「伊勢志摩も熊野古道も旅行したい。」
そんな方におすすめしたいのが、伊勢志摩から南伊勢を通り、熊野古道へ向かう周遊旅行です。
伊勢志摩には伊勢神宮をはじめ、美しいリアス海岸や英虞湾など、海と自然を楽しめるスポットが数多くあります。一方、三重県南部の東紀州エリアには、世界遺産・熊野古道をはじめとした歴史と雄大な自然が残っています。
せっかく三重県を旅行するのであれば、この二つのエリアを一度の旅で巡ってみてはいかがでしょうか。
1日目は伊勢神宮や伊勢市内を観光。その後、鳥羽や志摩方面へ足を延ばし、伊勢志摩ならではの海の景色を楽しみます。
夕方には南伊勢へ。
南伊勢は、伊勢志摩から熊野方面へ向かう旅の途中に立ち寄りたい自然豊かなエリアです。観光スポットを次々と巡る旅行とは少し離れ、海を眺めながらゆっくり過ごす時間を作ることで、旅そのものにメリハリが生まれます。
翌日は南伊勢を出発し、熊野古道 伊勢路へ。
歴史ある石畳や峠を歩きながら、伊勢志摩とはまた違った三重県の自然を体感できます。
三重県公式観光サイトでも、伊勢志摩と東紀州を組み合わせ、伊勢神宮と熊野古道を巡る旅がモデルコースとして紹介されています。
伊勢志摩と熊野古道。
二つを別々の旅行先として考えるのではなく、一つの物語として巡ってみる。
Retreat Hotel ENTO ISESHIMAをその旅の途中の滞在地として、伊勢から熊野へと続く三重の旅を楽しんでみませんか。
When international travelers hear “Kumano Kodo,” many first think of the famous hiking routes in Wakayama Prefecture.
But there is another fascinating route for travelers beginning their journey in Mie: the Kumano Kodo Iseji.
The Iseji route historically connects Ise Jingu with Kumano, stretching approximately 170 kilometers through the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula.
It passes through mountains, forests, traditional towns, and coastal landscapes before reaching the sacred Kumano region.
Walking the entire route requires significant time, but you do not need to complete all 170 kilometers to experience the spirit of the Iseji.
A multi-day road trip combined with selected walks is an accessible way to discover the route.
Here is one possible Kumano Kodo Iseji itinerary.
Day 1: Ise Jingu and the Beginning of the Journey
Begin at Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most important Shinto sites.
Spend the morning visiting Geku and Naiku and take some time to walk through the traditional streets around Oharai-machi.
For centuries, visiting Ise was itself one of Japan’s great pilgrimage experiences.
The Iseji represents the continuation of that journey toward Kumano.
Instead of rushing directly south, make the first day about understanding the cultural background of the route.
After visiting Ise Jingu, travel toward Minamiise.
The landscape soon becomes quieter, with mountains descending toward sheltered bays along the coast.
An Overnight Retreat in Minamiise
Spend the night at Retreat Hotel ENTO ISESHIMA, located inside Ise-Shima Marina in Minamiise.
The setting offers a natural pause between the busy sightseeing experience of Ise and the mountain trails farther south.
From the hotel, guests can enjoy views of the marina and surrounding landscape.
Minamiise is particularly suited to travelers who enjoy scenic drives, quiet coastal environments, and destinations away from Japan’s busiest tourist centers.
Staying overnight also makes it possible to begin the next morning without trying to fit Ise Jingu, a long drive, and a Kumano Kodo hike into the same day.
Day 2: Drive South and Walk the Iseji
Continue toward the eastern Kii Peninsula.
One of the most recognizable sections of the Kumano Kodo Iseji is Magose Pass near Owase.
The trail is known for its preserved stone paving, forest scenery, and historic atmosphere.
Walking beneath tall cedar and cypress trees offers a clear sense of why the Kumano Kodo is much more than a hiking trail.
It is a cultural landscape shaped by centuries of pilgrimage.
Depending on your schedule, you can choose a relatively short section of the Iseji rather than attempting a full-day trek.
This approach works especially well for international visitors traveling by rental car.
You can experience part of the historic route while still having enough flexibility to visit towns, viewpoints, and coastal areas along the way.
Day 3: Continue Toward Kumano
On the third day, travel farther south toward Kumano.
Another section of the Iseji can be combined with visits to the Kumano area, including the famous Kumano shrines.
Travelers with additional days can continue deeper into the Kii Peninsula and explore Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, or Kumano Nachi Taisha.
The journey can therefore be extended from a short Mie road trip into a broader spiritual itinerary across the Kii Peninsula.
How Many Days Do You Need?
The ideal Kumano Kodo Iseji itinerary depends on what you want from the journey.
If your priority is sightseeing and experiencing a short section of the trail, two or three days can provide a good introduction.
If you plan to walk several passes or explore the Kumano Sanzan in depth, allow additional days.
Rather than measuring the trip only by distance, think about the experience you want.
The appeal of the Iseji lies in the transition between sacred sites, forests, coastlines, and small communities.
Trying to move too quickly can mean missing exactly what makes the route special.
Discover a Different Side of the Kumano Kodo
The Kumano Kodo Iseji offers travelers an opportunity to connect Ise Jingu and Kumano as part of one continuous journey.
It is ideal for visitors interested in spirituality, hiking, Japanese history, coastal scenery, and destinations beyond the standard Golden Route.
By staying in Minamiise along the way, you can slow down and experience another side of the Kii Peninsula before continuing south.
Retreat Hotel ENTO ISESHIMA offers a peaceful coastal stop at the beginning of this journey — a place to rest before following the historic path from Ise toward Kumano.
※掲載画像はAIを使用して制作したイメージです。実際の施設・景観とは一部異なる場合があります。
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