Dual Pilgrim: Walk the Camino de Santiago and Kumano Kodo

First of all, what is the Kumano Kodo?

The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage, or rather a network of pilgrimages, that unfolds in one of the most fascinating and evocative countries in the world, Japan.

In 2004, it was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, under the category of "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". This recognition coincided with the decision to establish collaboration with the Way of St. James, which had already been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1993.

From this emerged the concept of the Dual Pilgrim, a special recognition for those who decide to walk both pilgrimages: the Way of St. James and the Kumano Kodo.

There is also a dedicated credential, the "Dual Pilgrim Credential", which allows you to collect stamps throughout your pilgrimage. It consists of two sides—one dedicated to the Way of St. James and the other to the Kumano Kodo. This is naturally just an option, an opportunity for those who wish to walk both routes from the start, but it is not a requirement for obtaining the Dual Pilgrim recognition.

An interesting detail! If you look at the Dual Pilgrim Credential, you'll notice on both sides the image of a sun, accompanied by warm yellow and orange tones. The symbolism lies in recognising the sun as a unifying element: a sun that rises in Santiago, in the far west, and a sun that sets over Kumano, in the far east.

Walk the Kumano Kodo in a group with Apiediperilmondo

Or we can arrange your private journey to Japan and the Kumano Kodo

Where to register for the Dual Pilgrim

In Japan

Kumano Hongu Taisha

• Location: Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
• Address: 1110 Hongu-cho Hongu, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, 647-1731
• Hours: Open all year: 9:00 ~ 17:00

In Spain

Santiago de Compostela

• Location: Turismo de Santiago Information Center
• Address: Rúa do Vilar 63, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
• Website: http://www.santiagoturismo.com/
• Tel: +34-981-555-129
• Hours: Open all year. Winter: Mon-Fri 9:00 ~ 19:00 / Sat, Sun, Holy Days: 9:00 ~ 14:00 and 16:00 ~ 19:00. Easter and high season: daily 9:00 ~ 21:00.