The number of individuals officially acknowledged as "dual pilgrims" - having walked both World Heritage Sites of the Kumano Kodo Ancient Road and the Santiago Pilgrimage Route has reached over 30.Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture and the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela came up with the plan to create a "dual pilgrim register" (stamp book) in order to increase the number of visitors to both sites. By walking designated routes at both sites and collecting stamps, individuals can be recognized [as dual pilgrims].
From February of this year until the 13th of May, exactly 32 individuals from 10 different countries have been certified. Japan has the most pilgrims of any country at nine people. Next is the United States of America with eight and Australia with five. Spain also has four dual pilgrims.
According to the Tanabe City Tourism Promotion Division, "There are many more entries than we expected. The stamp books are not just to attract visitors; we also intend to create a database of dual pilgrims."
The stamp books needed to become a dual pilgrim are available at tourism centers and the World Heritage Kumano Kodo Visitor Center.
The designated pilgrimage routes on the Kumano Kodo are walking from Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine (38 kilometers), Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine to Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine (30 kilometers), Mt. Koya to Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine (70 kilometers), or Hosshimon-oji to Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine (7 kilometers) and then visiting Kumano Hatayama Grand Shrine and Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine (using other means of transportation is allowed).
The designated pilgrimage routes on the Santiago Pilgrimage Road are either walking or riding a horse 100 kilometers to the Santiago Grand Cathedral. Visitors may also opt to ride over 200 kilometers on a bicycle instead.
To receive recognition as a dual pilgrim, visitors must complete any one of the listed routes on each pilgrimage route.
Original Article: http://www.agara.co.jp/modules/dailynews/article.php?storyid=294286
Time to dust off the hiking boots! Both the Kumano Kodo and Santiago Route are the only religious pilgrimage trails recorded as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so this is a very special opportunity.
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