Getting to the Start of the Pilgrimage

August 28, 2023, from the itinerary: Wake up in the early morning and spend the time meditating with the monks at Koya- san and let the calm of the prayers bring peace to your mind this morning. Then, start making your way to the starting point of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, at Kii- Tanabe station! Rest here for the night before setting off the next morning on your hike! The Inn for tonight was Kamenoi Kii-Tanabe

Breakfast was lovely.

I left a bit early to avoid rushing when buying tickets. On the bus I saw some Nara deer along the very windy road to the station. There is no walking along this road which is a good idea.

I had some time between the bus and the cable car to enjoy the view and contemplate life

I had some time between the cable car and my train to see the town. Now I understand why Susann didn't leave much time between connections because there was nothing to do and it was hot. I walked over to the river for the Kinokawa river walk which was uninteresting.

That said I had a nice break between trains at the Countryside Bakery where I had a cinnamon doughnut and a French bagette with butter and sweet filling/icing on the end. To drink - ice coffee with condensed milk and sugar water.

The train to Wakayama was "operator-less". There were pretty foothills along the way.

I had lunch from the 7 11 - a mugwort mochi and 2 rice triangles.

Out of Wakayama the vistas were pretty fishing and farming hamlets.

I found the shuttle to the hotel and the hotel is quite far from the downtown area - a few miles and not an easy walk (busy roadway). My room is interesting in that there is no bath or shower - I have to use the public one upstairs and the outline of my tattoo is visible through the strapping tape

There was a pretty Yakuta this time

and dinner was very nice - I’d give it a 5/6 out of 10 - better than in Hakone for sure.