Postcards from Japan: hiking on the Kii Peninsula

By Seamus Kearney

Published on 03/03/2017 - 14:51

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In this episode of Postcards we go hiking on the Kii Peninsula in Japan's Kansai region

In this episode of Postcards we go hiking on the Kii Peninsula in Japan’s Kansai region.

Many people come here to walk sacred pilgrimage routes that are more than a thousand years old.

But it is not just pilgrims who enjoy the region.

Key facts about Japan:

It is an island nation in East Asia
The population is more than 127m
Land area is just under 378,000 km2
The country’s currency is the Yen
Main religions are Shinto & Buddhism

Euronews’ Seamus Kearney reported: “As well as visiting the many shrines and spiritual sites here, people also come to get close to nature, with a wide variety of mountain walks and activities.”

The ancient forests of cedar and cypress trees are the perfect getaway from the big cities.

There are hikes for all levels of fitness, with guides on hand to show visitors the most stunning scenery.

Emiyo Kato, one of the Kumano guides, told Postcards: “Kumano is a place that’s rich in nature, where we can enjoy more than 100 kilometres of hiking, which is great for our physical and mental health.”

And other sporting activities, including river kayaking, have also become popular here.

It is this unique blend of the spiritual experience and the great outdoors that makes this place so special.