On this episode of Japan Station, travel writer Jennifer Bain joins us to talk about one of Japan’s most ancient and famous pilgrimages: the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道). We also talk about Japanese convenience stores and the famous conbini socks.
👉Topics Discussed
- What the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is
- How to get the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is
- An example of a five day itinerary on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) pilgrimage
- About Daimonzaka and Kumano Nachi Taisha
- About mikan and oranges in the Kumano area
- About lodging along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
- How old empty schools have been converted into lodging on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
- How to walk the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) in a faster and easier way
- About the weather along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
- A funny encounter with a local on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
- About a custom convenience store tour in Osaka
- Some recommendations for food to eat from Japanese convenience stores
- About the famous Japanese convenience store socks people are going crazy for
- And much more!
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👉Links, Videos, Etc.
Check out Jennifer Bain’s Japan articles.
- Why Women Who Love the Camino Should Walk Japan’s Kumano Kodō: https://journeywoman.com/destinations/asia/japan/why-women-who-love-the-camino-should-walk-japans-kumano-kodo/
- Footbathing And Flower Trekking In Northern Japan’s National Parks: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/09/footbathing-and-flower-trekking-northern-japans-national-parks
For more of Jennifer Bain’s work:
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