Pilgrimage Road Leading to Kumago Mountain Temple

Nearby sightseeing spots

• 1

  Starting Point: Miyanari (Information Board)

  This area is known for its famous spring water, called Nimyo no Meisui. The water flows through a stone channel set into the mountainside. About 500 meters northwest along Prefectural Route 42, there is an intersection with a town road where an information board marks the starting point.

• 2

  Yurano Rest Area

  A picnic table is set in a quiet forest spot dappled with sunlight filtering through the trees. Before tackling the steep mountain path to Hiwada Pass, this is a good place for a break.

• 3

  Hiwada Pass Rest Area

  The Hiwada Pass sits at an altitude of 800 meters and was once a key route connecting the Nimyo and Kuma districts. Until around the 1950s, a teahouse stood at the pass, offering travelers a place to rest. One theory about the name "Hiwada Pass" suggests that Kobo Daishi, the founder of the 88-temple pilgrimage, encountered continuous rain from Ozu, but finally saw clear skies here, exclaiming "Hiwari da!" (Good weather!), which later evolved into "Hiwada." A short descent from the pass leads to a rest area equipped with public toilets and a gazebo.

• 4

  Kumakogen Town Hall

  A prominent information board is set up in front of the Kumakogen Town Hall along National Route 33.

• 5

  Taihoji (No. 44) - Kongorikishi Statues

  At the entrance of Taihoji Temple, stand two Kongorikishi guardian statues, designated as important cultural assets of Kumakogen Town. The statue on the right holds a Vajra in its left hand and has its mouth open as if shouting, while the statue on the left has its fingers extended and mouth closed, appearing stern. The open-mouthed statue is called "Agyo," while the closed-mouth one is "Ungyo."

• 6

  Taihoji Temple (No.44)

  The 44th temple, Taihoji, was founded in the first year of the Taiho era (701) under Emperor Monmu when a Baekje monk brought an Eleven-Faced Kannon statue and enshrined it here. The temple's 33 stone lanterns are a designated cultural heritage site of the Prefecture. This distinguished Kegon temple is surrounded by towering cedar trees.

• 7

  Nakabyo Rest Area

  This rest area has one bench and two picnic tables. From here, the path descends for about 1 km to the endpoint.

• 8

  Endpoint: Kawai Rest Area

  This is the endpoint of the route and serves as the starting point for the next route. Enjoy your continued journey on the Shikoku Nature Trail!