Dual Pilgrim – Kumano Kodo and Camino de Santiago

· by · in Kumano Kodo. ·

The Kumano Kodo in Japan and Camino de Santiago in Spain are the only two Unesco World Heritage listed pilgrimages in the world and as such, they have been “twinned” so hikers who complete both are eligible to register as a dual pilgrim.

How to become a dual pilgrim

  • Camino de Santiago: Walk at least the last 100km or cycle at least the last 200km collecting stamps in a pilgrim credential

  • Kumano Kodo: Walk at least one of the following four options collecting stamps in the dual pilgrim credential along the way

    1. Nakahechi Route – Takijiri to Hongu Taisha ~40km

    2. Nakahechi Route – Hongu Taisha to Nachi Taisha ~30km

    3. Nakahechi Route – Hosshinmon Oji to Hongu Taisha ~7km plus a stamp from Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha

    4. Kohechi Route – Koyasan to Hongu ~70km

My two completed Kumano Kodo credentials
Dual Pilgrim – stamps

Dual Pilgrim Credential

If you’re in Santiago de Compostela, you can pick up a dual pilgrim credential from the Santiago tourist office and if you’re in the Kumano area in Japan, you can pick one up from either the Tanabe Tourist Office next to Tanabe station, Hongu Heritage Center near Hongu Taisha, or the Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Centre in Takijiri.

Dual Pilgrim Credential

Dual Pilgrim Certificate

To receive a special Dual Pilgrim Certificate, present your stamped Camino de Santiago credential and your Kumano Kodo stamped credential to either the Tanabe Tourist Office or Hongu Heritage Centre. You can also be featured on the Dual Pilgrim Spiritual Pilgrimages website.

Dual pilgrim certificate

For more information see:

Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau

Dual Pilgrim Spiritual Pilgrimages

Buen Camino and ki o tsukete!

8 responses to “Dual Pilgrim – Kumano Kodo and Camino de Santiago”

  1. Congratulations to your dual Pilgrim Credentials! Sadly, my fear of snakes overrides my love for Japan and hiking in nature.

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Like

    • I know what you mean about the snakes (a few years ago I was petrified and I’m still scared of them now but I’ve seen a lot while hiking that I’m calmer) but it’s an incredible place and it might even help you with your fears!

      Like

  2. Congratulations Dual Pilgrim – I’ve enjoyed your posts from Japan so much – but I think neither of the UNESCO walks would be as challenging as the Pacific Trail!

    Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.

    Best wishes for all your journeys.

    Judy Miles

    Australia

    ________________________________

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Well done! I have enjoyed every post, the photos, the foods, the wayposts, even the snakes. Looking forward to vicariously sharing your next walk.
    Isabelle

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Congratulations Kat on this accomplishment! Wow a Dual Pilgrim, fabulous.
    You are my hero, I wish I could tackle many of the long walks you have done. Surely do wish I could be as adventurous as you are.
    I love your blogs, so where to next?
    Arlèna

    Liked by 1 person

Comments or questions? Go for it!