FIND YOUR FEET TOUR – Pilgrims of Japan Running Tour DEPOSIT (23 – 30 September 2024)

• Traverse the famous pilgrimage routes of the Kii Peninsula, running between your accommodation each day whilst your luggage is transported for you
• Enjoy diverse accommodation from an Organic Farm-stay to traditional Ryokans and Buddhist Monasteries
• Immerse yourself for three days in Japanese Buddhist culture, staying at a traditional and active Buddhist Monastery
• Participate in morning meditation at the Koya-san monastery complex 
• Indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine in the company of your new trail running friends
• Sip hot green tea after a day on the trails
• Learn to explore with Hanny Allston & Graham Hammond on this inaugural ‘exploratory tour’ to this region

ITINERARY

KUMANO KODO PILGRIMAGE TRAIL

The Kii Peninsula points south away from the great cities of Kyoto and Osaka, and is a more remote and mystical area of Japan, despite its proximity. This region has long been a place of pilgrimage and is the site of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. From the 11th century successive emperors and their families made the rugged pilgrimage to Kumano from Kyoto via various routes which have become collectively known as the Kumano kodo (Old road of Kumano). The first part of our running tour focuses on the main route which travels west to east from Wakayama to Nachi Grand Shrine. The running in this region is mostly paved village paths and uneven mountain hiking trails, with considerable ascent and descent on certain days. Though not ‘technical’, you will be need to be fit enough to walk-run for up to 6hrs on some days (we do walk at times and enjoy the view too!).

KOYA-SAN BUDDHISM SANCTUARY

The last two days of this tour will be based in Koya-san.  In the year 816 AD, a monk by the name of Kukai founded Shingon Buddhism and the monastery complex known as Koya-san. Located in in the depths of a National Park, it is said that the eight surrounding peaks and the basin beneath them resemble a lotus, making it an auspicious location now frequented by practicing buddhists and travellers alike. For over 1,200 years Koya-san has flourished as an active monastic centre, and is one of Japan’s most sacred sites.  It is here that we will explore the trails for our last days on this tour.