Tanabe City Historical Tour: Warriors, Pilgrims & Aikido

Before you step onto the mountain trails of the Kumano Kodo, discover the profound history of Tanabe City, the official gateway to the sacred pilgrimage. This guided walking tour explores the spiritual roots and local legends that have defined this coastal city for centuries.

Your journey begins at the station with the towering bronze statue of Musashibo Benkei, the legendary warrior monk and loyal retainer to Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who is celebrated as a native son of Tanabe. From there, your guide will lead you through the city streets to Ogigahama Beach. While modern visitors see a beautiful, curved coastline and serene park, ancient pilgrims saw a sacred purification site. You will learn about the ritual of Shiogori—where travelers would wade into the ocean tide to cleanse their bodies and spirits before entering the mountains.

The tour also visits hallowed ground for martial arts enthusiasts: Ogigahama Park, home to the Tanabe City Budokan. This is the spiritual birthplace of Aikido, founded by Tanabe native Morihei Ueshiba. Standing before the founder’s statue overlooking the sea, you can feel the lingering philosophy of "The Way of Harmony." Along the way, you will also uncover the story of Minakata Kumagusu, the eccentric genius naturalist who dedicated his life to protecting the sacred forests of the region.