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Kumano Kodo - Day 2

After a good rest, I departed for Hosshimon-oji. The hotel provided free transit to the Hongu area, so I saved some time waiting for the bus. The plan for the day was a 7 km walk from Hosshimon-oji to Oyunohara. Since my next lodging was in the Yunomine Onsen area, I decided to add an extra walk from Oyunohara to Yunomine Onsen, which was about 2.2 km.

At Hosshimon-oji, the trail is essentially a connecting route to the Takijiri trail. The previous stamping station was about 800 meters from Hosshimon-oji, so I made a detour to Inohana-oji. That detour added approximately 1.6 km to my journey, taking about 30 minutes or more.

From Hosshimon-oji (after detouring via Inohana-oji), I started walking toward Hongu Taisha, which was about a 2.5-hour walk. Along the way, I stopped to rest and take photos. It was quite a leisurely walk. Part of the trail is paved, while the rest consists of forest paths lined with cypress trees (I guess). By the time I reached the town around Hongu Taisha, it was noon. I had my packed lunch at the heritage center, then continued on to Oyunohara, where the largest torii gate in the country is located.

From Oyunohara, I proceeded to Yunomine Onsen. This turned out to be quite a hike. I initially thought it would be a moderate hill climb, but it turned out to be a continuous ascent for the first half of the trail, followed by a continuous descent for the second half. Overall, the trail took me to an elevation gain of over 200 meters—I was essentially crossing a small hill.

Initially, I had booked my stay at Ryokan Adumaya (one of the more expensive accommodations on my itinerary). However, perhaps because I was traveling solo and occupying an entire room, it may not have been profitable for them. Instead, I was offered an alternative at Minshuku Yunosato, about a 15-minute walk from Yunomine Onsen. It turned out to be the best experience of my trip. The minshuku had a private onsen spa and served delicious dinner and breakfast. I would definitely return if I have the opportunity in the future. That marked the end of Day 2.

Hosshimon-oji area

Detour to Inohana-oji (Tajikiri trail)

Some trails are paved

Trees canopy

Unpaved trail

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Hanging lamp in Hongu Taisha

Oyunohara

Walking toward Yunomine Onsen

Yunomine Onsen

Private bath with hot spring water from Yunomine Onsen

Good dinner by Minshuku Yunosato


(Photos were taken with iPhone 14)
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