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5 Days$1190USD

Activities
  • 3 day self-guided walk
Accommodation
  • 4 nights ryokan
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts
5
Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Kumano Kodo Trip highlights


  • Walk at your own pace on this self-guided journey through scenic forests
  • Discover Kumano Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine on Nachi Mountain
  • Hike in the mountains to Hongu shrine
  • Become a Dual Pilgrim by walking both the Kumano Kodo and the Way of St.James (Camino de Santiago)
  • Stay at local guesthouses and soak in onsens
  • Discover Japan's cultural past
  • Marvel at spectacular scenery
  • Dine on delicious local cuisine and interact with friendly locals

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.

Trip Code: JHH

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: ~19km

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.


Inclusions

  • 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

  • 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

Departure dates

Departs daily year round

Notes

H
High Season
P
JHH - Peak Season Surcharge 2025
S
Surcharge
Note:
Seasonal pricing supplements may apply at different times of the year. Our consultants will confirm on booking.
Note:
Availability is limited on these trips and changes quickly. We encourage you to contact us early if you are interested in this trip.

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$1190USD

Options & Supplements*
  • JHH - 2024 Single SupplementUSD$340
  • JHH - Hotel Upgrade Option. On RequestUSD$440
  • JHH - 2024 Single Traveller SurchargeUSD$530
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Hike trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Kumano Kodo Trip reviews


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Why travel with us

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Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

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Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

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 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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