Customizable
Private KUMANO KODO Pilgrimage Trail Trek
5
Days
4
Nights
Explore the ancient Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage Pilgrimage.
With over a thousand years of history, this tour follows the historic Nakahechi trail, visiting the three Kumano Grand Shrines, enjoying a traditional boat ride, and staying in relaxing onsen villages.
Itinerary
This private tour offers a customizable pace, tailored to your fitness level for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Osaka/Kyoto - Takahara
Morning: Train from Kyoto/Osaka to Kii-Tanabe
Visit Tanabe Tourist Information Center
Visit Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Center & Takijiri-oji, a main trailhead of the Nakahechi route
Walk from Takijiri-oji to Takahara (3.7 km, ~2.5 hrs)
Supper, Breakfast & Lunch box(For trek)
Kiri-no-Sato Takahara Lodge or similar
Kumano Kodo, Takahara - Chikatsuyu
Today’s walk takes you through the forested mountains of the Kumano Kodo, offering beautiful vistas as you make your way to the tranquil village of Chikatsuyu.
Pick up lunch box from accommodation
Walk from Takahara to Chikatsuyu (~10 km, 4-6 hrs)
This route takes you through forested mountains and ridges, descending into the peaceful village of Chikatsuyu
Supper and BreakfastSEN.RETREAT CHIKATSUYU or similar
Hosshinmon-oji - Kumano Hongu Taisha
Transfer by bus to start walking the climax section of the Kumano Kodo, a trail renowned for its diverse scenery of forests and settlements.
Walk Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (~7 km, 2-3 hrs)
Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand Kumano shrines
Visit Yunomine Hot Spring
Supper & BreakfastRyokan Adumaya or similar
Traditional Boat Tour, Kumano Hayatama Taisha
Embark on a traditional boat ride along the Kumano-gawa River, retracing the historic water pilgrimage route between Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha.
Take a traditional boat ride on Kumano-gawa, retracing the pilgrimage water route
Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, known for its vermillion shrine and sacred Nagi tree
Visit Katsuura Hot Spring, a coastal village famous for hot springs
Supper & BreakfastKAMENOI HOTEL NACHI KATSUURA or Similar
Kumano Nachi Taisha, Nachi Falls
Conclude your pilgrimage with a visit to the sacred Nachi Shrine-temple complex and a scenic walk along the Daimon-zaka slope, culminating at Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall.
Walk Daimonzaka, a scenic cobblestone path lined with ancient trees (~2 km, ~1 hr)
Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall (133 m)
Bus back to Kii-Katsuura
Afternoon transfer to your next destination
Accommodations
Tanabe, Wakayama
Kiri-no-Sato Takahara Lodge or similar
The panoramic views from the lodge are stunning, especially when the valley is covered in morning mist, creating a sea of clouds. As an "Organic Hotel," they serve organic food, including wine, coffee, and fresh local vegetables. The meals are energizing, and the hot spring water is sourced from Hongu Onsen. A stay at Kiri-no-Sato Takahara Lodge offers a relaxing experience to refresh both body and mind.
Chikatsuyu, Wakayama
SEN.RETREAT CHIKATSUYU or similar
Enjoy luxury in a modern container! These cozy cottages offer large windows, outdoor greenspaces, and full amenities. Located 15 minutes from Chikatsuyu-oji on the Kumano Kodo route, SEN RETREAT CHIKATSUYU features cottages for 2, 4, or 6 people, with private gardens and rooftop areas. Amenities include a pizza kiln, bonfire stand, and all-you-can-drink local beverages.
Tanabe, Wakayama
Ryokan Adumaya or similar
Ryokan Adumaya, founded in the 18th century by a shrine priest, is a historic inn in Yunomine Onsen, a hot spring village with over 1800 years of history. The classic Japanese-style rooms are named after trees and flowers, such as "Sakura" and "Sugi." The indoor wooden baths have high ceilings, while the outdoor rock baths are set in a serene Japanese garden. Adumaya also uses 100% hot spring water in their meals.
Nachi Katsuura,Wakayama
KAMENOI HOTEL NACHI KATSUURA or Similar
Located in the coastal fishing village of Katsuura, this hotel offers stunning views of Nachi Bay and is renowned for its expansive hot springs and fresh seafood. Just 25 minutes by bus from Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi-no-Otaki, Japan’s tallest waterfall, guests can enjoy a glimpse of the falls from some rooms and the outdoor bath, nestled in lush green mountains.
Notes
Accommodations: 4 nights in Guest House/Inn/Lodge
Meals: Daily breakfast, Bento Lunch & Dinner (by request)
Luggage Shuttle: Daily transfers
Guide Book: KUMANO KODO Official Guide & Pilgrim Pack
Fees & Taxes: Included
International Airfares
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses (e.g. telephone, laundry)
Transportation fees (paid as you go)
Difficulty & Ideal For
Moderate challenge on the first two days, with scenic walks during the last three days.
Difficulty levels: Day 1: 2.5 | Day 2: 3 | Day 3: 2 | Day 4: 1.5 | Day 5: 1.5
Tour Type & Transportation
Self-guided or guided, with travel by train, bus, and walking. Daily luggage shuttle available.
Tour Period
Rainy season (June–July) may bring wet conditions, and winter can cause slippery trails. The itinerary may change due to weather.
Price & Deposit
Prices as of Sep 2024, subject to exchange rates. US$200 deposit per person, with final payment due 2 months before departure.
Additional Information
Requests must be made 60+ days in advance.
Reservations must be made 30+ days in advance.
Carry cash, as credit cards may not be accepted in villages.
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