Description

 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?
• INCLUSIONS

  The itinerary below is a sample.  
  
  Only the products and services that you book are included.  For example if you would like lunch boxes or daily luggage shuttle, these must be reserved in advance.  They are not included unless you book them.
  
  Transportation fees are not included.  It is easy to pay transport costs as you go.
• GUIDED or SELF-GUIDED

  This model itinerary can be done guided or self-guided.
  
  1. Self-guided. Use the detailed information online and onsite to complete your walk independently.
  2. Guided. Hire a local guide to have some comradery on the trail while experiencing the region’s rich culture.
  3. Partly-guided. Or have the best of both!  Hire a guide for the first day to get you going and then complete the itinerary on your own.  
  
  NOTE: The itinerary below is based on option 1. Self-guided
• LUGGAGE OPTIONS

  There are a few options for your luggage.
  
  1. Daily Luggage Shuttle. Luggage is transferred to your accommodation everyday (This is often the most popular option. If required, please book when making your accommodation reservations).
  2. Next-day or Later Luggage Shuttle can be arranged onsite without reservations at local convenience stores.
  
  NOTE: The itinerary below is based on option 1. Daily Luggage Shuttle
  
• MEALS

  Immersing oneself in local cuisine is part of the Kumano experience.
  
  1. At Accommodations.  Meals are most often served in accommodations in rural areas, as options for eating outside are limited to non-existent.  (Eating the set meals at accommodations is the most common and convenient option.)
  2. Lunch Boxes.  Lunch boxes are provided by most accommodations along the Kumano Kodo (in the Hongu area can be delivered to your lodging in the morning).
  3. Special Dietary Needs.  Special meal requests such as vegetarian or specific allergies must be made at the time of booking.  Vegetarianism is not common in Japan, especially in the countryside, so please double-check to confirm which types of vegetarian meals are available.  Often being able to eat trace amounts of the ubiquitous Dashi fish stock makes it easier to find options.
  
  NOTE: The itinerary below is based on meals supplied 1. At Accommodations with 2. Lunch Boxes when available.

• 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: 9:01 Shin-Osaka
    Depart: 9:21 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
• 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!
• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Give your bags directly to your reserved daily luggage service provider in front 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.
• 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 TAKIJIRI (Ryujin Bus)

  

   Depart: 12:50 Kii-Tanabe

   Arrive: 13:28 Takijiri

  
  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.
  

  Bus Timetable #1
  How to Ride a Local Bus
• 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.
  

  Kumano Kodo Kan
• 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.
  

  Takijiri-oji
• 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.

  Takahara
• 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 OVERVIEW

  DAY TWO is a full day walk on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route from Takahara to the Nonaka area, passing through the village of Chikatsuyu.
• 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 TSUGIZAKURA-OJI

  

   Distance: ~13 km
   Time: 6~8 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~830 m
   Elevation Loss: ~650 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.
  
  The Nonaka area is another ~3 km further along the trail on an old highway.
  
  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.

  Chikatsuyu Map
• VISIT TSUGIZAKURA-OJI

  Tsugizakura-oji is a small shrine featuring gigantic old-growth trees, with branches facing south, drawn by the power of Kannon's southern paradise.
  
  Directly below Tsugizakura-oji is the Nonaka-no-Shimizu spring, a nice stop to fill up a water bottle.
  

  Tsugizakura-oji
• OVERNIGHT IN NONAKA AREA

  There are a few options of small family run guesthouses in the Nonaka area.  

  Nakahechi East Map
• SUPPER

  At accommodation.

• DAY 3 OVERVIEW

  This is a challenging full day walk with many climbs and descents, finishing at the Kumano Hongu Taisha.  
  
  The mid-section is a permanent detour over the pass.  The trail from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu is popular with a diversity of forested trail and settlement scenery.
  
  There are a few ways to shorten this walk, three options are outlined below.  Feel free to choose which option on the day of your walk.
  
• 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.
• Option 1 (Full Walk)
  WALK KUMANO KODO - TSUGIZAKURA-OJI TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA

  

   Distance: ~21.5 km
   Time: 8~11 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~960 m
   Elevation Loss: ~1440 m
  
  This is a challenging full day walk with many climbs and descents, finishing at the Kumano Hongu Taisha. 
  
  Best to start early if attempting the full walk.
  

  Kumano Kodo Map 1
  Kumano Kodo Map 2
  Walk Options
• Option 2 (Intermediate Walk)
  WALK KUMANO KODO - DOYUKAWA-BASHI BUS STOP TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA

  

   Distance: ~17 km
   Time: 6~9 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~770 m
   Elevation Loss: ~1170 m
  
  BUS FROM NONAKA TO DOYUKAWA-BASHI (Ryujin Bus)
  

   Depart: 7:29 Nonaka Ipposugi
   Arrive: 7:33 Doyukawa-bashi

  PRICE: 280 yen

  Kumano Kodo Map 1
  Kumano Kodo Map 2
  Walk Options
  Bus Timetable #1
• Option 3 (Highlight Walk)
  WALK KUMANO KODO - HOSSHINMON-OJI TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA

  

   Distance: ~7.5 km
   Time: 2~3 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~190 m
   Elevation Loss: ~460 m
  
  The section from Hosshinmon-oji and Hongu is popular with a diversity of forested trail and settlement scenery.  This a good option to give more time to experience the shrines and sites in Hongu.  Take a local bus from Chikatsuyu-oji to Hosshimon-oji.
  
  BUS FROM CHIKATSUYU TO HOSSHINMON-OJI (Ryujin Bus)
  

    Depart: 7:29 Nonaka Ipposugi
    Arrive: 8:37 Hosshinmon-oji

  PRICE: 1250 yen
  
  NOTE: With this shorter walk often people include the Dainichi-goe route in the afternoon (Hongu to Yunomine Onsen) (~2 km, 1~2 hr).
  

  Kumano Kodo Map

  Walk Options

  Bus Timetable #1
• 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
• BUS FROM HONGU TO YUNOMINE ONSEN (Nara Kotsu)

   Depart:  16:58 Hongu Taisha-mae

   Arrive:  17:09 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. For Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays, the 16:23 bus (not the 16:58) is the best option available.
  
  

  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 4 OVERVIEW

  DAY FOUR is a transfer from Yunomine Onsen to Kii-Tanabe by local bus and then a train to next the destination.
• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.
• BUS FROM YUNOMINE ONSEN TO KII-TANABE (Ryujin Bus)

    Depart: 8:29 Yunomine Onsen
    Arrive: 10:10 Kii-Tanabe

  PRICE: 1980 yen

  Bus Timetable #2
• TRAIN FROM KII-TANABE TO OSAKA (JR Kuroshio 18)

   Depart: 11:32 Kii-Tanabe

    Arrive: 13:50 Shin-Osaka

  Train Timetable Search Engines
• OTHER OPTIONS

  There are a few options after the trek including the following:
  
  1. Staying another night in the Hongu area.
  2. Continue south to complete the circuit of the Kumano Sanzan Grand Shrines.
  3. Heading north to Koyasan, a Buddhist monastic village.

  Access Koyasan
  Access to Kumano Sanzan Grand Shrines