Kitamuro

Northern Muro lies on the steep coast of the Kii Peninsula, where wooded mountains descend toward the Kumano Sea. The old Ise route to Kumano crosses Magose Pass before reaching the port town of Owase. Stone paving winds through the forest, carrying pilgrims over the ridge. Owase's inns and food sellers served travellers along this difficult coast, and the town became a lively stopping place on the pilgrimage road.