Watanabe no tsu was also the starting point for Kumanokodo Road, because the worshippers from Kyoto visiting Shitenno-ji Temple, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Kumano Sanzan (three major shrines, Kumano-Hongu-Taisha Shrine, Kumano-Hayatama-Taisha Shrine and Kumano-Nachi-Taisha Shrine) got off boats at here.
京から四天王寺・住吉大社・熊野三山へ詣でる際は淀川からの船をここで降りていたため、熊野古道もこの渡辺津が起点だった。