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

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Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Hike 5 Days

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

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73 reviews

5 Days from

$1341 USD

$1490 USD

Trip Code: JHH

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement in Minshuku (if available)

$340 USD

Solo Traveller Supplement in Ryokans (if available)

$750 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

Carbon Footprint

69kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(278kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Kumano Kodo Trip highlights

Walk the most rewarding sections of the classic Nakahechi route, travelling village to village along Japan’s sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail
Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s most revered spiritual sites
Enjoy a self-guided journey with full support, including detailed route notes, luggage transfers and local English-speaking assistance
Choose the 5-day version for a focused journey covering all the must-walk sections – ideal for travellers short on time
Stay in traditional ryokans and family-run guesthouses, with opportunities to soak in natural onsen hot springs
Achieve Dual Pilgrim status by walking both the Kumano Kodo and the Camino de Santiago

Overview

Walk the sacred Kumano Kodo trail through Japan’s forested UNESCO World Heritage listed Kii Peninsula. Despite its proximity to Kyoto and Osaka, the region feels wonderfully remote. Ancient stone paths weave through cedar forests, across mountain passes and into small rural villages where time slows and hospitality is deeply rooted. Along the way, you’ll visit sacred shrines, quiet oji waypoints and the three Grand Shrines of Kumano, culminating at Nachi Taisha beside Japan’s tallest waterfall. A journey once made by emperors and pilgrims.

This self-guided itinerary follows the most scenic sections of the Nakahechi route, linking quiet mountain villages, ancient shrines and natural hot springs. Stay in traditional inns, enjoy daily luggage transfers and walk at your own pace with detailed route notes.

Itinerary

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Make your way to Kii-Tanabe by train (ticket included) from Kyoto or Osaka. On arrival at 11:30am, meet at the Kumano Kodo Information Centre beside the station for your orientation. Collect your route notes and maps, and ask any final questions before your walk begins. Your main luggage will be transferred ahead, so travel with your daypack. A 40-minute local bus brings you to Takijiri, the trailhead of the Kumano Kodo. Begin your walk on the historic Nakahechi route with a steady uphill climb through quiet forest to the village of Takahara. Overnight in a traditional family-run minshuku, known for its warm hospitality and regional meals.. Overnight: Minshiku Yunosato or similar.

Meals: D

Start your walk directly from Yunomine Onsen, joining a scenic section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. The path leads through ridge-top settlements and quiet forests with panoramic lookouts before arriving at Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three sacred Kumano Grand Shrines. After visiting the shrine, continue on to Oyunohara, the original shrine site, before boarding a late afternoon bus (approx. 10 mins) to Kawayu Onsen. Here, thermal waters bubble up through the riverbed, a unique and deeply relaxing experience. Accommodation: Minshuku Tateishi or similar *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

After breakfast, transfer by shuttle to Kowaze, where today's walk begins. You'll follow the Kogumotori-goe trail, a scenic route used by pilgrims for centuries. This section features quiet forest trails, small shrines and viewpoints with broad valley outlooks. Enjoy your picnic lunch in the mountains before returning on foot to Kawayu Onsen, where a warm bath and traditional dinner await. Overnight: Kawayu Onsen or similar Hiking distance: 15km/ 6hrs

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast and luggage handover (your bags will be transferred to Kii-Katsuura), take a shuttle to Koguchi to begin today’s final and most rewarding walk. The Ogumotori-goe trail climbs steadily through cedar forest to the highest point of the route, offering views across the Pacific. Descend to Kumano Nachi Taisha, a key pilgrimage shrine set beside Japan’s tallest waterfall, Nachi-no-Otaki (133m). Take time to explore the shrine precinct before boarding a local bus to Kii-Katsuura (approx. 25 mins). Your day concludes with a traditional dinner at your inn. 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

Meals: B,L,D

Spend the morning exploring Kii-Katsuura at your leisure. You may wish to visit the early-morning fish market (subject to operating days), explore the traditional shopping arcades, or take in the sea views from the port. If time permits, you can also visit Hayatama Taisha, another of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Your train journey back to Osaka or Kyoto departs around midday, taking you around the southern coastline of the Kii Peninsula and arriving mid to late afternoon.

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?

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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