The Omine Okugake Trail starts in the town of Yoshino, which is located in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Here are some options to get to Yoshino from Osaka:

1. Train: Take the Kintetsu Line from Osaka Abenobashi Station to Yoshino Station. The journey takes around 2 hours and costs around 2,000 yen (as of 2021). From Yoshino Station, you can take a bus or taxi to the trailhead.

2. Bus: Take a bus from Osaka Namba Station to Yoshino. The journey takes around 2-3 hours and costs around 2,000-3,000 yen (as of 2021). From Yoshino, you can take a bus or taxi to the trailhead.

3. Taxi: You can hire a taxi from Osaka to Yoshino, which would take around 1.5-2 hours and cost around 25,000-30,000 yen (as of 2021). From Yoshino, you can take a bus or taxi to the trailhead.

If you are planning to hike the Omine Okugake Trail in Japan, there are several things you should know before you go:

1. The most important point is that Mount Omine is a “men-only” mountain area due to religious traditions.

2. The trail is challenging and remote, so it's important to have previous experience hiking in mountainous terrain and to be adequately prepared with appropriate gear and supplies.

3. The trail is used by yamabushi and other spiritual practitioners, so it's important to respect the cultural and religious significance of the trail and its associated practices.

4. The trail is only open during certain times of the year, typically from April to November, due to snow and ice conditions in the winter months.

5. There are limited facilities along the trail, so it's important to bring enough food, water, and other necessary supplies with you.

6. Accommodation along the trail is also limited, you will need to take a tent.

7. Water resources are limited, you should take a water filter system for this trail.

8. The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it's important to check the weather forecast before you go and to be prepared for changing conditions.

9. It's important to follow the Leave No Trace principles and to respect the natural environment and cultural heritage of the trail.

The Kumano Kodo Omine Okugake Michi Trail is a remote and challenging trail that covers a distance of around 100 kilometers from Yoshino in Nara Prefecture to Kumano Hongu Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The trail passes through the Omine Mountain Range, which is known for its rugged terrain, dense forests, steep valleys, and high peaks.

The trail reaches elevations of over 1,800 meters, with some sections requiring steep climbs and descents. The mountain range is also home to many rivers, waterfalls, and natural springs, which provide sources of water along the trail.

The Omine Okugake Trail is surrounded by natural beauty, including dense forests of cedar and cypress trees, stunning views of the mountains and valleys, and abundant wildlife, such as deer, monkeys, and bears. You may also encounter other animals such as wild boars, Japanese serows, Japanese martens, and foxes.

Wild boars are commonly found in the mountainous regions of Japan, and can be seen foraging for food in the forests. They are generally not aggressive, but it's important to keep a safe distance and not approach them.

Japanese serows are a type of antelope that are native to Japan, and are known for their distinctive curved horns. They are found in the mountainous areas of Japan and are sometimes seen along the Omine Okugake Trail.

Japanese martens are a type of weasel that are native to Japan and are known for their slender body and bushy tail. They are found in forests and can often be seen climbing trees or foraging on the forest floor.

Foxes are also commonly found in Japan, and are known for their distinctive red fur and bushy tail. They are often seen at dawn or dusk, and can be found in both rural and urban areas.

Encountering wildlife can be a highlight of hiking in the Omine Mountain Range, but it's important to respect their habitat and observe them from a safe distance.

There are four main Kumano Kodo trails which all lead to three sacred shrines, called Sanzan, located in Kumano. The Kumano Sanzan consists of the Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha shrines, which are considered to be sacred places of worship in the Shinto religion.

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage has been walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, historic significance, and spiritual importance. The pilgrimage is open to people of all faiths, and it is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and those interested in Japanese culture and spirituality.

Yamabushi are Japanese mountain ascetics who have a long history of practicing a unique form of mountain training known as shugendo. Yamabushi are known for their ascetic practices, which involve physical endurance, mental discipline, and spiritual purification. They believe that by pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits in the mountains, they can achieve spiritual enlightenment and connect with the divine.

Hiking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage today is a popular activity for tourists and pilgrims alike. The trails range from easy to challenging, and they offer stunning views of the mountains, forests, and rivers. There are also many cultural and historical sites along the way, including ancient shrines, temples, and traditional Japanese villages.

Overall, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage is a unique and rewarding experience that combines physical challenges, cultural exploration, and spiritual reflection. It is a great way to connect with nature, learn about Japanese culture and history, and challenge oneself physically and mentally.