- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2023
A few days ago I was recognized for becoming a "Dual Pilgrim". Like many of you I had never heard of this term until very recently. Well a Dual Pilgrim is someone who has walked the two Unesco recognized pilgrimage routes those being the Camino de Santiago and the Kumano Kodo in Japan.
While I expect a number of Forum members have already accomplished this the official recognition is new in 2015. What a surprise when I entered the tourist office in Hongu Japan with my Camino de Santiago credential passport and the same for the Kuman Kodo. Very quickly four staff members were excitedly trying to communicate with me. Pictures were taken for their glass case, photocopies of my two credential passport books were made. Apparently my picture will at some point also be on the www.tb-kumano.jp website.
I also received the Dual Pilgrim pin...picture on my blog. As the year marches on I know the excitement in the tourist bureau will quieten as more Dual pilgrims arrive!
I had no idea why there was so much fuss until I was told that I was the fifth person to receive the pin...an American, three Japanese and now a token Canadian!
I can't describe the Kumano Kodo in words...you may wish to see my blog for pictures and a brief description of each day. It's a fantastic walk, rich in history dating back a 1,000 years. The scenery is spectacular...the walking typical mountain trail walking which honestly means it is challenging at times. In my opinion the finest 4+ days of walking I have had the fortune to do.
If interested see the web address above...a superb website allowing reservations at traditional Japanese inns. In terms of cost I spent just over $700 U.S. for the accomodation, food and train travel from Tokyo and back.
Hope some of you have a chance to experience.
Arigato
Guy
While I expect a number of Forum members have already accomplished this the official recognition is new in 2015. What a surprise when I entered the tourist office in Hongu Japan with my Camino de Santiago credential passport and the same for the Kuman Kodo. Very quickly four staff members were excitedly trying to communicate with me. Pictures were taken for their glass case, photocopies of my two credential passport books were made. Apparently my picture will at some point also be on the www.tb-kumano.jp website.
I also received the Dual Pilgrim pin...picture on my blog. As the year marches on I know the excitement in the tourist bureau will quieten as more Dual pilgrims arrive!
I had no idea why there was so much fuss until I was told that I was the fifth person to receive the pin...an American, three Japanese and now a token Canadian!
I can't describe the Kumano Kodo in words...you may wish to see my blog for pictures and a brief description of each day. It's a fantastic walk, rich in history dating back a 1,000 years. The scenery is spectacular...the walking typical mountain trail walking which honestly means it is challenging at times. In my opinion the finest 4+ days of walking I have had the fortune to do.
If interested see the web address above...a superb website allowing reservations at traditional Japanese inns. In terms of cost I spent just over $700 U.S. for the accomodation, food and train travel from Tokyo and back.
Hope some of you have a chance to experience.
Arigato
Guy