Unlock Dual Pilgrim Status on the Sacred Kumano Kodo with Kumano Adventures
- letsgo71
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Did you know there are only two UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes on Earth? 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 is 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.
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. Here are the qualifying sections:
• Nakahechi Route:
◦ Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (2-4 day walk, approximately 38 km). This is a popular option, often completed in a couple of days, offering a spectacular descent into Kumano Hongu Taisha.
◦ Between Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha (2-day walk, approximately 30 km).
◦ Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (half-day walk, approximately 7 km) and visit all three Grand Shrines.
• Kohechi Route:
◦ Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha (4-day walk, approximately 65-70 km). This is a more challenging, mountainous route historically used by Buddhist monks.
• Ohechi Route:
◦ Visit two sites in Tanabe city center, two or more specified sites on the Ohechi route, and visit all three Grand Shrines.
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. Find the perfect qualifying journey on our Kumano Kodo Itineraries page.
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 can drum on the shrine's Taiko to express the completion of your journey. Furthermore, you may 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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The Kumano Kodo offers an unparalleled opportunity for deep cultural and spiritual immersion. Our expert-led tours simplify the process, allowing you to fully and safely enjoy the experience. Explore our Kumano Kodo tours that qualify for Dual Pilgrim status and begin your extraordinary journey today.
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