This itinerary included a variety of experiences related to the ancient Kumano pilgrimage.
There are some walks on the main portion of the Nakahechi pilgrimage, a visit to all three Kumano Grand Shrines and a few nights in onsen villages to enjoy the hot springs.
There is a diversity of walks: a bit of challenge (first two days) with some steeper climbs and descents (without being exhausting!) and easier highlight walks around the shrine areas (last 3 days).
OVERVIEW
PLAN A (Stay in Yunomine): There are three hot spring areas close together in Hongu: Yunomine, Kawayu and Watarase.
PLAN B (Stay in Kawayu): If accommodations are full in Yunomine then Kawayu is selected next.
PLAN C (Stay in Watarase): If accommodations are full the above two then Watarase is selected.
Route: Kyoto/Osaka | Tanabe | Takahara | Chikatsuyu | Hongu | Yunomine Onsen | Shingu | Katsuura | Nachi | Osaka/Kyoto
Duration: 5 days & 4 nights (all 5 days have walks)
※ Overnight: Takahara, Chikatsuyu, Yunomine Onsen (Kawayu Onsen) (Watarase Onsen), Katsuura
Accommodation Type: Standard (Minshuku, etc), Superior (Ryokan, etc)
Accommodations are diverse including guesthouses (minshuku), rental houses, and traditional Japanese inns (ryokan).
★ IMPORTANT: Some accommodations have shared bathroom facilities.
Overall Level: Intermediate
Type: Self-guided
Transportation: Train, Bus, Walk
Daily Luggage Shuttle: Available for all days
Walking Difficult: Day 1=2.5, Day 2=3, Day 3=2, Day 4=1.5, Day 5=1.5
What is walking difficulty?
Recommended For: Those who are good walkers looking for a bit of challenge (first two days), but also highlight walks (last 3 days)
※ Accommodations in the Hongu area will be either Yunomine Onsen, Kawayu Onsen or Watarase Onsen depending on availability.
| BASE PRICES |
| 130,000 yen per person (2 people per room) |
| 19,000 yen per person single supplement |
NOTE: Prices will be registered based on two people per room and adjusted for single supplement during the processing period.
NOTE (SHUTTLE): Takahara is a small settlements with limited accommodations. Some nearby accommodations offer free shuttle service from/to the Takahara.
INCLUDED
4 Nights of accommodation
4 Suppers, 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches
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!