Miura Pass is a historic mountain pass along the Kumano Kodo Kohechi, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage routes of the Kii Mountain Range. The Kohechi connects Mount Koya, one of Japan’s most important centers of Buddhist pilgrimage, with the Kumano Sanzan, the three grand shrines of Kumano. At an elevation of approximately 1,070 meters, Miura Pass is one of the route’s significant mountain crossings. For centuries, pilgrims and travelers have crossed this rugged terrain, and today the trail retains much of its historic character, winding quietly through forests where nature, history, and spirituality come together.
The ascent to Miura Pass begins at Miuraguchi. After crossing a suspension bridge over the clear waters of the Kano River, hikers follow an old stone-paved path that passes between traditional homes before joining the Kumano Kodo Kohechi. Terraced rice fields spread across the surrounding landscape, preserving a glimpse of rural Japan as it existed generations ago.
Along the trail, the remains of teahouses, stone distance markers, and Buddhist statues recall the many pilgrims who once traveled this route. Information boards illustrated by local elementary school students add a welcoming, personal touch to the historic surroundings.
One of the highlights of the ascent is the windbreak forest at the former Yoshimura family residence. Here, towering Japanese cedar trees, estimated to be around 500 years old, stand with trunk circumferences of approximately four to eight meters. Their enormous trunks create an impressive sight and convey the age and grandeur of the surrounding forest.
Another memorable stop is a clear spring known as Sanju-cho no Mizu, or “Water of the Thirty-Chō Marker.” According to local tradition, the spring was dug by Kobo Daishi, the revered Buddhist monk associated with the founding of Shingon Buddhism. For generations, travelers have stopped here to drink the water and refresh themselves during the demanding mountain journey. Hikers should check local guidance before drinking untreated spring water.
A forest road crosses the area around Miura Pass, and the pass itself does not offer a wide-open panorama. However, relatively level ground nearby is believed to mark the former sites of teahouses and inns. These resting places once provided weary pilgrims with an opportunity to recover before continuing along the steep and challenging route.
Beyond the pass, the trail descends along a comparatively gentle slope. Historic remains scattered along the way include the former Koya Yagura site, the remains of a roadside stall, a five-tiered stone pagoda, and Yagura Kannon-do Hall. Enclosed by trees, this quiet section of the trail is generally pleasant to walk and retains the solemn atmosphere of an ancient pilgrimage route.
In the Iobuse area near the pass, a monument marks the site known as Koshinukida, which is associated with a story from the Nanboku-cho period, when rival Northern and Southern imperial courts competed for power in Japan. The legend concerns Prince Moriyoshi, also known as Oto-no-miya Moriyoshi, who is said to have passed through this area during the turbulent era.
The original Koshinukida site was buried by a major flood during the Meiji period and now lies beneath the riverbed. Although the physical site has disappeared from view, its story remains part of the area’s local historical tradition.
The Kumano Kodo Kohechi was not only a sacred pilgrimage trail but also an essential route for local communities. Before modern roads were constructed, it served as an important overland connection linking Mount Koya and the Kumano region with Osaka and other destinations. Merchants traveled along it, and local residents relied on the route for commuting, attending school, and other everyday journeys.
Even today, people involved in forestry sometimes use sections of the old trail to reach their work sites. Walking the Kohechi therefore offers more than a glimpse into religious history: it also reveals how mountain communities maintained connections across challenging terrain for centuries.
After crossing Miura Pass and reaching Nishinaka, travelers can continue along National Route 425 toward the Totsukawa hot spring area. After a long day of hiking, soaking in the naturally flowing waters of Totsukawa Onsen or Kamiyu Onsen is an excellent way to relax tired muscles and unwind amid the mountain scenery.
Combining the pilgrimage trail with a hot spring visit creates a rewarding journey through the natural and cultural heritage of southern Nara Prefecture.
The Kumano Kodo Kohechi is the shortest pilgrimage route connecting Mount Koya with the Kumano Sanzan. It extends for approximately 70 kilometers and crosses three mountain passes at elevations of around 1,000 meters, making it one of the most demanding routes in the Kumano pilgrimage network.
Sections of historic stone paving, roadside monuments, and other remains survive alongside magnificent mountain forests and valleys, offering a tangible connection to centuries of pilgrimage traditions. Miura Pass is one of the route’s most evocative places, where the intertwined histories of nature, faith, and mountain travel can be experienced on foot.
Because the Kohechi is a demanding mountain trail, hikers should prepare carefully, allow sufficient time for the crossing, and check current trail conditions and weather forecasts before setting out. Appropriate hiking footwear, water, food, and navigation equipment are essential for a safe journey.