Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Hike 6 Days

Begin your journey by travelling from Kyoto or Osaka to the coastal town of Kii-Tanabe on the Kii Peninsula. From here, take a local bus to Takijiri, the traditional starting point of the Nakahechi route. After a short visit to the Kumano Kodo Kan information centre, begin your first walk – a steady uphill climb through cypress forest and moss-covered paths to the peaceful village of Takahara. This small ridge-top settlement is known for its panoramic views and ancient shrines, and tonight you'll stay in a welcoming local guesthouse or minshuku. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner made with seasonal ingredients sourced from the region. Elevation gain/loss: +390m / +1,280ft, -160m / -520ft Accommodation: Japanese-style hotel or minshuku (family-run guesthouse)

Meals: D

Today’s walk takes you deeper into the mountains as the trail meanders past small hamlets, bamboo groves, and atmospheric forest paths. You'll pass several important oji shrines, resting places for pilgrims along the sacred route, and have the opportunity to stop at viewpoints offering glimpses of the surrounding peaks. Flagstone sections make the ascents and descents more manageable, and the clearly marked trail leads you through peaceful countryside to either Chikatsuyu or Nonaka, depending on accommodation availability. Settle into your family-run guesthouse and enjoy a hot bath and hearty meal. Elevation gain/loss: +610m / +2,000ft, -640m / -2,100ft Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)

Meals: B,D

This is the most significant day on the trail, both spiritually and physically. Walk through dense forest and along remote mountain ridges to reach Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. The final approach – from Hosshinmon-oji to the Hongu shrine – is a highlight for many walkers and considered a deeply symbolic section of the trail. If you’ve also completed the Camino de Santiago, this is your chance to officially register as a Dual Pilgrim at the Kumano Hongu Heritage Centre. After your visit, take a short bus transfer to either Yunomine Onsen or Kawayu Onsen, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional ryokan and soak in one of Japan’s oldest natural hot springs. Options: 24km / 14.9mi, approx. 8–9 hours 15km / 9mi, approx. 7 hours or 7km / 4mi, approx. 2 hours Elevation (long option): +1,450m / +4,760ft, -1,680m / -5,510ft

Meals: B,D

Begin your day with a short bus ride to Ukegawa, where you’ll start the scenic Kogumotorigoe trail. The route ascends through thick cedar forests to a peaceful mountain pass before descending to the quiet riverside village of Koguchi, once a resting place for pilgrims heading toward Nachi. The trail is rich in atmosphere – with moss-lined steps, the scent of hinoki trees, and occasional wildlife sightings. Your guesthouse tonight is simple but full of character, offering warm hospitality in a truly remote setting. Elevation gain: 940 m / 3,080 ft of ascent and 930 m / 3,050 ft of descent Time required: About 4 hours Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) For guests spending a second evening close to Hongu, we offer two other hiking options: (1) The Dainichigoe route is a short hike with a challenging ascent - you can hike from Yunomine Onsen to Hongu (Distance: 2.8km / 1.74mi, 1.5 hrs). From Hongu, you can decide to walk the same way back to Yunomine Onsen, or take a bus back at your own cost. (2) The Akagigoe route is the longest and more challenging of the two optional hikes, and is a 3-4 hours forest hike from Yunomine to Hosshinmon-oji (7km / 4.35mi). From here you can decide if you prefer to keep walking until Hongu (additional 7km / 4.35mi), or take the bus back to Hongu and then to Yunomine/Kawayu Onsen at your own cost. *This day satisfies the walking requirements of the certification and you can register as a dual pilgrim in Hongu if you have previously walked the Way of St. James.

Meals: B,D

The final day of walking is both challenging and rewarding. Depart Koguchi and begin your ascent to Ogumotorigoe Pass, the highest point of the trail. On clear days, you may catch distant views of the Pacific Ocean as you approach the sacred site of Nachi Taisha, nestled among towering trees. The descent to Nachi Falls – Japan’s tallest at 133 metres – marks a dramatic and beautiful end to your walk. After visiting the shrine, take a local bus to the coastal town of Kii-Katsuura, a working fishing port with an island-dotted bay. Enjoy a well-earned rest and dinner at your traditional accommodation. Elevation gain: 1,120 m / 3,670 ft of ascent and 850 m / 2,790 ft of descent Accommodation: Japanese-style Hotel

Meals: B,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