Kumano Kodo Mehari-Zushi & Kaki-no-Ha-Zushi Trail Food Walk

The Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau supplies local guides for this short walk along a section of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi pilgrimage route near Nachi Falls, in the Nachikatsuura area of Wakayama. The route follows a manageable stretch of forested trail before dropping into the surrounding village for tasting stops. Two dishes anchor the walk: mehari-zushi, rice wrapped in pickled mustard greens, and kaki-no-ha-zushi, pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, both traditional trail foods carried by Kumano Kodo pilgrims for centuries. Both tastings are savory, with no dessert course. The guide provides background on the pilgrim food traditions of the Kumano Kodo route while walking. Included are the guided trail walk and both tastings; hiking poles, trail snacks beyond the tastings, and transport to the meeting point are not included. Groups are small, guiding is in Japanese with Kumano Travel able to arrange English-speaking guides on request, and the pace is set for a comfortable pilgrimage-trail walk rather than a strenuous hike.