KUMANO TRAVEL

KUMAANO Farm & Guesthouse is located in the upper reaches of the isolated Koguchi settlement in the middle of the Kumano Kodo, Ogumotori-goe and Kogumotori-goe sections.  The building was built by the owner who often travelled to India.  His trips inspired him with the name, the extended MAA in Kumano means mother, to interprete the great mother nature of the sacred Kumano mountains.  Surrounding the cottage are mountains and forests with patches of agricultural land fashioned out of the slopes.  The meals are focused around organic vegetables grown in nearby gardens.  The owner welcomes people to enjoy the unique setting.

This cottage is for private use.  Only one booking per day starting from 2 guests.  Single occupancy is not accepted.

@koguchi is like a home-away-from-home in this remote mountain settlement.  It is located just outside of the Koguchi community between Hongu and Nachi. The owner has renovated her grandmother's house, preserving its rural village charm while adding warm modern elements.  In memory of her grandma, guests will be treated to a variety of her grandmother's traditional Japanese-style recipes such as wild boar and hot pot cooking.  The house is perfect for a private group stay, from as few as one to seven people as a stop on the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi pilgrimage route, or as a rural mountain visit. Relax in wicker chairs or stroll around the verdant green and breathe deeply from your new "second home."

The owner will pick up guests from the Kowaze Ferry Ruins (Kogumotori-goe trailhead) or Koguchi and see them off to either the Kogumotori or Ogumotori trailheads nearby in the morning.

NOTICE:
There are two plans to stay at @koguchi (from April 1st, 2024):
● Shared Stay (possibility of two groups)
● Privately Reserved (only one group)
The shared stay plan is from 1 to 2 people.  For groups of 3 or more people the privately reserved plan is the default plan.  (For 1 to 2 people the privately reserved plan is also available).

@koguchi can only accept reservations 10 months or less in advance.

Shizen-no-Ie is an old junior high school that was beautifully renovated as a lodge.  It is located in the tiny community of Koguchi, halfway between Nachi and Hongu, thus making it an important overnight stop on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. To the south is the Ogumotori-goe trail and to the north is the Kogumotori-goe trail.

It is also popular with fishermen, students, and families as a summer vacation spot.  There is a small river and shrine next to the lodge.  This is a great area to enjoy the peacefulness of an isolated mountain village.

Takada Green Land is a basic accommodation and onsen facility in a small community tucked into the lush mountains on the beautiful Takata river. This older facility is about 30 minutes by free shuttle bus from Koguchi, making this a good option for those walking the Kogumotori-goe and Ogumotori-goe sections of the Kumano Kodo.  There are three buildings, the Main Building has western guestrooms and hot spring baths; the Annex (Original Building) has Japanese style guestrooms; and the original building houses the dining room.  The stone outdoor hot spring baths (Kumotori Onsen) are a highlight of a stay.  

NOTE: This facility was formerly called '"Takata Green Land".

At the end of a windy road, in the forested mountains of the Kii peninsula, is the simplistic Café and Guest House Engawa. This family of 7 lives in an old farmhouse, which they have renovated into a small café and guestroom. Much of the construction has been done by the owner and his children, including a classic iron, outdoor wood heated bath; a unique experience and a calm place to stargaze from! Ingredients are sources locally for their vegetarian focused meals. Goats, chickens, and a friendly dog also live on the property. The bio-toilet, washbasin, and bath are all shared with the family. This rustic home-stay farmhouse get-away is located off-the-beaten path, so for those without a vehicle a pick-up and drop-off service is provided from nearby locations such as Koguchi and Hongu.

 "Pilgrims Joe" welcomes Kumano Kodo pilgrims with the understanding and warmth that only a fellow pilgrim can offer.  This older house is located in an isolated small group of homes on the outskirts of Koguchi village upstream of the Akagi-gawa River, nestled at the foot of a stone staircase at the base of Seizo-ji Temple.  Next to the house is towering Momiji maple tree.  There are two bedrooms, one Japanese style and other western.  Guests share the communal facilities. It is a 10 minute walk from the central Koguchi settlement and the Kumano Kodo trailheads.

Born and raised in Tokyo, the owner (who lives nearby) fell in love with Koguchi after walking the Kumano Kodo. He draws on personal pilgrimage experiences to truly connect with guests' journeys.  He is a "Dual Pilgrim" have also walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

The name of the guest house was inspired by the nearby temple.  Visiting Seizo-ji Temple means paying respects toward the Western Pure Land of Buddhism.  Sensing a connection between modern pilgrims and those of old, the owner named this guesthouse "Jo" (浄), meaning "pure."

Let Pilgrims Joe be your home for a night on your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage journey!