KUMANO KODO Trek - 5 days | Nakahechi, Takijiri to Hongu, (No Boat), Shingu & Nachi | Self-Guided

Dynamic Package

KUMANO KODO Trek - 5 days | Nakahechi, Takijiri to Hongu, (No Boat), Shingu & Nachi | Self-Guided
Takijiri-oji
Kumano Kodo Trekking
Takahara Settlement
Chikatsuyu Village
Tsugizakura-oji
Hosshinmon-oji
Fushiogami-oji
Yatagarasu Amulet
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Oyunohara
Yunomine Onsen

 Description

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. 

DAY 1

     Train from Osaka/Kyoto to Kii-Tanabe (~3 hrs)

     Bus from Kii-Tanabe to Takijiri (~40 min)

     Walk from Takijiri-oji to Takahara (~4 km, 2~3 hrs)

     Stay in Takahara

     


     Day 1: Breakfast/X Lunch/X Supper/〇

     Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Tanabe→Takahara

DAY 2

     Walk from Takahara to Chikatsuyu-oji (9 km, 5~6 hrs)

     Stay in Chikatsuyu

     


     Day 2: Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇

     Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Takahara→Chikatsuyu

DAY 3 (Plan A) (Stay in Yunomine)

     Bus from Chikatsuyu to Hongu (~30 min)

     Bus from Hongu to Hosshinmon-oji (~15 min)

     Walk Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (~7 km, ~3 hrs)

     Bus from Hongu to Yunomine Onsen (~20 min) or walk (~2 km, 1~2 hr)

     Stay in Yunomine Onsen

     


     Day 3: Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇

     Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Chikatsuyu→Yunomine Onsen

DAY 3 (Plan B) (Stay in Kawayu)

     Bus from Chikatsuyu to Hongu (~30 min)

     Bus from Hongu to Hosshinmon-oji (~15 min)

     Walk Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (~7 km, ~3 hrs)

     Bus from Hongu to Kawayu Onsen (~10 min) 

     Stay in Kawayu Onsen

     


     Day 3: Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇

     Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Chikatsuyu→Kawayu Onsen

DAY 3 (Plan C) (Stay in Watarase)

     Bus from Chikatsuyu to Hongu (~30 min)

     Bus from Hongu to Hosshinmon-oji (~15 min)

     Walk Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (~7 km, ~3 hrs)

     Bus from Hongu to Watarase Onsen (~10 min) 

     Stay in Watarase Onsen

     


     Day 3: Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇

     Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Chikatsuyu→Watarase Onsen

DAY 4

     Bus from Hongu area to Shingu (~60 min)

     Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha

     Bus from Shingu to Nachi Sta. (~30 min)

     Bus from Nachi Sta. to Daimon-zaka (~10 min)

     Walk Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka (~1.5 km, ~1 hr)

     Bus from Nachisan to Kii-Katsuura (~25 min)

     Stay in Katsuura

     

     


     Day 4: Breakfast/〇 Lunch/X Supper/〇

     Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Hongu Accommodation→Katsuura

DAY 5

     Train from Kii-Katsuura to Shin-Osaka (~3 hr, 50 min)

     


     Day 5: Breakfast/〇 Lunch/X Supper/X

     No daily luggage shuttles


 

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!

 

WHAT IS A DYNAMIC PACKAGE?


This function creates packages on requested dates and conditions, an easy way to add contents to your cart that match your itinerary. 


These are package tours dynamically created based on registered availability.  But not guaranteed because rooms and services are not stocked on this reservation site.  So the request is made, checked by our staff and then replied to you if it is available or not.

 Itinerary Map

 Highlights

Walk Kumano Kodo

Ancient pilgrimage route network in the Kii mountains.

Stay in traditional accommodation

From traditional Ryokan inns to family run guesthouses.

Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha

One of three Kumano grand shrines.

More information >>

Soak in Yunomine Onsen

Japan’s spiritual hot spring on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route with over 1800 years of history.

More information >>

Eat local cuisine

Immerse yourself in Japan’s country side culinary traditions.

Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha

One of the three Kumano grand shrines..

More information >>

Experience Katsuura

Hot spring fishing port on Pacific coast.

More information >>

Walk Daimon-zaka

Ancient stone staircase lined with ancient trees.

More information >>

Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha

Home to Japan’s tallest waterfall.

More information >>

 Meals

Supper
Japanese or Western style meals
Breakfast
Japanese or Western style meals
Lunch
Bento style lunch box

IMPORTANT:

Not all facilities can accommodate all dietary requests.   If a match with availability and dietary needs is not possible then an error will appear.  

Guests with stricter dietary requirements may find it challenging to find a match. 

 

Meal Options

 : Possible : Not Possible

 Vegetarian

NoMeatNo Meat

NoFishNo Fish

NoSeafoodNo Seafood (other than fish)

NoDashifishstockNo Dashi fish stock

NoDairyNo Dairy

NoEggsNo Eggs

 Gluten Free

With Miso & Soy Sauce

No Miso & Soy Sauce (Celiac or Intolerant)

 Allergies

Possible

 Others

No Raw Fish/Seafood

No Pork

No Red Meat (beef or pork)

No Shellfish

Vegetarianism and gluten free foods are not common in the Japanese countryside. Please double-check the meal options that are possible with each service provider to make sure that it meets your needs.

FISH STOCK: Often being able to eat trace amounts of the ubiquitous Katsuo Dashi (fish stock) makes it easier to find vegetarian options.

GLUTEN: For those who are not intorelant to gluten or Celiac then choosing Gluten Free "With Miso and Soy Sauce" will increase your options.

More Information

NOTE: It is difficult and not culturally sensitive to change meal requests, or make new meal demands, onsite when you arrive at accommodations. Meal options must be confirmed during the reservation process and respected during your visit.

 Detailed Itinerary

BEFORE YOUR VISIT

  • 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.

  • 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.

DAY 1
Transfer to Tanabe & Takijiri, Walk Kumano Kodo

Overnight: Takahara

  • DAY 1 OVERVIEW

    DAY ONE is a transfer to the trailhead at Takijiri-oji by train and bus, followed by a shorter but steep walk on the Kumano Kodo to the Takahara Settlement.

    NOTE: The Kumano Kodo is a mountain trail, therefore walking times vary greatly depending on weather, season, personal experience, and fitness.  Please plan accordingly for a safe walk, as many people underestimate the difficulty of the terrain.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • BUS FROM KII-TANABE STATION TO TAKIJIRI (Ryujin Bus)

     Depart: 13:00 Kii-Tanabe

     Arrive: 13:41Takijiri


    Busses depart from bus stop # 2 in front of the station. 

    PRICE: 970 yen

    NOTE: You can buy your bus ticket at the vending machine in the information center.

  • VISIT KUMANO KODO KAN PILGRIMAGE CENTER

    The round Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Center is located across the river from Takijiri-oji.

    There are introductory exhibitions in Japanese and English about the pilgrimage route.  

    Toilets and vending machines are available.

  • VISIT TAKIJIRI-OJI

    Takijiri-oji is one of the main trailheads of the Nakahechi route.

    It is here that the passage into the sacred mountains begins—the entrance to the abode of the gods and Buddhist paradises of rebirth.

    There were once extensive halls, a bath house, lodgings for pilgrims, and residences for priests, priestesses and monks in the area.

  • WALK KUMANO KODO - TAKIJIRI-OJI TO TAKAHARA

     Distance: ~4 km
     Time: 2~3 hr
     Elevation Gain: ~430 m
     Elevation Loss: ~200 m

    This is a short but steep uphill walk from Takijiri to the ridge top settlement of Takahara.  The trailhead is located behind the Takijiri-oji shrine pavilion.

    NOTE: The trail starts off with a challenging grade so set a slow, easy pace, watching your steps on the rocks and roots.

    Kumano Kodo Map

  • VISIT TAKAHARA

    Takahara is a small settlement on a ridgeline with panoramic views of the Hatenashi mountain range. 

    It is the site of the mystical Takahara Kumano-jinja shrine, one of the oldest buildings along this section of the pilgrimage route. The shrine grounds are home to giant camphor trees, over 800 years old!

    Takahara is known as "Kiri-no-Sato" (Village in the Mist) because the scenic vistas are often blanketed with mist. The valley below dramatically fills with fog, creating a beautiful sea of clouds.

  • OVERNIGHT IN TAKAHARA

    There are a few options in Takahara including the Kiri-no-Sato Takahara Lodge and smaller facilities, such as rental houses.

  • SUPPER

    At accommodation.

DAY 2
Walk Kumano Kodo, Takahara to Chikatsuyu-oji

Overnight: Chikatsuyu

  • DAY 2 OVERVIEW

    DAY TWO is a day walk on the Kumano Kodo from Takahara to Chikatsuyu village.

  • 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.

  • WALK KUMANO KODO - TAKAHARA TO CHIKATSUYU

     Distance: ~10 km
     Time: 4~6 hr
     Elevation Gain: ~590 m
     Elevation Loss: ~640 m

    This walk continues into the forested mountains east of Takahara climbing up and over ridges into the next watershed, descending into the village of Chikatsuyu.

    NOTE: The Michi-no-Eki rest area near numbered signpost 23 sells drinks, snacks, and simple meals.

    Kumano Kodo Map

  • LUNCH

    Picnic lunch along the trail or at Michi-no-Eki rest area.

  • VISIT CHIKATSUYU

    The village after Takahara is Chikatsuyu where the clear Hiki-gawa river runs through the valley.

    Pass through Chikatsuyu towards Tsugizakura-oji.

  • OVERNIGHT IN CHIKATSUYU

    There are some minshuku guesthouses and rental houses in Chikatsuyu.

  • SUPPER

    At accommodation.

DAY 3 (Plan A) (Stay in Yunomine)
Walk Kumano Kodo, Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha

  • DAY 3 OVERVIEW

    Transfer by bus and 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 CHIKATSUYU TO HONGU (Meiko Bus)

     Depart: 9:42 Nakahechi Bijutsukan (Nakahechi Museum)

     Arrive: 10:12 Hongu Taisha-mae


    PRICE: 1090 yen

    NOTE: There is also a direct bus from Chikatsuyu to Hosshinmon-oji which departs earlier at 7:23.

  • BUS FROM HONGU TO HOSHINMON-OJI (Ryujin Bus)

     Depart: 10:30 Hongu Taisha-mae

     Arrive: 10:45 Hosshinmon-oji


    PRICE: 470 yen

    NOTE: Transfer at the same bus stop.

  • 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 trail or at restaurant in Hongu.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • BUS FROM HONGU TO YUNOMINE, WATARASE AND KAWAYU ONSEN (Nara Kotsu)

     Depart: 16:58 Hongu Taisha-mae

     Arrive:  17:09 Yunomine Onsen

     Arrive:  17:17 Watarase Onsen

     Arrive:  17:19 Kawayu 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 (Plan B) (Stay in Kawayu)
Walk Kumano Kodo, Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha

  • DAY 3 OVERVIEW

    Transfer by bus and 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 Kawayu 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 CHIKATSUYU TO HONGU (Meiko Bus)

     Depart: 9:42 Nakahechi Bijutsukan (Nakahechi Museum)

     Arrive: 10:12 Hongu Taisha-mae


    PRICE: 1090 yen

    NOTE: There is also a direct bus from Chikatsuyu to Hosshinmon-oji which departs earlier at 7:23.

  • BUS FROM HONGU TO HOSHINMON-OJI (Ryujin Bus)

     Depart: 10:30 Hongu Taisha-mae

     Arrive: 10:45 Hosshinmon-oji


    PRICE: 470 yen

    NOTE: Transfer at the same bus stop.

  • 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 trail or at restaurant in Hongu.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • BUS FROM HONGU TO YUNOMINE, WATARASE AND KAWAYU ONSEN (Nara Kotsu)

     Depart: 16:58 Hongu Taisha-mae

     Arrive:  17:09 Yunomine Onsen

     Arrive:  17:17 Watarase Onsen

     Arrive:  17:19 Kawayu 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 3 (Plan C) (Stay in Watarase)
Walk Kumano Kodo, Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha

  • DAY 3 OVERVIEW

    Transfer by bus and 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 Watarase 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 CHIKATSUYU TO HONGU (Meiko Bus)

     Depart: 9:42 Nakahechi Bijutsukan (Nakahechi Museum)

     Arrive: 10:12 Hongu Taisha-mae


    PRICE: 1090 yen

    NOTE: There is also a direct bus from Chikatsuyu to Hosshinmon-oji which departs earlier at 7:23.

  • BUS FROM HONGU TO HOSHINMON-OJI (Ryujin Bus)

     Depart: 10:30 Hongu Taisha-mae

     Arrive: 10:45 Hosshinmon-oji


    PRICE: 470 yen

    NOTE: Transfer at the same bus stop.

  • 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 trail or at restaurant in Hongu.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • BUS FROM HONGU TO YUNOMINE, WATARASE AND KAWAYU ONSEN (Nara Kotsu)

     Depart: 16:58 Hongu Taisha-mae

     Arrive:  17:09 Yunomine Onsen

     Arrive:  17:17 Watarase Onsen

     Arrive:  17:19 Kawayu 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.

  • SUPPER

    At accommodation.

DAY 4
Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Walk Kumano Kodo Daimon-zaka

Overnight: Katsuura Onsen

  • DAY 4 OVERVIEW

    DAY FOUR visits the Kumano Hayatama Taisha in the morning and in the afternoon 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.


    Stay overnight in Katsuura Onsen, a coastal fishing village famous for its hot springs.

  • BREAKFAST

    At accommodation.

  • LUGGAGE SHUTTLE

    Leave luggage at accommodation.

  • BUS FROM HONGU ONSEN AREA TO SHINGU

    Arrive: 8:31 Yunomine Onsen

    Arrive: 8:37 Wataze Onsen

    Arrive: 8:39 Kawayu Onsen

    Arrive: 9:33 Hayatama Taisha-mae (Shingu)



    Busses originate from in front of the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center. 

    PRICE:1,560 yen

  • 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.

  • LUNCH

    Picnic lunch or at restaurant in Shingu.

    TIP: Kamikura-jinja is a nice spot for a picnic lunch.

  • KAMIKURA-JINJA

    Gotobiki-iwa, a gigantic rock located halfway up Gongen Mountain, is revered as a deity and is the site where the Kumano deities are first believed to have descended.

    At the base of this monolith is a shrine called Kamikura-jinja with views of Shingu.

  • BUS FROM KUMANO HAYATAMA TAISHA TO NACHI STATION

    Depart: Various departure times

  • BUS FROM NACHI STATION TO DAIMONZAKA

    Depart: Various departure times

  • 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.

     
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • BUS NACHISAN TO KII-KATSUURA STA

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

    Arrive:16:48 Kii-Katsuura Sta.




  • 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 5
Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, Transfer to Next Destination

  • DAY 5 OVERVIEW

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

  • BREAKFAST

    At accommodation.

  • VISIT KATSUURA ONSEN

    Katsuura Onsen is a fishing port on the rugged Pacific coastline. 

    This coastal village famous for its hot spring baths and world-class seafood.

  • LUNCH

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

  • TRAIN FROM KII-KATSUURA TO OSAKA (JR Kuroshio 26)

     Depart: 13:46 Kii-Katsuura

      Arrive: 17:53 Shin-Osaka

    TIP: Sit on the lefthand side of the train for the best coastal views.

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KUMANO KODO Trek - 5 days | Nakahechi, Takijiri to Hongu, (No Boat), Shingu & Nachi | Self-Guided

  • 5 Days, 4 Nights
  • Intermediate
  • Kumano Kodo, Onsen, Kumano Sanzan, Dual Pilgrim, Standard, Self-Guided

Price per person 130,000 yen

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