A Journey Through NAKANO BC, Fujishiro Shrine, and the Gateway to the Kumano Kodo
Many travelers know Wakayama for the Kumano Kodo.
But few realize that the journey to the sacred mountains did not begin deep in the forest.
For centuries, pilgrims traveling from Kyoto and Osaka first entered the spiritual landscape of Kumano through the town of Kainan.
Today, this historic gateway offers another way to understand Wakayama—not only through religion and history, but also through fermentation and local flavors.
Experience Sake and Umeshu at NAKANO BC
One of Wakayama’s best-known producers, NAKANO BC, has become famous for its Japanese sake, umeshu, and craft liqueurs.
Visitors can join brewery tours to learn how local ingredients and traditional techniques are transformed into a wide range of drinks.
The experience offers insight into:
- Japanese sake production
- Umeshu made from Wakayama-grown plums
- Local fermentation traditions
- Seasonal and limited-edition products
Even travelers unfamiliar with Japanese alcohol often enjoy comparing the different aromas and flavors.
Relax at the Newly Opened Chokyuan
After the brewery tour, visitors can continue their experience at Chokyuan, a new facility opened by NAKANO BC.
Here, guests can enjoy tastings in a more relaxed setting while discovering products that reflect Wakayama’s agricultural heritage.
Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, the experience encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the connection between craftsmanship and daily life.
Walk Through the Birthplace of the Suzuki Clan
Only a short distance away lies the historic Suzuki Residence, believed to be connected to the origins of the Suzuki family name, one of Japan’s most widespread surnames.
For history enthusiasts, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval Japan and the communities that supported the Kumano pilgrimage network.
Visit Fujishiro Shrine: One of the Sacred Gates to Kumano
Long before travelers reached Hongu or Nachi, they stopped at Fujishiro Shrine.
The shrine served as one of the important sacred sites along the pilgrimage route and marked the entrance into the spiritual world of Kumano.
Even today, the atmosphere remains peaceful and deeply connected to nature.
Walking the stone paths around the shrine allows visitors to experience the beginning of a journey that countless pilgrims undertook over hundreds of years.
Discover the First Steps of the Kumano Kodo
Many people think of the Kumano Kodo as a mountain trail.
In reality, the pilgrimage began in towns like Kainan, where ordinary life and sacred traditions existed side by side.
This area reveals an often-overlooked aspect of the route:
Pilgrimage was not separate from everyday life.
People prayed, farmed, brewed alcohol, traded goods, and welcomed travelers.
These traditions still shape the region today.
More Than a Brewery Visit
What makes Kainan unique is the combination of experiences available within a compact area:
Sake and umeshu → Fermentation culture → Medieval history → Kumano faith → Pilgrimage heritage
Rather than isolated attractions, they form a continuous story.
For travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Japan, Kainan offers a chance to experience the cultural layers that make Wakayama so distinctive.
Sometimes, the road to the sacred mountains begins with a glass of umeshu.
Plan your special experience with my Curated Kii Peninsula Journey
Or Slow Living Stay.
Related Posts
- Beyond the Kumano Kodo: Life Along the Ancient Kiiji Road
- From Coastal Pilgrimage to Citrus Hills in Arida
- A Coastal Loop Walk in Wakayama
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