Takijiri-oji→Chichi-iwa→Nezu-oji→Tsurugi-no-yama Kyozuka ruins→Lookout→Kumano Takahara Jinja (Shrine)
Takijiri-oji is one of the gotai-oji, the five most important oji shrines along the way. It is also important as the first oji along the Kumano Kodo leading into the sacred areas of the Kumano Sanzan.
There is an interpetive center across the road from Takijiri-oji, Kodo-kan. Relics from previous eras, interpretive diaramas, a help center, and pamplets detailing the various walking courses are available. A few are also in English.
Takijiri-oji to Takahara starts off with a climb straight up a mountain known as Tsurugi-no-yama, literally, sword mountain. It is a fairly steep ascent to the next oji, Nezu-oji. There are nice views as a few places along the way. The views from Takahara are beautiful enough to have inspired poets throughout the ages.
Kumano Takahara Jinja is the oldest shrine along the Nakahechi route. The camphor trees flanking either side of the shrine are inspiring for their size.
Times for this hike will vary greatly with the fitness of hikers. It should take two and a half hours without any breaks or guide explanations for very fit hikers. Allow an hour extra including break times and guiding.
