Hike the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail with Adventurer Heidi Siefkas

On arrival you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. We will have an important tour briefing at approximately 6.00pm, so please check with reception for the exact time and location. Following the meeting we will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Kyoto

Meals:  D

With temples and teahouses, shrines and geisha, Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart. From the end of the Nara Period (794) Kyoto has functioned as the crossroads of Japanese history. Kyoto, which was Japan’s capital for more than 1000 years, is a veritable open air museum. All over the city you can find countless shrines, temples, palaces and other historical sites which are best discovered by foot. Today we will do just that and enjoy the sights of Fushimi inari, the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji and Nishiki Market. Our first evening in the historic downtown streets of the former capital will include a guided walk through the famous Geisha district of Gion which was originally developed in the Middle Ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine. The district was built to accommodate the needs of travellers and visitors to the shrine. It eventually evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in all of Japan. Overnight Kyoto

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we take the train to Kii-Tanabe Station. Kii-Tanabe is the gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. From here, we continue by local bus to Takijiri (about 40 min) where our adventure starts. Our walk takes us to Nakahechi pass with about 300m elevation gain and on to Takahara (approx 4km). From the pass, we descend to the our end of our walk for the day (approx 2km). From here, we take the local bus to our accommodation in Chikatsuyu. Overnight: Traditional Inn, Chikatsuyu

Meals:  B,D

Today we will have an early start with a bus transfer to Takahara to continue our hike to Chikatsuyu. We'll navigate some steep sections on uneven surfaces as well as some easy paved sections. Our guide will choose a scenic location to enjoy our bento lunch and upon arrival to Chikatsuyu we can explore before taking the local bus to our accommodation at Yunomine onsen, a lovely hot springs village. Here, we'll have a chance to freshen up before our ryokan dinner. After dinner there is time to explore this picturesque little onsen village and even try the famous Tsubuyu Onsen, the only UNESCO World Heritage listed onsen (hot baths). Hiking distance: ~17km/ 6-7hrs Overnight: Traditional Inn, Yunomine onsen

Meals:  B,L,D

After a traditional Japanese breakfast, we will start our day from Yunomine Onsen by bus to Hosshinmon (approx 40min) where we join the trail of the Kumano Kodo in the direction of the Kumano Hongu Shrine. This walk takes us to Nakahechi pass and then to the entrance of Hongu Shrine. We explore this beautiful shrine as well as Oyunohara, an island in the Kumano River where the Hongu Shrine originally stood. Here we can admire Japan’s largest torii gate and wonderful views of the Kumano River. We continue our hike along the Dainichigoe section of the Kumano Kodo trail, which will lead us from Hongu Town back to Yunomine Onsen where we will catch our bus to Kawayu onsen. Overnight: Traditional Inn, Kawayu onsen

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we take a break from hiking to enjoy a lovely boat excursion from Kumanogawa Village to Shingu, close to the Kumano Hayatama Taisha. During our ride we'll have the opportunity to see birdlife, many of the waterfalls along the way and the famous rock where the Kumono deities are said to play the Japanese game Go. We have time to explore the beautiful scenery and shrine of Kumano Hayatama before returning to our comfortable accommodation for the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our day begins with travel to Nachi by bus where our hike begins at the Daimon zaka trail and the beautiful cobblestone staircase flanked by 800 year cedars. We continue to Nachi Waterfall and the Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, the third of the sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines and is perhaps, the most stunning. The view of the pagoda and the waterfall—one of the tallest in Japan—has retained its beauty for centuries. We'll return this afternoon by bus to our hotel in Kii Katsuura where we'll enjoy the views, and the culture and a very special kaiseki dinner. Overnight: Traditional Inn

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you have the option of rising early for one last visit to the hot springs or sleeping in. Breakfast at the hotel is included before we say our goodbyes to Japan. (Train to Osaka or Kyoto can be arranged in advance on request for supplement)

Meals:  B