Day 1 Start - Takijiri
After getting off the bus at the trailhead at Takijiri, I stopped off at the visitor center to pick up a map.
A view of the bridge leading towards the trail
One could start the trail with some excellent ice cream but I decided otherwise. It was definitely a hot day to start the hike.
A quick look back at the visitor center before starting the trail.
The Kumano Kodo UNESCO World Heritage sign. There more of these signs to come!
In other months when the trail is significantly more popular (due to the cooler weather), I'm assuming that there are more people who make use of these information and rest areas.
The hike begins with a visit to the first shrine.
The destination for day one.
The hike begins -- the real deal! This initially starts off right next the road but then it is a steep climb up.
The steep climb up from Takijiri.
Tanai Kuguri (translates literally to passing through the womb). There is a superstition that women who pass through this narrow cavern will have a smooth delivery.
Chichiwa Rock
