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: 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
• 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 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.

  Chikatsuyu Map
• OVERNIGHT IN CHIKATSUYU

  There are some minshuku guesthouses and rental houses in Chikatsuyu.
• SUPPER

  At accommodation.

• 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: 9:07 Nakahechi Bijutsukan (Nakahechi Museum)

   Arrive: 9:37 Hongu Taisha-mae

  
  PRICE: 1090 yen
  
  NOTE: There is also a direct bus from Chikatsuyu to Hosshinmon-oji which departs earlier at 7:36.
  

  Bus Timetable #1
  How to Ride a Local Bus
• BUS FROM HONGU TO HOSHINMON-OJI (Ryujin Bus)

   Depart: 10:10 Hongu Taisha-mae
  

   Arrive: 10:25 Hosshinmon-oji

  
  PRICE: 470 yen
  
  NOTE: Transfer at the same bus stop.
  

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

  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 journeys on the Kumano-gawa on a traditional flat bottom boat retracing the historic Kumano Kodo water pilgrimage route.
  
  Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Katsuura Onsen, a coastal hot spring fishing village famous for its hot springs.
  
• 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 YUNOMINE ONSEN TO BOAT TOUR CENTER

   Depart: 8:31 Yunomine Onsen

    Arrive: 9:08 Michi-no-Eki Kumano-gawa
  
  

  PRICE: 950 yen

  Bus Timetable #4
• TRADITIONAL BOAT RIDE ON KUMANO-GAWA RIVER

  

    10:00~11:30

  Historically pilgrimage travelled by boat between Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha.
  
  These tours follows the same route in flat bottom wooden boats.
  
  This is an excellent way to view the spiritual landscape from the river like pilgrims past. 
  
  
• 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

  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.
  

  Shingu Map
• Option 1
  BUS FROM SHINGU TO KATSUURA  (Kumano Kotsu)

   Depart: 15:00 Shingu Station
  

   Arrive: 15:39 Kii-Katsuura Station

  
  PRICE: 630 yen
  
  NOTE: Departures are every 30 minutes. Taking a train is also an option.
  

  Bus Timetable #12
  How to Ride a Local Bus
• Option 2
  TRAIN FROM SHINGU TO KATSUURA  (JR local)

   Depart: 15:51 Shingu
  

    Arrive: 16:15Kii-Katsuura
  
  TIP: Sit on the lefthand side of the train for the best coastal views.

  Train Timetable Search Engines
• 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.
  

  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 5 OVERVIEW

  DAY FIVE 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 DAIMONZAKA (Kumano Kotsu)

   Depart: 8:25 Kii-Katsuura
  

   Arrive: 8:44 Daimonzaka

  
  PRICE: 430 yen
  
  NOTE: At Daimonzaka 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 OSAKA (JR Kuroshio 26)

   Depart: 13:46 Kii-Katsuura

    Arrive: 17:50 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 to enjoy some downtime to recuperate from the walk.
  2. Head east up the coast towards Ise and Nagoya.
  3. Stay in Kushimoto area to enjoy the rugged coast line.