Japan is prone to frequent natural disasters, such as earthquakes. Tsunamis are large waves caused by earthquakes. If you are near the coast and a large earthquake hits, head to higher ground immediately. NOTE: Tsunami warning sign shown at right.Extreme Weather & TyphoonsThe Kii peninsula is one of the wettest areas in Japan. It juts out into the Pacific Ocean in the path of storms. Heavy rains and winds, especially from typhoons, can cause flash flooding, landslides, and damage from flying debris. Keep up to date with the weather forecast and avoid walking during extreme weather conditions. Most injuries on the Kumano Kodo are from slips and falls on the stone lined trails. The old cobble steps are particularly slippery when wet. Please take your time and be careful where you step. There is one main species of snake that is venomous in the area, the Japanese Mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii). It has the broader triangle shaped head of a pit viper. It is patterned with pale gray、reddish-brown, or yellow-brown background covered with a irregularly shaped lateral blotches. Its mature length is about 45-80 cm long. They can sun themselves in or around the trail. Use a flash light when walking round in the evening so as not to step on one mistake. If bitten seek medical attention immediately, while keeping the affected area as immobile as possible.The Mukade is a giant centipede, and its bite can be painful. They are black with yellow-orange legs. They like to hide in ]hiking shoes, so check your boots in the morning before putting your feet in. They are active in the hot and humid months.Seek the assistance of someone nearby. Even if they do not speak English they will try to understand and help. 119 is the emergency help line and a translation service in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Korean is available in most areas.28The Suzumebachi is a giant hornet which can have a painful sting. If you see a nest avoid the area. They can be the most aggressive into the fall season.The themes of purification and offerings repeat themselves during a visit to the shrine. The general flow of worship is to: Wash hands and rinse mouth at the purification basin (often near the entrance to the shrine). Make the bell ring by shaking the rope. Offer some coins in the offering box, if you wish. Bow twice deeply. Clap your hands twice. Then bow once deeply.An Omamori is an amulet used for many reasons including warding off evil, for traffic safety, health, etc. The word mamori （お守）means protection, with omamori meaning honorable protector. They often describe on one side the specific area of luck or protection they are intended for and have the name of the shrine or temple they were bought at on the other.The Kumano Goohoin or Goshimpu（ご奉印）is a powerful amulet distinctive to the Kumano Sanzan Grand Shrines. Its main purpose is to ward off evils, avert calamities and bring good fortune. It is often displayed on house door and in rice fields. Originally the amulet was composed of a red tear drop-shaped stamp, but to distinguish it from others, a background wood-block print with an intricate design of stylized crows and double lined good-fortune jewels was added. Each Kumano Sanzan Grand Shrine has a different version based on the same theme.Please abide by the following guidelines while enjoying the Kumano Kodo. Preserve the area as "heritage of all humankind". Respect the faith of past and present worshipers. Keep the routes clean - carry out all waste. Protect the local flora and fauna - do not remove or introduce animals orvegetation. Stay on the routes. Be careful with fire - prevent forest fires. Be prepared - plan your trip and equip yourself properly. Greet others with a smile and warm heart.Ema（絵馬）are votive plaques used to make requests or wishes to the deities. This practice dates back hundreds of years to the 8th century. Ema directly translated means horse picture. Originally horses were given as offerings to shrines and over time this turned into offering images of horses. These days there are many motifs used including zodiac signs.Slippery StonesMamushi SnakeMukade CentipedeIn Case of EmergencySuzumebachiHornetOmamori Goohoin (Goshimpu)Pilgrimage EtiquetteEmaShrinesSafetyEarthquake & Tsunami
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