Kumano Kodo

In Wakayama Prefecture, which is located on the southwestern part of the largest penninsula in Japan called Kii Penninsula, there are three shrines called Kumano Sanzan, and the road leading to them is called the Kumano Kodo.

Kumano Kodo is a wide-spanning road that splits in fivedirections to Mie Prefecture, Nara Pefecture, WakayamaPrefecture, and Osaka Prefecture, and it offers travelers colorfulnature scenes to enjoy.

Kumano Sanzan faith originates in nature worship. This worship of gods residing in waterfalls, rocks, and trees spread from the imperial family to the general populace during the period spanning the 8th century to the 16th century.

Kumano Sanzan were included as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range when they were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

The JMSDF Yura Base Facility is located in Yura-cho, Hidaka-gun in Wakayama Prefecture. This facility provides support during official sea trials conducted for submarines and various supports for port calls as an advanced supply base around Kii channel and its periphery.