Kawabune Experience “Kumano River Experience Sandanbo”

Kumano River, in Mie Prefecture’s Kiho-cho, is the world’s only “river pilgrimage route” and is part of the World Heritage-listed Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. As well as carrying pilgrims between Kumano Hayatama Shrine and Kumano Hongu Shrine, two of the three Kumano Grand Shrines, Kumano River was also used by local residents to transport timber, charcoal, and other everyday necessities.
In those days, river boats, or kawabune, with three sails, called “sandanbo” plied these waters.
8.6 meters long and 1.6 meters wide, these sandanbo had a number of features to help them withstand the rapid currents of Kumano River, including:
・ a steep upward curve in the bow; and
・ sloping sides.
These sturdy vessels were built to handle conditions such as fast rapids, strong winds, and shallow waters.
Three canvas sails strung on a mast approximately 5 meters tall allow the boats to catch the wind and move forward without the need for an engine, so passengers can listen to the sounds of the water and birdsong as they experience the natural beauty of Kumano River.