The grand shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha
The grand shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha
Hikers on the cobble lined Nakahechi route
Enjoy traditional fresh bento boxes for lunch
Sacred jizo watches over pilgrims on the Ogumotori-goe trail
Pilgrims praying at Kumano Hongu Taisha
Traditional ryokan evening meal

Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Hike

A scenic self-guided walk of Japan's Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail


 62 reviews

5 Days from

$1390 USD

Trip Code: JHH
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement applicable from date to date
$290 USD
Solo Traveller Supplement applicable from date to date
$650 USD

Duration

  • 5 Days

Activities

  • 3 day self-guided walk

Accommodation

  • 4 nights ryokans

Meals

  • 4 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

5 / 10

Moderate

Kumano Kodo Trip highlights

  • Capture the essence of the Kumano Kodo on this shorter route, ideal for walkers seeking the highlights of Japan’s sacred pilgrimage trail
  • Walk at your own pace on this self-guided journey with clear route notes, luggage transfers, and reliable local support
  • Stay in traditional ryokans and guesthouses and experience Japan’s warmth and hospitality and soak in natural hot springs
  • Become a Dual Pilgrim by walking both the Kumano Kodo and the Way of St.James (Camino de Santiago)
  • Discover Kumano Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine on Nachi Mountain

Overview

A self-guided hike through the scenic vistas of the sacred, UNESCO World Heritage listed Kii Mountain range. Despite being easily accessible by public transport from both Osaka and Kyoto, the region is one of Japan’s most remote, forested mountain landscapes and home to the centuries old pilgrimage trails leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Hike the peaceful cobble lined paths weaving through forested valleys, along mountain ridges and rural villages. The entire route is clearly marked with English language sign posts and we take care of all the arrangements for you, including charming traditional inns, all meals, luggage transfers, detailed route maps with daily itinerary and local English speaking helpline so you can simply relax and enjoy the spectacular hike in the footsteps of Emperors.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

This adventure begins in Kii Tanabe at 11.30am, where you will have an orientation at the Information Center, next to Kii-Tanabe Station. This meet and greet orientation session goes over the details of the trip and answers any questions you may have. Leave your luggage with the orientation staff as it will be shuttled for you to your evening's accommodation in Yunomine Onsen. You'll have time to enjoy lunch (own cost) at a restaurant near Tanabe Station before taking the public bus from Tanabe to Yunomine Onsen (1900yen). Yunomine Onsen is a small hot spring village with only one road but a history of over 1800 years strongly related to the Kumano pilgrimage as a place of hot water ablution rites. The mineral waters are famous for their healing properties. You'll find your accommodation only a few minutes walk from the Yunomine Onsen bus stop. The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner. Overnight: Minshiku Yunosato or similar.

Meals: D

You will start your walk from Yunomine Onsen, which is a very nice walk on the pilgrimage route. It goes through a mixture of ridge top settlements and forest trails. There are some good panoramic lookout spots along the trail. Lunch today is a picnic in mountains. Along the way you will visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano. *If you have hiked the Camino, you will have an opportunity for dual pilgrim registration at the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center. Next it’s time to visit Oyunohara. After spending time in this remarkable spot you’ll take the bus from Hongu to Kawayu Onsen. The bus departs from Hongu Taisha-mae (in front of the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center) at 4:45pm and arrives at Kawayu Onsen at 4:55pm. Kawayu Onsen is a thermal wonder where hot spring water bubbles to the surface of the river. There are several choices of accommodation here, such as Minshuku Tateishi. Tonight you enjoy a traditional dinner at your guesthouse. Hiking distance: ~13km *This day satisfies the walking requirements of the certification and you can register as a dual pilgrim if you have previously walked the Way of St. James. You will need to visit both Kumano Nachi Taisha (possible on day 4) and Kumano Hayatama Taisha (possible on day 5) from Kii Katsuura by local bus. Own arrangements.

Meals: B,L,D

You will start the day with breakfast at your guesthouse in Kawayu Onsen. In winter, you can experience the famous 1,000 people onsen in the Kawayu River. You'd need a swimsuit to join the locals sitting in the river where the hot onsen water bubbles to the surface. Pick up your lunch at your accommodation and from here take the shuttle from your accommodation to the Kowaze bus stop (approx. 25 min). If you stay at another accommodation other than Minshuku Tateishi a taxi transfer can be arranged. Today the walk is Kumano Kodo - Kowaze to Kawayu Onsen (Kogumotori-Goe). You can enjoy your picnic lunch in the mountains. Dinner is at your accommodation. Overnight: Kawayu Onsen Hiking distance: 15km/ 6hrs

Meals: B,L,D

Try to get away early today as its a big day ahead. Breakfast this morning is at your accommodation, and your luggage will be shuttled from Kawayu Onsen to Katsuura. (Therefore, please leave your luggage at the front desk.) Before departing, be sure to pick up your lunch at reception. You’ll take a shuttle from your accommodation to Koguchi (approx. 25 mins). If you stay at another accommodation other than Minshuku Tateishi you can arrange a taxi transfer. Today is exciting as you walk the Kumano Kodo – Koguchi to Nachi (Ogumotori-Goe) route. Lunch will be enjoyed as a picnic lunch in the mountains. Next you will visit Kumano Kodo Nachi Taisha, which is a major pilgrimage destination. Kumano Nachi Taisha is a Shinto shrine located halfway up Nachi Mountain (approx. 350m above sea level). This area also boasts the tallest waterfall in Japan, Nachi-no-Otaki, which is 133m high and 13m wide. After spending time in this significant area, take the bus from Nachi to Kii Katsuura (cost is 620yen pp). You will depart from Taki-mae at 5:11pm and arrive at Kii Katsuura Station at 5:35pm. Dinner is at your accommodation. Overnight: Kii Katsuura Hiking distance: ~14.5km/ 7-9hrs

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast you bid farewell to this great area and your hosts. You may choose to visit Kii Katsuura and the fish market near the pier (note: the market is not open everyday). In Kii Katsuura the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners (Please inform us when booking if you have any special dietary requirements)
  • Traditional local inns on a twin share basis
  • Luggage transfers between accommodation
  • Official Kumano Kodo guidebook
  • Orientation session with Q&A on arrival
  • Local English language support number
  • Detailed route maps & daily itinerary

Not included

  • International airfare, Visa and Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc
  • Train and bus fare
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

Reviews (62)



Responsible travel

Extra trip info

Guaranteeing A Great Japan Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Thoughtful Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975