As a sacred pilgrimage route for mountain worship, the Three Shrines of Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama Prefecture has captivated believers for over a thousand years. The Kumano Kodo trails connecting these three spiritual sites have been nurtured over centuries by the harmonious relationship between people and nature, earning them recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as one of Japan’s most iconic trails. While the Kumano Kodo continues to attract visitors from around the world, one of its routes, the Okuhechi Trail, was lost to time and left abandoned.
Trail runner Masatoshi Nakagawa is leading efforts to revive this forgotten path. Through the traditional Japanese practice of “Michibushin” (trail revival), Nakagawa envisions a future where restoration and trail running unite to preserve the spirit of these sacred paths for generations to come.
More about the film at https://www.mountainhardwear.com/michibushin.html
MHW Japan Runner: Masatoshi Nakagawa
Director: Yuta Watanabe and Reo Chikara
Title Art: Youna Matsushita
Edited by: Rightup Inc
Produced by: MHW Japan
Photography: Kosuke Kobayashii
Writer: Kei Ikeda
1 Comment
This documentary takes my breath away! Watching Masatoshi Nakagawa breathe life into the Okuhechi Trail feels like witnessing history dance with modern passion. The aerial shots of those moss-covered stone steps practically whisper stories from a thousand pilgrimages. Who knew trail running could become a form of cultural time travel? The moment when local elders shared ancestral trail knowledge with young runners gave me goosebumps – it's like passing a sacred baton across generations. That split-screen sequence contrasting overgrown paths with restored routes should be required viewing for every nature lover. PS: Any chance we'll see a Michibushin volunteer program for international travelers? My hiking boots are already packed! 🏞🗻