The Kumano Hongu Heritage Center serves as the perfect introduction to the spiritual landscape of Kumano. Located near the sacred shrine, it presents a thoughtful overview of the Kumano faith, the ancient network of pilgrimage trails known as the Kumano Kodo, and the fusion of Shinto and Buddhist traditions that shaped Japan’s religious history. Inside the center, visitors can view detailed exhibits, interactive maps, and artefacts illustrating how people from emperors to common pilgrims sought purification and enlightenment through journeys across mountains and rivers. The displays explain the concept of “rebirth through pilgrimage” and highlight how the Kumano region has been revered as a gateway to the divine for over a thousand years. With guidance from local experts, the center allows travelers to understand not only the physical path of the pilgrimage but also the spiritual transformation it represents—a perfect prologue before entering the sacred grounds of Hongu Taisha.