on the Ohechi Route

When people hear "Kumano Kodo," many picture the mountainous Nakahechi route. But the Ohechi, which runs from Tanabe along the coast toward Kushimoto, is another important pilgrimage road leading to Kumano.

The Tondazaka slope in Shirahama is known as one of the sections of the Ohechi that is inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." Its charm lies in how this age-old path quietly remains just a short distance from Shirahama's bustling, tourist-filled coast.

An Atmosphere You Won't Find on the Nakahechi

The Ohechi weaves through a landscape where mountains and sea lie close together. Compared to the Nakahechi, which takes you through towering ancient trees, you'll encounter fewer people here, giving you the feeling of walking alone through rural hills and quiet woodlands.

How to Enjoy the Tondazaka Slope

• Earthen paths and the scent of trees: The trail isn't overly manicured, letting you imagine the footsteps of travelers from ages past
• Seasonal changes: Fresh greenery in spring, crisp air in autumn, and low winter sunlight — each season brings a different face to the trail
• Stillness: Away from the crowds of famous sightseeing spots, this is time to listen to birdsong and the sound of the wind

What to Prepare Before Hiking

Rather than a casual stroll, think of Tondazaka as the gateway to a proper old-road hike — being prepared will give you peace of mind.

Clothing and Gear Essentials

• Non-slip footwear (trekking shoes are better than sneakers)
• Rain gear and layered clothing for easy temperature adjustment
• Water, light snacks, and a mobile battery
• Insect repellent (depending on the season)

Trail conditions and accessibility can change after heavy rain or typhoons. It's a good idea to check the latest information from Shirahama Town or the local tourism association before setting out. Daylight fades surprisingly quickly on the Kumano Kodo, so plan with plenty of time to spare.

Unwind at Shirahama's Sea and Hot Springs After Your Walk

One of the great things about the Shirahama area is that you can experience the quiet of the old road and the comfort of a hot spring town on the same trip. After working up a sweat on the trail, soaking in a hot spring is the local way to unwind. Heading to the shore in the evening to watch the sun set over the horizon makes for a perfect finish.

A half-day to full-day plan of "old road in the morning, hot springs and seaside in the afternoon" is easy to put together, even for first-time Kumano Kodo visitors.

A Journey to Discover Another Side of the Kumano Kodo

Trips along the Nakahechi or through the Kumano Sanzan shrines are wonderful, but the Ohechi route starting from Tondazaka in Shirahama reveals yet another face of Kumano. It may not be flashy, but the more you walk, the more the memory of the land quietly seeps in. Why not add this World Heritage hike to your Shirahama journey?

Image: 熊野古道 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)