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 Tanabe by train with the option of exploring the area and enjoying delicious local food at a nearby izakaya restaurant.
• TRAIN FROM OSAKA TO KII-TANABE

  Take the limited express JR Kuroshio from Shin-Osaka to "Kii-Tanabe" Station. Departure times vary. 

   

  Train timetable information.
• 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!
• VISIT TANABE

  Tanabe is a small coastal city on the west side of the Kii Peninsula, well known for its agricultural products such as ume (Japanese Apricots) and oranges, as well its fresh seafood. 
  
  The downtown area is located southwest of the Kii-Tanabe train station, from which a ten minute walk leads to the Ogigahama beach.  
  
  Near the station is Tokei-jinja, a main shrine at the junction of the Nakahechi and Ohechi routes.  
  
  INTERESTING FACT: Ueshiba Morihei, the founder of the Aikido martial, was born in Tanabe.
• OVERNIGHT IN TANABE

  There are a diversity of guesthouses and business style hotels in Tanabe. 
• SUPPER

  The entertainment area in front of the JR Kii-Tanabe station is called “Ajikoji” and is packed with over 200 restaurants and Japanese style pubs (Izakaya).
  
  It is considered to be the most concentrated of its kind for a city of this size in the entire country of Japan. Every alley is full of quaint places to eat and drink.
  
  Many restaurants have English menus.  Ask at the information center for recommendations.
  
  Kanpai!

• DAY 2 OVERVIEW

  DAY TWO is a transfer to the trailhead at Takijiri-oji and full day walk on the Kumano Kodo to Chikatsuyu village.
  
  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.
• 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 KII-TANABE STATION TO TAKIJIRI (Meiko Bus)

  

   Depart: 8:02 Kii-Tanabe

   Arrive: 8:40 Takijiri

  
  Busses depart from bus stop two in front of the station. 
  
  PRICE: 970 yen
  

  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 CHIKATSUYU

  

   Distance: ~14 km
   Time: 6~8 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~1010 m
   Elevation Loss: ~840 m
  
  This is a short but steep uphill walk from Takijiri to the ridge top settlement of Takahara.  From Takahara the trail continues over a pass arriving in Chikatsuyu village.
  
  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 1
  Kumano Kodo Map 2
• 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
• LUNCH

  Picnic lunch along the trail.
  
  NOTE: Buying lunch in Tanabe before boarding the bus is often the best option.
• 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

  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 - CHIKATSUYU-OJI TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA

  

   Distance: ~25 km
   Time: 9~12 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~1210 m
   Elevation Loss: ~1470 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 CHIKATSUYU TO DOYUKAWA-BASHI (Ryujin Bus)
  

   Depart: 7:23 Chikatsuyu-oji
   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: 7:23 Chikatsuyu-oji
    Arrive: 8:37 Hosshinmon-oji

  PRICE: 970 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 KAWAYU ONSEN (Nara Kotsu)

   Depart: 16:58 Hongu Taisha-mae

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

  Bus Timetable #11
• 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 4 OVERVIEW

  DAY FOUR is a full day walk from Hongu south on the Kogumotori-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to the small village of Koguchi.
• 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 UKEGAWA (Kumano Kotsu)

    Depart: 8:39 Kawayu Onsen

    Arrive: 8:44 Ukegawa

  Bus Timetable #4
• WALK KUMANO KODO "KOGUMOTORI-GOE" - UKEGAWA TO KOGUCHI

  

   Distance: ~13 km
   Time: 4.5~6 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~670 m
   Elevation Loss: ~690 m
  
  The Kogumotori-goe is a pass over a mountain range between Hongu and Koguchi. 
  
  The northern section is a gradual climbing gradient, mid-section has some ups and downs, and the southern descent is the steepest portion.

  Kumano Kodo Map
• LUNCH

  Picnic lunch along the trail.
• VISIT KOGUCHI

  Koguchi is a tiny settlement in a valley bottom surrounding by lush green mountains, the stopping point for walkers between the Kogumotori-goe and Ogumotorie-goe sections.
  
  Several small rivers converge here, offering enticing swimming sites in the summer months.
  
  

   
• OVERNIGHT IN KOGUCHI

  There is limited accommodations in Koguchi. If these are not available then transferring to a nearby village is an option, such as Kumano-gawa or Takata.
• SUPPER

  At accommodation.

• DAY 5 OVERVIEW

  DAY FIVE is a full day walk from Koguchi south on the Ogumotori-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to the shrine-temple complex of Nachisan and Japan's tallest waterfall.
  
  This is considered one of the most difficult sections on the Nakahechi route: Not technically difficult but some long climbs and descents often with cobblestone lined trails, which can be slipperly, especially when wet.
• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.
• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• WALK KUMANO KODO "OGUMOTORI-GOE" - KOGUCHI TO NACHISAN

  

   Distance: ~14 km
   Time: 7~9 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~1260 m
   Elevation Loss: ~930 m
  
  The Ogumotori-goe connects Koguchi and Kumano Nachi Taisha, site of the divine Nachi-no-Otaki, Japan's tallest waterfall. 
  
  This is often considered the most difficult section on the Nakahechi route, so best to give yourself enough time to complete the walk.
  
  As there are no escape routes, if one doesn't feel up to the challenge, take public transit to Shingu and then onto the shrine grounds.

  Kumano Kodo Map
• LUNCH

  Picnic lunch along the trail.
• 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 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 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 Gobo Nankai Bus)

    Depart: 17:04 Nachi-no-Taki-mae
    Arrive: 17:28 Kii-Katsuura

  PRICE: 630 yen

  Bus Timetable #8
• 
  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 6 OVERVIEW

  DAY SIX is the last morning of the visit.   Spend some time in the morning to re-visit the shrine grounds and falls area before the crowds arrive or explore Katsuura before departure. 
  
• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.
• BUS FROM NACHI TO KATSUURA (Kumano Kotsu)

    Depart: 9:44 Nachi-no-Taki-mae
    Arrive: 10:08 Kii-Katsuura

  PRICE: 630 yen

  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
• 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. Visiting the Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu before taking the train to Osaka.
  2. Staying another night in the Katsuura area to enjoy some downtime to recuperate from the walk.
  3. Head east up the coast towards Ise and Nagoya.