Tag: JP – Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

A temple made famous by Japanese Buddhist monks who sacrificed themselves at sea.

Source: Fudarakusan-ji

Located about a hundred kilometers south of Osaka, the Kumano Kodo is the perfect antidote to a few days in Japan’s megalopolises. The network of trails snakes across the Kii Peninsula past sites significant in Buddhism and Shintoism, through small towns, and over lushly forested mountain passes. The pilgrimage holds appeal for hikers with a wide range of abilities, religious affiliations, and priorities. Here’s how and why to hike the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in Japan.

Source: 12 Reasons to Hike the Kumano Kodo, Japan’s 1,000-Year-Old Pilgrimage Route

Mount Koya s spiritual realm extends further, come and discover the Niutsushime Shrine and Jisonin Temple, which play their own important roles in the story of this land.

Source: Niutsushime Shrine & Jisonin Temple – Japan Travel – Japan Tourism Guide and Travel Map

People leave little knitted hats and scarves on the statues in the town’s splendidly eerie cemetery.

Source: Visiting one of the most sacred places in Japan

Touted as one of Japan’s best kept secrets, discover seven ways to experience the spiritually rich and breathtaking Wakyama.

Source: Wakayama: Make It Happen

Wakayama Prefecture is located on the southernmost part of Japan’s Kii Peninsula. This corner of Honshu Island also snagged the 5th slot on the Lonely…

Source: 7 THINGS TO DO IN WAKAYAMA | The Poor Traveler Itinerary Blog

Cemeteries hardly seem like “destination-worthy” tourist attractions. But, some are so beautiful, strange, or downright fascinating that visitors flock to them by the tens or hundreds of thousands each year. It’s not surprising when you consider it’s a lot more fun to visit a cemetery as a “tombstone tourist” when you’re actually, you know, alive. With that in mind, here are four of the world’s best cemeteries worth traveling to see.

BONAVENTURE CEMETERY

Savannah, Georgia

Charleston aside, few cities nail the spooky-beautiful-charming Southern vibe like Savannah, Georgia. Nowhere is this more evident than in the city’s Bonaventure Cemetery. Stands of massive, centuries-old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss canopy the historic burial grounds which are perched on a scenic bluff overlooking the Wilmington River. The 100 acres here include significant tombstones, sculpture gardens, and Southern Gothic monuments. Plus, the cemetery has appeared in numerous Hollywood flicks including Clint Eastwood’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. If you’re into that sort of thing …

PANTEÓN ANTIGUO DE XOXOCOTLÁN

Oaxaca, México

Read more from source: The World’s Most Beautiful Cemeteries Worth Traveling to See (Seriously)

My concentration is completely focused on footfalls, specifically where my feet are landing among the cedar roots that form a natural staircase. I’m ascending Mount Tsurugi, on the Kii Peninsula, from the Takijiri-oji Shrine, on an 11-day trip thats covers the famous Kumano Kodo trail.

When I first set out on this pilgrimage, my goal was to escape the inescapable — a never-ending stream of U.S. political updates and urban clatter. The first Japanese emperor to hike the trail did so in the 11th century, after his retirement — possibly to seek absolution for his courtly life and imperial decisions.

I was invited by REI Adventures to hike the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo trails with five other hikers, to experience this new trip. It’s part of their level-two offerings, which are designed for leisurely hikers — those who prefer no pre-trip calisthenics and like to conclude a few mellow hours on the trail with a soft bed and warm, multicourse meal.

Read more from source: Hiking the sacred Kumano Kodo route in Japan with a backpack and a “no Trump talk” pact

These powerful images show both struggle and strength.

A daring sea rescue saved the lives of more than 100 refugees and migrants off the coast of Libya. Hawaii residents watched molten lava overtake their cars and homes. And flooding in Kenya killed more than 40 people. Meanwhile, signs of hope popped up in Iraq, India, and Turkey, as people celebrated the return of nice weather.

Global Citizen is bringing you these photos, and more, from around the world this week.

1. Migrant Crisis: Refugees and migrants were rescued by members of the Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms on May 6, after leaving Libya trying to reach European soil aboard an overcrowded rubber boat. In total, 105 refugees and migrants from various countries — including Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, Pakistan, Sudan, Libya, Eritrea, and Senegal — were rescued north of the Libyan coast.

2. Hawaii Volcano: This photo, provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, shows a lava lake at the summit of Kilauea near Pahoa, Hawaii, on May 6.

Read more from source: 14 Photos of Tragedy and Resilience From Around the World This Week

From a Norwegian shrine for a Viking king to the healing waters of mystical lagoons in Peru, these sacred paths will have you lacing up your boots and strapping on a pack.

Ready for your next big slow-travel adventure? Try these pilgrimages on for size. These ancient routes are a literal trek through history and cultural heritage, with stunning natural and architectural wonders along the way. And don’t worry: You won’t need a month of vacation time or marathon-level fitness to tackle these famous paths, either.

Mystical Healing and Sacred Lagoons 
Lagunas de las Huaringas, Peru

Hidden in the misty mountains near Huancabamba, this complex of 14 sacred lagoons sits at an altitude of over 13,000 feet above sea level. Too far from Lima or Cusco to be on the beaten path for most visitors to Peru, locals come here to be healed in the holy but ice-cold lagoons with the help of curanderos, or medicine men. Start your route in Salalá.

Read more from source: 7 Famous Pilgrimages Around the World That You Can Walk or Cycle