Description

This highlight itinerary visits the two Grand Shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha & Kumano Nachi Taisha) with short and scenic highlight walks with a local guide.

Overnight at a hot spring village in the mountains (Kawayu Onsen) and on the coast (Katsuura Onsen) while dining on delicious local cuisine.

This itinerary focuses on the best sights and walks in a compact time frame- a great introductory visit to the sacred Kumano region of Japan.

INCLUDED

 2 Nights of accommodation

 2 Suppers, 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch

 Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest)

 2 Guided walks on the Kumano Kodo

NOT INCLUDED

 Transportation: busses, trains, etc.

 Miscellaneous personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping, etc.

 Travel insurance (please purchase this before your trip)

NOTES

● The Kumano Kodo is a mountain trail with sections unpaved, uneven surfaces of dirt, roots and cobblestones.  Please wear appropriate footwear.

● Dress appropriately for the season that you will be walking.

More weather information and other tips.

● Some accommodations have shared facilities such as hot-spring baths.
Here is a detailed overview on how to take a Japanese bath.

● Tour itinerary may change depending on local circumstances and/or weather.

● Please meet the luggage shuttle staff in front of the TANABE Tourist Information Center by 11:30.

Any questions? Contact us!

 Itinerary Map

 Highlights

 Meals

 Detailed Itinerary

• PREPARATION

  Preparation and planning is the key to a safe trek in the sacred Kumano mountains.
  
  Choose a route that you have adequate experience and physical strength to safely complete. 
  
  Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and carry necessary gear. 
  
  NOTE: Details sometimes change, especially bus schedules, so please double-check times before your trip.  If you notice something incorrect, please let us know. Thank you!
  
• WHEN TO VISIT

  The Nakahechi route is open year round.  
  
  Summer can be hot and humid, and winter has a slight possibility of snow at higher elevations (from end of December to end of February) although it usually melts shortly it falls. The winter months have shorter daylight hours.
  
  Japanese national holidays and long-weekends can be busy so best to avoid (especially golden week in the beginning of May and Obon mid-August).
  
  NOTE: It is often best to come mid-week as capacity is limited in smaller villages along the trail.
  

  Public Holidays in Japan
• RESOURCES

  There are many useful resources related to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.  Please use these to make the most of your trip.
  
  Maps and Official Guide Book, are available onsite in Tanabe.  Online “Pilgrim Packs” including these materials can be mailed in advance.

  Pilgrim Pack

  Kumano Kodo Official Guide Book

  Kumano Kodo Maps

  Kumano Kodo Overview

  Bus Timetable List

  Are you a Dual Pilgrim?

• DAY 1 OVERVIEW

  DAY ONE is a transfer to Kawayu Onsen, a mysterious natural wonder where hot spring water bubbles to the surface of the river.
  
  Enjoy the countryside scenery during the voyage.
• TRAIN FROM OSAKA TO KII-TANABE (JR Kuroshio 3)

  

   Depart: 8:58 Shin-Osaka
    Depart: 9:19 Tennoji

    Arrive: 11:21 Kii-Tanabe

  
  The JR train travels down the west coast of the Kii peninsula. 
  
  As you head south the scenery changes dramatically from the large urban centers to agricultural and natural regions, with distinctively less populated mountains. 
  
  Watch for terraced orange and ume orchards along the way.
  
  TIP: Sit on the right hand side of the train for the best views.
  

  Train Timetable Search Engines
• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Give your bags directly to your reserved daily luggage service provider outside of the TANABE Tourist Information Center to be delivered to your accommodation.
  
  TIP: Daily luggage shuttle is convenient and highly recommended: to be able to walk freely without the worry of your bags.
• VISIT TANABE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
  

  

  This information center is next to the Kii-Tanabe station as you exit on the left. There are paper copies of maps and transportation timetables as well as Dual Pilgrim credential to collect stamps along the trail.  This is the best place to get the most up-to-date information before you begin your walk!
• MEALS

  At a restaurant, or buy something to go.  Ask at the tourist information center for ideas.
  

  Central Tanabe Map
• BUS FROM KII-TANABE STATION TO KAWAYU ONSEN (Ryujin Bus)

  

   Depart: 13:00 Kii-Tanabe

   Arrive: 14:58 Kawayu Onsen

  
  Busses depart from bus stop two in front of the station. 
  
  PRICE: 1930 yen
  
  NOTE: You can buy your bus ticket at the vending machine in the information center.
  
  TIP: There are three bus stops in Kawayu Onsen, so check to see which one is closest to your accommodation.

  Bus Timetable #1
  How to Ride a Local Bus
• VISIT KAWAYU ONSEN

  

  Kawayu Onsen is a small settlement along the Oto-gawa River: a geological thermal wonder where hot spring water bubbles to the surface of the river.
  
  On the north side of the river is a collection of accommodations. On the south side of the river is a green forested mountainside.
  

  Kawayu Onsen
  Kawayu Onsen Map
• OVERNIGHT IN KAWAYU ONSEN

  There is a diversity of accommodations in Kawayu Onsen such as Ryokan inns, Minshuku lodgings, each with their own hot spring baths.
• SUPPER

  At accommodation.

• DAY 2 OVERVIEW

  DAY TWO is an excellent half-day walk on the Kumano Kodo from Hosshinmon-oji, a small subsidiary shrine.
  
  This section is often refered to as the climax route: a wonderful mix of moutain settlements and forested trails, culminating at the austere Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand shrine.
  
  After visit the Hongu area, bus to Katsuura Onsen on the coast.
  
• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.
  
  PICK UP LUNCH BOX
  
  It is usually easiest to order your lunch box from the accommodation. Book a lunch box plan to take advantage of this service.
• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• BUS FROM KAWAYU ONSEN TO HOSSHINMON-OJI (Ryujin Bus)

   Depart: 8:07 Kawayu Onsen

   Arrive: 8:37 Hosshinmon-oji

  
  PRICE: 520 yen
  
  NOTE: The Hosshinmon-oji bus stop is just east of the shrine.  To visit Hosshinmon-oji walk a short distance west and then return to the bus stop to continue to Kumano Hongu Taisha.  Ask the bus driver for directions when you arrive at Hosshimon-oji.
  
  TIP: Many of the accommodations in Kawayu Onsen offer free shuttles to Hosshinmon-oji.
  

  Bus Timetable #1
• WALK KUMANO KODO - HOSSHINMON-OJI TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA

  

   Distance: ~7 km
   Time: 2~3 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~190 m
   Elevation Loss: ~460 m
  
  This is a very nice half day walk on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. It goes through a mixture of ridge top settlements and forest trails.
  
  There are some good panoramic lookout spots along the trail.
  

  Kumano Kodo Map
• LUNCH

  Picnic lunch along the trail.
• VISIT KUMANO HONGU TAISHA
  

  

  One of the three grand shrines, Kumano Hongu Taisha stands on a small ridge line in the north of the Hongu village.
  
  The austere pavilions are made of wood with impressive cypress bark roofs; it's architecture style dating back over 800 years.
  
  Watch for the sacred symbol of Kumano, the Yatagarasu three-legged crow.
  

  Kumano Hongu Taisha

  Hongu Map
• VISIT KUMANO HONGU HERITAGE CENTER

  

  This visitor center is on the east side route 311 across from the Kumano Hongu Taisha grand shrine. 
  
  It has detailed information and exhibits about the area in English. 

  
  HOURS: 9:00~17:00 (open year-round)
  
  NOTE: Registration as DUAL PILGRIM takes place here.  It takes at least 15 minutes and cannot be mailed out.

  Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
  Dual Pilgrim
• SUPPER

  At accommodation.
• VISIT OYUNOHARA

  

  Kumano Hongu Taisha was originally located at Oyunohara, a sandbank at the confluence of the Kumano-gawa and Otonashi Rivers.
  
  Legend has it that the Kumano deities, in the form of three moons, descended into the branches of a giant oak tree in this clearing.
  
  All of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes lead to this sacred site.
  
  The entrance to Oyunohara is marked by the largest Torii shrine gate in the world (33.9 meters tall and 42 meters wide). It is a formalized gateway that designates the entrance to a sacred area and signifies the division of the secular and the spiritual worlds.

  Oyunohara
• BUS FROM HONGU TO KII-KATSUURA STATION (via Shingu Sta)(Kumano Kotsu)

   Depart:  15:15 Hongu Taisha-mae (Busses depart from in front of the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center.)

   Arrive:  16:14 Shingu Station

  PRICE: 1560 yen
  

   Depart:  16:30 Shingu Station (Transfer)

   Arrive:  17:09 Kii-Katsuura Station

  PRICE: 630 yen
  

  Bus Timetable #4

  Bus Timetable #12
• VISIT KATSUURA

  Katsuura Onsen is a fishing port on the rugged Pacific coastline. 
  
  This coastal village is famous for its hot spring baths and world-class seafood.
  

  Katsuura Map
• OVERNIGHT IN KATSUURA

  There are a diversity of Ryokan, Minshuku, and Guesthouses in Katsuura, so with coastal views, and many with hot spring baths.
  
  
• SUPPER

  At accommodation.

• DAY 3 OVERVIEW

  DAY THREE is a visit in the morning to the Nachi Shrine-temple complex including a short walk on the scenic Daimon-zaka slope culminating at the Nachi waterfall, the tallest in Japan.
  
  In the afternoon transfer next destination.
• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.
• LUGGAGE STORAGE

  Leave luggage at accommodation or in the coin lockers next to the Kii-Katsuura station.

  Kii-Katsuura Station area map
• BUS FROM KATSUURA TO DAIMON-ZAKA (Kumano Kotsu)

   Depart: 8:25 Kii-Katsuura
  

   Arrive: 8:44 Daimon-zaka

  
  PRICE: 430 yen
  
  NOTE: At Daimon-zaka bus stop are toilets and vending machines.
  

  Bus Timetable #8
• WALK KUMANO KODO - DAIMON-ZAKA

  

   Distance: ~2 km
   Time: ~1 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~190 m
   Elevation Loss: ~460 m
  
  The Daimon-zaka is a short but scenic cobblestone staircase rising out of the valley lined with ancient trees.
  

  
  NOTE: The distance and time above is only from the base of the valley to the Shrine-temple complex.  There is more descent to the waterfall base and Nachi-no-Taki-mae bus stop.
  

  Nachisan Map

   
• VISIT KUMANO NACHI TAISHA

  One of the three grand shrines, Kumano Nachi Taisha is located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 350 meters above sea level.
  
  It has its religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki falls.
  
  The branches of a giant camphor shades the roof of the worship hall.
  

  Kumano Nachi Taisha

  Nachisan Map
• VISIT SEIGANTO-JI

  Seiganto-ji temple was founded in the early 5th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the region.
  
  The view from the temple grounds is dramatic, featuring a pagoda with the falls as a backdrop.
  

  Nachisan Map
• VISIT NACHI FALLS

  Nachi-no-Otaki is 133 meters high and 13 meters wide - the tallest waterfall in Japan.
  
  It's water source is the surrounding broad-leaf evergreen primeval forest, a sanctuary that has been protected since ancient times, used for ascetic training by mountain monks who practice Shugendo, a mixed religion of foreign and indigenous beliefs.
  

  Nachisan Map
• BUS FROM NACHI TO KATSUURA (Kumano Kotsu)

    Depart: 11:44 Nachi-no-Taki-mae
    Arrive: 12:08 Kii-Katsuura

  PRICE: 630 yen

  Bus Timetable #8
• LUNCH

  There are a diversity of small restaurants near the station.  Ask at the tourist information office in the Kii-Katsuura station.

  Kii-Katsuura Station Area Map
• TRAIN FROM KII-KATSUURA TO SHIN-OSAKA (JR Kuroshio 24)

   Depart: 13:05 Kii-Katsuura

    Arrive: 16:49 Shin-Osaka
  
  TIP: Sit on the lefthand side of the train for the best coastal views.

  Train Timetable Search Engines
• OTHER OPTIONS

  There are a few options after the trek including the following:
  
  1. Staying another night in the Katsuura area and visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu.
  2. Head east up the coast towards Ise and Nagoya.
  3. Stay in Kushimoto area to enjoy the rugged coast line.