Unlock Dual Pilgrim Status on the Sacred Kumano Kodo with Kumano Adventures
- Sep 13, 2025
- 6 min read
Did you know there are only two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes in the world? Embarking on either the Kumano Kodo in Japan or the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) in Spain is a profound experience. But combining both? That’s a much rarer achievement: becoming a Dual Pilgrim.
This post will guide you through what it means to be a Dual Pilgrim and how Kumano Adventures can help you achieve this unique honor on the Kumano Kodo.
How is the Kumano Kodo different from the Camino?
The two routes share a structure. Both are ancient networks of trails leading to sacred destinations, walked for over a thousand years. But the day-to-day experience is quite different, and if you have already walked the Camino, you must understand these differences before setting out on the Kumano Kodo.
Terrain. The Kumano Kodo is much more mountainous than most Camino routes, climbing and descending through cedar forest on stone-paved paths and steps. It is well within reach for anyone in reasonable condition, but it is not the long, flat meseta of central Spain. Even people who have researched and trained report that it's more difficult and strenuous on the knees than they expected.
Lodging. On the Camino you move between albergues and pensions. On the Kumano Kodo you stay in ryokan and family-run minshuku, usually with dinner and breakfast included. When local towns are fully booked, you must get to lodgings further from your route with pickups from your lodging (if available), public transportation, or taxi. This is the main reason that a Kumano Kodo hike is usually not an impromptu decision.
Length. The Camino can take five days to five weeks. A qualifying Kumano Kodo walk can be done in a few days, and most Camino walkers come for a focused week rather than a month.
Solitude. The Camino is social, with walkers around you through the day. The Kumano Kodo is quieter; on some sections you may walk for hours without seeing another person.
Discovering the Prestigious Dual Pilgrim Program
A "Dual Pilgrim" is someone who has walked both the Kumano Kodo and the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) and fulfilled the requirements for recognition. This program was initiated in 2015 and registered its 10,000th recipient in May of 2025. So while it's not a super exclusive club, neither is it something that travelers can achieve easily. It takes planning, dedication, and time to earn the distinction.
How to Qualify for Dual Pilgrim Status on the Kumano Kodo
To achieve Dual Pilgrim status, you must complete a significant portion of both pilgrimage routes. The order in which you complete them does not matter.
For the Way of St. James, the requirement is typically to complete at least the last 100 km on foot or by horse, or the last 200 km by bicycle.
For the Kumano Kodo, only walking is allowed – no bicycles or horses. Any of the following sections will qualify you:
Nakahechi Route
Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha: This 2-4 day walk covers approximately 38 km. It’s a popular option, often completed in 2-4 days, offering a spectacular descent into Kumano Hongu Taisha.
Between Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha: This is a 2-day walk, approximately 30 km.
Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha, plus a visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha: A half-day walk, approximately 7 km, which allows you to visit all three Grand Shrines.
Kohechi Route
Ohechi Route
Visit two sites in Tanabe city center, two or more specified sites on the Ohechi route, and visit all three Grand Shrines.
Dual Pilgrim Registration
Please keep in mind that if you have already walked the Camino and wish to complete your registration in Japan, you must visit the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center or the Tanabe Tourist Information Center after you have walked the qualifying sections. This can sometimes add logistical complexity.
Kumano Adventures offers routes that are perfectly designed to meet these requirements. If Dual Pilgrim status is your goal, we can ensure you meet these criteria while immersing yourself in the spiritual landscapes of the Kumano Kodo. Let us build you the perfect qualifying journey. Start on our Kumano Kodo Custom Itineraries page.
Eligibility, approval, and recognition of dual pilgrims are handled by official institutions, not tour companies. Kumano Adventures can support you in your journey but can't guarantee approval or the specifics of recognition on completion.
The Unique Rewards of Becoming a Dual Pilgrim
Upon successfully completing both pilgrimages and registering as a Dual Pilgrim, you'll receive a special edition pin badge from the information center. This distinctive badge features a combination of the iconic shell of the Camino and the three-legged crow (Yatagarasu) symbol of Kumano, depicted in shades of orange reminiscent of sunrises and sunsets. You also have the option to be listed on the official Dual Pilgrim website, sharing your achievement with a global community of fellow pilgrims.
A highlight is the special Dual Pilgrim Taiko ceremony offered at the Kumano Hongu Taisha. During this immersive ceremony, you drum on the shrine's Taiko to mark the completion of your journey. You may also receive a beautiful completion certificate made from local Washi (handmade paper), personally inscribed by the head priest of Kumano Hongu Taisha.
You can learn more about the partnership between these two historic routes, recognized for their "outstanding universal value" by visiting the official UNESCO World Heritage website for the Route of Santiago de Compostela.
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Caption: The distinctive Dual Pilgrim pin, signifying a journey across two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes.
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What about lodging and onsen along the way?
Expect traditional accommodation and Japanese meals. You will usually sleep on a futon in a ryokan or minshuku, eat a multi-course dinner of regional dishes, and have access to onsen, natural hot springs, at many stops. The Hongu area in particular is known for its hot springs; our Hongu onsen guide covers Yunomine, Kawayu, and Watarase if you want to plan a rest day into your walk.
Why Choose Kumano Adventures?
We offer socially responsible travel experiences built on long-standing local relationships. Our guided journeys handle the route, the lodging, and the logistics, so you can focus on the walk. We design deeply local experiences that support host communities and preserve cultural heritage, often away from the busier tourist paths.
Local cultural access. The Kumano Kodo is a rare opportunity for cultural and spiritual immersion. Along the trail you can meet artisans, farmers, and residents who share their work and traditions, the kind of access that is difficult to arrange on your own.
Custom itineraries. Every traveler is different. We design journeys around your interests and pace, whether you are an experienced hiker or a casual walker, and we can build the route to meet the Dual Pilgrim criteria.
Logistics handled. Lodging along the route is limited and books out months ahead. We secure the right ryokan, arrange transfers and meals, and make sure your credential is in hand at the beginning of your journey.
To plan a qualifying Kumano Kodo journey, tell us what you have in mind on our Custom Tours page and we will tell you honestly what is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dual Pilgrim status?
Dual Pilgrim status is recognition given to those who have completed both the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage in Japan and the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) in Spain.
How do you qualify for Dual Pilgrim status?
To qualify, walkers must complete designated walking sections of the Kumano Kodo and a qualifying portion of the Camino de Santiago. Both pilgrimages must be completed to be eligible.
Does the order of the pilgrimages matter?
No. The Kumano Kodo and the Camino de Santiago can be completed in either order. Within the Kumano Kodo, the stamps for proof can be collected in any order.
Which Kumano Kodo routes count toward Dual Pilgrim status?
Only officially recognized walking sections of the Kumano Kodo count toward Dual Pilgrim status. Eligibility is determined by the program’s official guidelines.
What recognition do Dual Pilgrims receive?
Recognized Dual Pilgrims receive official acknowledgment, which may include a certificate or pin, and may have the option to participate in a ceremonial recognition.
How do travelers register for Dual Pilgrim status?
Registration takes place after completing both pilgrimages at designated registration locations associated with the Kumano Kodo or the Camino de Santiago.
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