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Highlights of Yoshino-Kumano National Park

Mt. Yoshino
photo of Mt. Yoshino
A Quiet Atmosphere (Okusenbon)
Mt. Yoshino
Noted as the finest site of wild cherry trees in Japan, visitors are invariably captivated by the sight of the entire slope of the mountain gradually becoming tinged by the color of cherry trees in bloom from the bottom to top of Mt. Yoshino in spring. There is an observatory set up at a lookout point where visitors can behold the commanding views of Mt. Kongou and Mt. Katsuragi in a distance, as well as the townscapes around Mt. Yoshino surrounded by greenery.
Omine Mountain Range
photo of Omine Mountain Range
A Buddha Statue at the Summit (Mt. Shakagatake)
Omine Mountain Range
The Omine Mountain Range is a profoundly mountainous area known as the Roof of the Kinki Region and comprises, from north to south, a series of famous peaks: Mt. Sanjogatake (birthplace of the Shugendo school of Buddhism), Mt. Hakkyogatake (highest peak in the Kinki region), and Mt. Shakagatake (dominant peak of the southern part of this area).
At present, in addition to spiritual mountain climbing centering on Mt. Sanjogatake, the mountains have been used in various ways including hiking and competitive mountain climbing.
Mt. Misen and Mt. Hakkyogatake
photo of Mt. Misen and Mt. Hakkyogatake
Mt. Misen and Mt. Hakkyogatake
Mt. Misen and Mt. Hakkyogatake
The temperate mixed needleleaf and broadleaf forests and subalpine coniferous forests grow in the Omine Mountain Range. These forests are habitat for a number of wild animals including endangered Asian black bears on the Kii Peninsula and Japanese serows that are designated a nationally protected species.
Odaigahara Plateau
photo of Odaigahara Plateau
Spruce Trees Standing Decayed (Masaki Pass)
Odaigahara Plateau
Known as a site that receives some of the highest amounts of rainfall in Japan, the area boasts average annual precipitation of approximately 3,500 millimeters. The precipices, waterfalls, and other formations created through erosion caused by heavy rains have created a majestic landscape. A scenic highway takes visitors near the summit to offer a full-fledged mountain climbing experience of a nature walk and hiking near the summit.
Nishi-Odai Area
photo of Nishi-Odai Area
Fog Shrouds a Forest (Near Yamato Valley)
Nishi-Odai Area
This vast area of 450 ha is home to a wide variety of plants and liverworts, such as Japanese beech trees and Abies homolepis, besides serving as a habitat for numerous wild animals including endangered local populations of Asian black bears of the Kii Peninsula, sika deer, and other large animals. There are also living creatures named after Odaigahara such as Odaigahara Sanshouo (Hynobius boulengeri).
Dorokyo Gorge
photo of Dorokyo Gorge
Dorokyo Gorge
Dorokyo Gorge
The Dorokyo Gorge located midstream of the Kitayama River is a gorge situated downstream basin of the Kitayama River, which is a tributary of the Kumano River fed by waters flowing down from the Omine Mountain Range and Odaigahara. The gorge is divided into several sections from upstream to downstream: Oku-Doro, Kami-Doro, and Shimo-Doro. Shimo-Doro is also referred to as Doro-Haccho. This area features a diverse array of linked scenic elements consisting of vertically sheared cliffs created through the erosion of geological layers formed by the solidification of magma, oddly shaped rocks, and deep pools of water. Board a hovercraft or other vessel to explore the beautiful allure of this extraordinary gorge.
Onigajo and Shichiri-mihama Beach
photo of Shichiri-mihama Beach
Shichiri-mihama Beach
Onigajo and Shichiri-mihama Beach
Shichiri-mihama Beach extends from Onigajo, famous for its sea cliffs in Kumano City, to the mouth of the Kumano River and consists of a straight-line coastal area that is rare for the Kii Peninsula, which is primarily bordered by a complex coastline. Against the backdrop of a forest of black pines and other seacoast species of trees, the broad cobble beach draws a gentle arc and beautifully showcases the white waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Kumano-Hongu Taisha Shrine
photo of Kumano-Hongu Taisha Shrine
River Rafting Ride in Kumano River
(Copyright by Kumano River Boat Center)
Kumano-Hongu Taisha Shrine
The Shinto shrine previously located on a sandbank of the Kumano River was transferred to the current location after heavy floods occurred during the Meiji era. From here, visitors can follow the pilgrimage road on the river leading to the Kumano-Hayatama Taisha Shrine by a riverboat.
Kumano-Hayadama Taisha Shrine
Kumano-Hayadama Taisha Shrine
Situated at the mouth of Kumano River, there is a footpath leading from towering Mt. Chihogamine behind the shrine to the Kamikura-jinja Shrine (main shrine), a place where an enshrined deity is said to be descended for the first time.
Kumano Hongu Spa Village
photo of Kumano Hongu Spa Village
Yunomine Hongu Spa Village (Tanabe City)
Kumano Hongu Spa Village
Designated as a World Heritage Site, the periphery of Kumano-Hongu Taisha Shrine has been traditionally known as a spa area. The Kawayu Onsen Resort, Yunomine Onsen Resort, and Watarase Onsen Resort exhibit townscapes with a nostalgic feel.
Kumano-Nachi Taisha Shrine
photo of Kumano-Nachi Taisha Shrine
Nachino-Otaki Falls and Three-storied Pagoda
Kumano-Nachi Taisha Shrine
With Nachino-Otaki Falls as an enshrined deity, Nachi Falls is Japan's tallest waterfall. The evergreen forests protected as the Nachi primeval forest spread behind the falls.
Sandanbeki Cliff
photo of Sandanbeki Cliff
Sandanbeki Cliff
Steep cliffs soaring out of the sea to a maximum height of 50 m. One of the Geo Sites of the Nanki Kumano Geopark. Enjoy the dynamic scenery from the view point.
Cape Tenjin
photo of Cape Tenjin
Cape Tenjin
This area was a leader in the National Trust in Japan. Located near the center of Tanabe City, it provides the best and safest way for children to enjoy coming into contact with the forest and the sea, and to learn about the connection between the two.
Kinki Nature Trail (Nagaizaka)
photo of Kinki Nature Trail (Nagaizaka)
Kinki Nature Trail (Nagaizaka)
View the scenery of Karekinada-Sea, centered on Okino-Kuroshima Island and Rikuno-Kuroshima Island, from the 4.5 km Ohechi Road over the mountain pass.
Karekinada
photo of Karekinada
Karekinada
The plentiful scenery continues in the changes in the topology along the coast from Susami Town to Kushimoto Town. The scenery of the sun going down is much enjoyed and often photographed by tourists.

Activities

Snorkeling
photo of Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one means of relaxing and enjoying the beautiful underwater scenery of the Kumano region. A mask and snorkel allow a close observation of the coral and fish life found along the coast.

Wildlife & Plants

Mycena lux-coeli
photo of Mycena lux-coeli
Mycena lux-coeli
A luminescent green mushroom. Frequently found growing on the decayed trunks of Castanopsis sieboldii between the middle of May and summer. The south-east of the Kii Peninsula is a major habitat of Mycena lux-coeli, and observation groups are met annually on the Ugui Peninsula (Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture).
Crinum asiaticum L. var. japonicum
photo of Crinum asiaticum L. var. japonicum
Crinum asiaticum L. var. japonicum
A species of the cluster amaryllis family. Blooms in summer with a white flower. A cork-like seed, which floats in water and is distributed by sea currents. Distributed widely along the coast of the Kumano region.
Coral
photo of Coral
Coral
Stone corals and tropical fish are found along the coast of the Kii Peninsula due to the effects of the warm Kuroshio current. Diving and snorkeling in these regions allow enjoyment of the beautiful underwater scenery.
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
photo of Loggerhead Turtle
Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Beautiful Senri hama Beach near Minabe Town is the largest egg-laying site in Honshu for loggerhead turtles (to ensure that this beautiful beach, much-loved by locals, remains pristine for the future, town permission is required for viewing).