Description

This itinerary focuses on the best sights and walks during a slower visit- a great introductory way to experience the diversity of the sacred Kumano region of Japan.

This highlight itinerary visits all three Grand Shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha & Kumano Nachi Taisha), one each day, with short and scenic highlight walks around each shrine.

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

INCLUDED

 3 Nights of accommodation

 3 Suppers, 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch

 Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest)

NOT INCLUDED

 Train tickets to Kii-Tanabe or airplane ticket to Nanki-Shirahama.

 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

 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 2 is a walk the climax section of the Kumano Kodo.  The trail from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu is popular with a diversity of forested trail and settlement scenery.
  
  Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha and Yunomine Onsen. 

• 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
• 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
• Option 1
  WALK KUMANO KODO - HONGU TO YUNOMINE ONSEN - DAINICHI-GOE

  

   Distance: ~2 km
   Time: 1~2 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~250 m
   Elevation Loss: ~190 m
  
  The Dainichi-goe route is a short but relatively steep trail over Mt. Dainichi that links the Hongu village with Yunomine Onsen.
  
  The trailhead is at the southend of Hongu.
  

  Dainichi-goe
  Kumano Kodo Map
• Option 2
  BUS FROM HONGU TAISHA TO YUNOMINE ONSEN 

   Depart:  15:05 Hongu Taisha-mae

   Arrive:  15:24 Yunomine Onsen

  
  Busses depart from in front of the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center. 
  
  PRICE: 310 yen
  
  NOTE: After the 16:58 bus there is a long wait until the next one.
  
  

  Bus Timetable #11
• VISIT YUNOMINE ONSEN

  

  Yunomine Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan and directly connected with the Kumano Kodo. It is a quaint little collection of inns tucked into a small valley.

   
  Tsuboyu is an historic bath which was used by pilgrims past to purify themselves with the hot water. Tickets are sold at the booth next to the temple.
  

  Yunomine Onsen
  Yunomine Onsen Map
• OVERNIGHT IN YUNOMINE ONSEN

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

  At accommodation.

• DAY 3 OVERVIEW
  

  DAY THREE journeys to the other two Grand Shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha with a beautiful walk on the Daimon-zaka slope to the shrine complex and Nachi waterfall. 

  Return to the coastal fishing port and hot spring town of Katsuura to overnight. 

• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.
• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• BUS FROM YUNOMINE ONSEN TO SHINGU

  Depart: 8:31 Yunomine Onsen

  Arrive:: 9:33 Hayatama Taisha-mae

  
  

  Bus Timetable #4
• VISIT KUMANO HAYATAMA TAISHA

  One of the three Kumano grand shrines, Kumano Hayatama Taisha is located at the mouth of the Kumano-gawa river.
  
  The bright vermillion colors accent the surrounding forest.
  
  Watch for the ancient Nagi tree whose leaves were used as amulets.
  

  Kumano Hayatama Taisha

  Shingu Map
• LUNCH

  Eating in Shingu, or buying something to eat in Shingu is an option. 

• BUS FROM KUMANO HAYATAMA TAISHA TO NACHI STATION

  Depart: Various departure times

  Bus timetable #12
• BUS FROM NACHI STATION TO DAIMONZAKA

  Depart: Various departure times

  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 NACHISAN TO KII-KATSUURA STA

  Depart: 16:24 Nachi-no-Taki-mae

  Arrive:16:48 Kii-Katsuura Sta.

  
  
  

  Bus Timetable #8
• 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 4 OVERVIEW
  

  DAY FOUR is the final day.  Visit Katsuura before transferring to next destination.

• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.
• TRAIN FROM KII-KATSUURA TO OSAKA (JR Kuroshio)

  
  Morning and afternoon limited express departures available.

  
  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.