Kumano Kodo Complete self-guided walking (11 days)
Kumano Kodo Complete self-guided walking (11 days)
Kumano Kodo Complete self-guided walking (11 days)
11 Days Starting and ending in Kyoto or Osaka
Visiting: Kyoto, Kii-Tanabe Station, Takijiri-Oji, Nakahechicho Takahara, Nakahechicho Chikatsuyu, Kumano Hongū Taisha, Hongucho Hongu, Yunomine Onsen, Hongucho Ukegawa, Koguchi, Nachi Falls, Kii-Katsuura Station, Totsukawa Onsen, Totsukawa, Nishinaka, Imoze, Nosegawa, Koyasan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
113
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Physical rating:
High, Challenging
Age range:
0-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Religion and Spiritual, Wellness Tours
Tour Overview
The full Kumano Kodo experience. The Kii Peninsula points south away from Kyoto and Osaka and is one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan, despite its proximity to these great cities. On the Kii Peninsula are the three Grand Shrines of Kumano, pilgrimage destinations for successive emperors and their families from Kyoto since the 11th century. There were several pilgrimage trails including the Nakahechi-do, Kohechi-do and Ohechi-do, collectively known as the Kumano Kodo ('Old Road of Kumano'). Our walk focuses on both the Nakahechi-do and Kohechi-do, weaving through forested mountains and small villages first towards the Hongu Taisha Shrine, then to the Grand Shrine in Nachi, and finally to the mountain-top temple complex of Mount Koya.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Hike From Takijiri To Takahara
Location: Kyoto, Kii-Tanabe Station, Takijiri-Oji, Nakahechicho Takahara
Accommodation: Japanese-style Hotel in Takahara, or Japanese Minshuku (Family-run Guesthouse) in Kurisugawa
Meals Included: Dinner
Our tour includes train tickets for your journey from Kyoto or Osaka to the small town of Kii-Tanabe on the mystical Kii Peninsula, gateway to the historic Kumano Kodo Trail. The railway line runs close to the ocean for the latter part of the journey and offers fine views out over the sea. The journey from Osaka to Kii-Tanabe is around two and half hours; from Kyoto it is around three hours and usually requires a change of trains at Shin-Osaka station. Board a local bus outside Kii-Tanabe station and travel forty minutes to Takijiri. This is where your walk on the Nakahechi portion of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route begins. From Takijiri the path climbs steadily to the ridge-top village of Takahara, and takes around two hours.
Stay tonight in a small, Japanese-style hotel in the tiny village of Takahara, or in a Japanese Minshuku in the nearby village of Kurisugawa. Both options serve good, home-cooked dinners featuring local seasonal ingredients.The small Japanese-style hotel in Takahara has both Japanese and western-style rooms, all with wonderful views over the valley and mountains.
Walking distance: 4.5km / 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 370m / 1,200 feet of ascent
Time required: About 2 hours
Day 2 : Hike From Takahara To Chikatsuyu
Location: Nakahechicho Takahara, Nakahechicho Chikatsuyu
Accommodation: Minshuku (Traditional family run Japanese inn)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After your Japanese breakfast you leave your inn and follow the trail as it winds through small settlements and peaceful countryside. You pass several Oji shrines before finally descending to the village of Chikatsuyu. The paths are clearly defined, and flagstones have been laid in some places to make the climbs easier. Arrive in Chikatsuyu in time to relax before dinner at a family-run Minshuku guest-house.
Walking distance: 10km / 6.5 miles
Elevation gain: 480m / 1,575 feet of ascent and 520m / 1,700 feet of descent
Time required: About 4 - 5hours
Day 3 : Hike From Chikatsuyu And Nonaka To Hongu
Location: Nakahechicho Chikatsuyu, Kumano Hongū Taisha
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Chikatsuyu, the trail continues through the mountains to Hongu. The trail passes through small villages and forest trails over the Kii Mountains to the Kumano shrine at Hongu, one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano’. At the heart of these sacred mountains, Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the ‘other world' which spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. From the Kumano shrine at Hongu, a short bus ride brings you to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot-spring villages in Japan, or to Kawayu Onsen famous for the thermal water bubbling to the surface of the crystal clear river. Enjoy a relaxing soak in a Japanese bath before or after your delicious, multi-course dinner.
Walking distance: 24km / 14.9 miles
Elevation gain: 820m / 2,700 feet of ascent and 1140m / 3,740 feet of descent
Time required: About 8 - 9 hours, requiring an early start!
We offer two shorter alternatives of 7 hours (15km / 9 miles) or of 2 hours (7km / 4 miles), using a local bus from Chikatsuyu to shorten the walk.
Day 4 : The Akagigoe And Dainichigoe Trails
Location: Hongucho Hongu, Yunomine Onsen
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend a leisurely second night in the picturesque hot-spring village of Yunomine Onsen or Kawayu Onsen part-way along the trail. On this extra day we offer two different optional walks on new sections of the trail, which can be combined if you wish. We also offer unique cultural experiences, such as walking with a Yamabushi ascetic monk, making your own traditional Japanese Washi paper or undertaking a spiritual meditation session.
Walking distance: 8.8km / 5.4 miles (plus 7km / 4 miles from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu)
Elevation gain: 610m / 2,015 feet of ascent and 585m / 1,920 feet of descent
Time required: 3-4 hours (plus 2 hours from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu)
Today's shorter optional walk is 1.5 hours (2.8km / 1.7 miles) on the Dainichigoe trail between Yunomine Onsen and Hongu. You can walk both ways, or ride one way by bus. Or combine the Dainichigoe trail with the Akagigoe trail for a satisfying full-day hike.
Day 5 : Hike From Ukegawa To Koguchi
Location: Yunomine Onsen, Hongucho Ukegawa, Koguchi
Accommodation: Minshuku (Family-run Guesthouse) or Japanese Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Before or after breakfast, take time to explore the atmospheric village where you spent the night. Today’s journey begins with a short bus ride to Ukegawa on the banks of the Kumano River. From Ukegawa, you start on the Kogumotorigoe path, which heads up to the Kogumotorigoe Pass before descending to the remote village of Koguchi. The trail is not difficult and today’s hike should take you about 4 hours. A warm welcome and good food await you at a tiny inn run by a charming retired couple, or alternatively at the engaging lodge created from a former school building. Explore along the river and have a swim if the weather is warm.
Walking distance: 12.4 km / 7.7 miles
Elevation gain: 520m / 1,705 feet of ascent and 500m / 1,640 feet of descent
Time required: About 4 hours
Day 6 : Hike From Koguchi To Nachi-San
Location: Koguchi, Nachi Falls, Kii-Katsuura Station
Accommodation: Japanese-style Onsen Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hike from Koguchi up to the Ogumotorigoe Pass with a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It then descends to Nachi-san, the location of Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano and Nachi-taki waterfall. Take a local bus for the twenty-minute ride to the port town of Kii-Katsuura with wonderful views over the island-studded bay, where you will stay tonight. Enjoy dinner and breakfast served by your hosts at your accommodation.
Walking distance: 15.1 km / 9.3 miles
Elevation gain: 980m / 3,215 feet of ascent and 920m / 3,020 feet of descent
Time required: About 6 - 7 hours
Day 7 : Hike From Yagio To Totsukawa Onsen
Location: Kii-Katsuura Station, Totsukawa Onsen
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kii-Katsuura is an active fishing port and has a lively early-morning fish market. Enjoy the views out over the island-studded bay. There are intriguing backstreets and a traditional covered shopping arcade to explore, too. From here, travel by bus to Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, spiritual centre of the Kii-Peninsula and the start of the Kohechi trail.
From here, travel to the Kohechi trail. Your first walk on the ancient route begins at Yagio on a wonderful forested trail over Hatenashi-toge Pass, with excellent valley views, fascinating cultural monuments (including a miniature Kannon statue pilgrimage) and picturesque villages. A brief bus ride avoids a short final stretch on a busier road at the very end of the walk. Finish the day with a relaxing thermal bath at your inn for tonight in Totsukawa Onsen.
Walking distance: 8.8km / 5.5 miles
Elevation gain: 985m / 3,230 feet of ascent and 935m / 3,070 feet of descent
Time required: About 4-5 hours
Day 8 : Hike From Nishinaka To Miuraguchi
Location: Totsukawa, Nishinaka, Imoze
Accommodation: Minshuku (Family-run Guesthouse)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heading onwards from Totsukawa Onsen to Nishinaka by local bus, the section of the Kohechi trail to Miuraguchi offers some of the best views of the Kumano valley over the Miura-toge Pass and continues to the scenic, peaceful village of Miuraguchi or ‘Gateway to Miura’ where you stay tonight in an intimate Minshuku family-run guesthouse on a small farm.
Walking distance: 11km / 6.8 miles from Nishinaka to Miuraguchi
Elevation gain: 855m / 2,805 feet of ascent and 755m / 2,475 feet of descent
Time required: 5 hours
Day 9 : Hike From Miuraguchi To Nosegawa Onsen
Location: Imoze, Nosegawa
Accommodation: Onsen Ryokan (Hot-spring Travellers Inn)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast you leave Miuraguchi. The trail continues north along one of the most rural and challenging hikes in the Kumano region over the Obako-toge Pass to another scenic rural village called Omata. The hot-spring village of Nosegawa Onsen is your destination for tonight and is a short scenic riverside walk onwards from Omata. Your inn will pick you up from Omata if you prefer not to walk the last section to Nosegawa Onsen.
Walking distance: 13.7km / 8.5 miles from Miuraguchi to Nosegawa Onsen
Elevation gain: 1,150m / 3,770 feet of ascent and 850m / 2,790 feet of descent
Time required: 6-7 hours
Day 10 : Hike From Nosegawa Onsen To Mount Koya
Location: Nosegawa, Koyasan
Accommodation: Shukubo (Pilgrims Lodging)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Nosegawa Onsen this morning and begin todays hike from the boundary between Nosegawa and Koya - it is also possible to walk the full distance from Nosegawa Onsen if you prefer a longer hike with some strenuous paved sections. On the final leg of the Kohechi trail to Mount Koya there are magical valley views as you traverse the peak Mizu-ga-mine. Arriving at the mountain-top temple town at the end of the walk delivers a great sense of achievement. Spiritual Mount Koya is a fitting reward for completing the pilgrimage route.
Walking distance: 7.3km / 4.5 miles from Nosegawa Onsen to Mount Koya (with an optional additional paved section of 9.2km / 5.7 miles)
Elevation gain: 325m / 1,065 feet of ascent and 465m / 1,525 feet of descent
Time required: 3 hours (6-7 hours including the optional additional section)
Day 11 : Hike On The Choishi-Michi Trail, Then Travel To Osaka Or Kyoto
Location: Koyasan, Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your final day, you have chance to explore more of Mount Koya, visiting the atmospheric Okunoin cemetery with thousands of graves and memorials to feudal lords and other past luminaries, and other monuments. Or undertake our optional, challenging hike on the Choishi Michi trail, the atmospheric original approach to Mount Koya lined with stone markers. Finally board the scenic Nankai railway line towards Osaka and Kyoto.
Walking distance: 15.5km / 10 miles
Elevation gain: 1,225m / 4,020 feet of ascent; 650m / 2,130 feet of descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights at Japanese inns along the Kumano Kodo trail
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Meals – Half Board
10 breakfasts, at least 3 lunches and 10 dinners
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Train Tickets
Round-trip train tickets from Kyoto or Osaka
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Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
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Topographical maps
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Local support by telephone and at our Kumano Kodo branch
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Our Preparing for your trip and Travelling in Japan Guidebooks
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Optional orientation at our Kyoto office
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Local Taxes
What's Not Included
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Flights
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Airport transfers
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Pay locally for drinks with meals and for lunches
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Pay locally for bus journeys on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 11
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Single room supplement(s) if required
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Daily Luggage Transfer - Please enquire for luggage options
More Info
The Kii Peninsula points south away from Kyoto and Osaka and is one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan, despite its proximity to these great cities. On the Kii Peninsula are the three Grand Shrines of Kumano, pilgrimage destinations for successive emperors and their families from Kyoto since the 11th century. There were several pilgrimage trails including the Nakahechi-do, Kohechi-do and Ohechi-do, collectively known as the Kumano Kodo ('Old Road of Kumano'). Our walk focuses on both the Nakahechi-do and Kohechi-do, weaving through forested mountains and small villages first towards the Hongu Taisha Shrine, then to the Grand Shrine in Nachi, and finally to the mountain-top temple complex of Mount Koya.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
This tour includes hand-picked accommodations - a mix of traditional inns and hotels that we have determined to provide the best insights into Japan.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Please check with your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Right now visa requirements for entry are changeable. As per our booking terms and conditions, visas are the sole responsibility of travelers and there are no refunds for guests denied entry into Japan for not meeting the necessary entry requirements.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Our strenuous tours generally have multiple dedicated days of trail walking, with some days of up to six hours or more and significant ascent and/or descent. We recommend strenuous tours for anyone who does regular full-day walking or hiking, and is comfortable to walk for extended periods on consecutive days, with much of each day involving ascent and descent.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
If Wi-Fi is available at the hotel or inn, it is typically offered free of charge.
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
No
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, we will send you your itinerary electronically with details of your accommodations at approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Japanese Yen
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Please check with your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate, but generally vaccinations are not required.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please ask at booking.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, this is a self guided tour and you are free to travel at your own pace.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
This is a self guided tour and can be operated down to 1 person.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
This is a self guided tour. There are no guides on this tour. Documentation is in English.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
This is a self guided tour and there is no coach on this tour.
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not usual in Japan and is not expected at restaurants.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes. Hiking distances can be modified to be more comfortable. Please enquire.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, unless mentioned in the inclusions
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All travellers get our Preparing for your Trip and Travelling in Japan documents, as well as a detailed personalized itinerary. Those travelling on one of our self-guided tours receive our bespoke topographical maps and walking instructions.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
No
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
For our small-group guided tours, if you would like to share with another traveler we will seek to match you up. If we are successful then you need not pay the solo supplement.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our travellers are typically English speakers from around the world. On our small-group guided tours, you travel in the company of one of our professional local guides.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
As per our booking terms and conditions, change fees would apply. If you have to change your dates due to the prevailing entry requirements for Japan please contact us and we would be happy to work with you to change your dates without charge.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oku Japan requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oku japan charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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