From October 28 to November 4, 2024, MAY31Cycling successfully hosted an 8-day adventure combining cycling and hiking. We led a group of passionate riders deep into the spiritual landscapes of Wakayama, Japan, completing a journey that was both physically challenging and soulfully enriching amid the vibrant colors of autumn.
An Autumn Journey Through the Sacred Pilgrimage Route!
We began at the sacred Buddhist site of Mount Koya (Koyasan), hiking along the historical Choishi-michi pilgrimage path established over 1,200 years ago by the monk Kobo Daishi. Then we took to our bikes, traversing the forests, valleys, and shrines along the Kumano Kodo, one of Japan’s most revered pilgrimage networks.
From Koyasan to Kumano Hongu, from Kawayu Onsen to Nachi Shrine, we experienced not only thousands of meters of elevation gain and over 100km of riding, but also:
- 🍁 Dappled light filtering through the forest — komorebi
- 🕊 The serenity and spiritual depth of Kobo Daishi’s legacy
- ♨️ A natural hot spring bath in the clear waters of Kawayu River
- ⛩ Quiet reverence at the three grand Kumano shrines
- 🍱 Handcrafted kaiseki meals full of seasonal flavor
Trip Highlights
🚴♀️ Cycling｜Freedom in the Rolling Hills
Our cycling routes through the Kumano region featured stunning natural landscapes and quiet backroads that challenged both our legs and our spirits.
- We covered four curated routes, with the longest ride exceeding 60km and significant elevation gain.
- Most paths were forest roads or minor trails — peaceful, winding, and full of surprises.
- A favorite memory for many: finishing the day’s ride with a dip in the natural hot spring river at Kawayu.
- As we rode through the pine forests of Nachi and Shimokitayama, the sunlight breaking through the canopy created that quintessential Japanese scene: komorebi.
Cycling wasn’t just a physical challenge — it was a way to reconnect with nature’s rhythm and rediscover stillness on two wheels.
🥾 Hiking｜Measuring Devotion with Every Step
We included two of the most iconic sections of the Kumano Kodo to offer a deep cultural and spiritual experience:
- Choishi-michi (Mount Koya)
Starting from Jison-in Temple, we ascended to Koyasan’s Daimon Gate. Along the 20km path, 180 ancient stone markers (choishi) guide the way — each 109 meters apart, each a testament to a millennium of uninterrupted pilgrimage. - Nakahechi Route Circular Trail
This route passes through steaming hot spring villages, cedar forests, and historic shrines, ending at Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano.
During the hikes, we walked through mossy woods and sacred sites, some saying, “I could almost hear the breath of Kobo Daishi.” Others quietly offered prayers to the path itself.
“Walking through the pine forest along the Choishi-michi trail, step by step on the path once traveled by Kobo Daishi — it felt like I could hear echoes from history. The forest road ride from Ryujin Onsen to Kawayu Onsen was tough, but the view from the top made every bit of the challenge worth it. What touched me most was the team’s support and companionship — there was laughter and encouragement after every climb.”
Robin
This was more than a tour — it was a shared experience crafted with care and courage by every person involved.
🗺️ Where to Next?
This journey was not just a trip — it was a lifestyle experience. MAY31Cycling is planning more unique cycling events that combine nature, movement, and culture. Whether you love speed, spiritual paths, or the quiet of the woods, we welcome you to ride with us again soon.
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