Dual Pilgrim — The World's Only UNESCO Pilgrim Credential
Complete both the Camino de Santiago and Kumano Kodo to earn Dual Pilgrim status.
The Dual Pilgrim programme (Twin Pilgrim / デュアル巡礼者) recognizes pilgrims who have walked both of the world's UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes: the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Kumano Kodo in Japan. It is a joint initiative of the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau and the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela's Pilgrim Reception Office, and remains the only cross-continental pilgrim credential of its kind.
Becoming a Dual Pilgrim is not about distance — it is about walking both traditions, visiting both cultural worlds, and understanding what humans share across a thousand years of pilgrimage practice. The credential is free. Only those who have completed both routes according to the rules below qualify.
Camino de Santiago — Qualifying Conditions
- Walk at least the final 100 km to Santiago de Compostela on any official Camino route (or cycle the final 200 km).
- Carry a Credencial del Peregrino (pilgrim passport) and collect at least two stamps per day along the way.
- Receive the Compostela certificate from the Pilgrim's Reception Office in Santiago.
Kumano Kodo — Qualifying Conditions
Qualifying walking sections
Nakahechi: Takijiri-oji → Kumano Hongu Taisha
~38 km · 2 days
The classic imperial pilgrimage route. The canonical choice.
Nakahechi: Hosshinmon-oji → Kumano Hongu Taisha
~6.9 km · 2–3 hours
The short qualifying option, popular with those short on time.
Kohechi: Koyasan → Kumano Hongu Taisha
~70 km · 4 days
Mountain route connecting the two great Buddhist centres.
Iseji: Ise Jingu → Kumano Sanzan
~170 km · multi-day
East coast route from the Ise Grand Shrine.
Ohechi: Tanabe → Nachi (coastal)
~92 km · multi-day
Coastal southern route along the Kii Peninsula.
Daimonzaka → Kumano Nachi Taisha
~2.5 km · 1 hour
Combined with Hosshinmon-oji + Hayatama visit, qualifies.
Visit all three Grand Shrines (Kumano Sanzan)
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Chief shrine in the mountains, terminus of most Nakahechi walks.
Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Coastal shrine at Shingu. Accessible by boat down the Kumano River from Hongu (the traditional sanctified route).
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Shrine beside Nachi Falls. Reached via Daimonzaka stone-paved path.
How to Register as a Dual Pilgrim
- Bring your completed Credencial del Peregrino (with Compostela stamp) from the Camino.
- Bring your Kumano stamp book (shuincho) or official Kumano Kodo dual-pilgrim stamp sheet showing all three shrines.
- Visit one of the registration offices listed below in person.
- Receive your Dual Pilgrim pin badge and recognition certificate — free of charge.
- Your name is added to the Dual Pilgrim wall of recognition and international registry.
Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau
Beside Kii-Tanabe Station, Wakayama Prefecture — see tb-kumano.jp for directions.
Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
Adjacent to Kumano Hongu Taisha, Hongu-cho, Tanabe — see map on tb-kumano.jp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to walk both routes in the same trip?
No. There is no time limit. Many pilgrims complete the Camino years before or after Kumano. Keep your Compostela and Kumano stamps safe — they are valid indefinitely.
Can I do Kumano first and Camino second?
Yes. The order does not matter. You can register at either side's office once both are complete.
Is there a cost?
The Dual Pilgrim credential is free. You pay only for your own pilgrim passport, Kumano stamp book, and Compostela (around €3).
Do I need to walk the Nakahechi specifically?
The Nakahechi from Takijiri-oji is the canonical route, but the Hosshinmon-oji short section, the Kohechi, Iseji, and Ohechi all qualify. You must also visit all three Grand Shrines.
Can I cycle Kumano Kodo?
No. The Kumano qualifying sections must be walked. Only the Camino portion allows cycling (with the 200 km minimum).
Plan Your Dual Pilgrim Journey Offline
Sacred Trails covers every Camino route and all 4 Kumano Kodo routes — all offline, in 10 languages.
Sacred Trails is an independent travel app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a partner of the Dual Pilgrim programme, the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau, or the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela. Dual Pilgrim registration must be completed in person at the offices listed above. Information on this page is provided for general reference — always verify requirements with the official bodies before travelling.