Step Back into Japan's Middle Ages Kawachinagano

The Three Highways

Kawachinagano City sits at the crossroads of three historical provinces: Kawachi Province (present-day eastern Osaka Prefecture), Kii Province (present-day Wakayama Prefecture), and Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture). Since ancient times, it has been a vital transportation hub, connecting Izumi Province (present-day southwestern Osaka Prefecture), Yamato, and Kii. In 816, following Kobo Daishi Kukai’s founding of Koyasan, the region’s network of roads was gradually developed to facilitate access to important destinations of the era.

Osawa Kaido Road

The Osawa Kaido Road branches off from the Koya Kaido Road near the Kawachinagano Station area. From Kawachinagano Station, the road winds along the Ishimigawa River crosses the Osawa Pass, and continues into Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture). Beyond Yamato, it passes through present-day Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, eventually reaching Kumano Hongu Taisha (Wakayama Prefecture). Throughout its long history, this route was traversed by countless travelers and merchants, facilitating the flow of goods, cultural exchange, and ideas.

Koya Kaido Road

In the 9th century, the route between Koyasan and Kyoto, which was traveled by Kobo Daishi Kukai, became known in later years as the Koya Kaido Road. The road includes two primary routes: the East Koya Kaido Road and the West Koya Kaido Road, along with alternate paths such as the Naka Koya Kaido Road and the Shimo Koya Kaido Road. In Kawachinagano City, these routes—the Naka Koya Kaido Road, West Koya Kaido Road, and East Koya Kaido Road—converged, transforming the area into a thriving center of activity.

Amano Kaido Road and the Pilgrimage Road

The Amano Kaido Road follows the border between Kawachi Province and Izumi Province before descending southward along the western side of Amano Valley. Near the entrance to Kongoji Temple, it intersects with the Pilgrimage Road, which links Sefukuji Temple (Izumi City) and Fujiidera Temple (Fujiidera City).