This Japanese pilgrimage should be more famous! A 5-day trip to the Kumano Kodō (plus crazy conbini socks) | Japan Station 204

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:

• Website: https://jenniferbain.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaucylady/

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