The Pilgrimage Begins at the Sea.
Before the mountains, experience the ancient ritual of Shiogori in Tanabe.
Not Just a Hike. It’s a Rebirth.
For over 1,000 years, pilgrims walking the Kumano Kodo didn’t start in the forest. They started here, at the Tanabe coast.
（1000年以上もの間、熊野古道を歩く巡礼者たちは森から始めたわけではありません。彼らはここ、田辺の海岸から旅を始めました。）
Before entering the sacred mountains, they performed “Shiogori” (Salt-Water Purification) to wash away the impurities of the secular world.
（聖なる山々に入る前に、彼らは「潮垢離」を行い、俗世の穢れを洗い流したのです。）
Start your journey authentically. Cleanse your mind by the sea.
（正統な旅の始まりを。海辺で心を清めましょう。）
How to Perform Modern Shiogori
Step 1: Visit Ogigahama Beach
Step 1: Connect with the Ocean
Walk to Ogigahama Beach, just 10 minutes from Kii-Tanabe Station. Stand by the water and listen to the waves. Leave your daily stress behind.
（紀伊田辺駅からわずか10分。波音に耳を傾け、日常のストレスを手放しましょう。）
Step 2: The Purification
Step 2: The Cleansing
You don’t need to swim. Simply touch the seawater with your hands. Rinse your hands and mouth (symbolically), and visualize a fresh start. You are now ready to enter the sacred domain.
（泳ぐ必要はありません。海水に触れ、手と口を清め、新たな始まりをイメージしてください。これで聖域に入る準備が整いました。）
Step 3: Pray for Safety
Step 3: Visit Tokei-jinja Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
After the beach, visit Tokei-jinja Shrine to pray for a safe journey. This historical shrine is the bridge between the sea and the mountains.
（海の後には闘雞神社へ。ここは海と山をつなぐ架け橋となる場所です。）
Location
- Start: Kii-Tanabe Station (JR Line)
- Walk: 10-15 min to the beach
- Next Stop: Take the bus from the station to “Takijiri-oji” (The trail entrance) after your visit.
Purified and Ready?
Now, step into the Nakahechi Route.
（清めは終わりましたか？ さあ、中辺路へ。）