KUMANO TRAVEL

Kumano Nakahechi Enjoyment Inn Chrisgawa was born from a dream. After walking the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes himself, the owner felt a calling to create a special place where pilgrims could truly immerse themselves in the Kumano experience. This is that place—a one-group-per-day guesthouse where you can find the peace and space you need to connect with the ancient trail.

Strategically positioned in the heart of Nakahechi, we offer unbeatable access to the trail's most significant sites. Takijiri-oji is just 4 minutes away by car, and Takahara is 8 minutes—both ideal starting points for your day's walk. We're happy to provide shuttle service, so you can start fresh in the morning and return to comfort after a rewarding day on the trail.

With five guest rooms all to yourself, you'll have plenty of space whether you're traveling solo, with family, or in a group. This makes Kurisugawa ideal for multi-day stays as you work your way along the Nakahechi route at your own pace. The entire guesthouse is yours—relax, spread out, and make yourself at home.

We provide a complimentary breakfast* to start your day right. For other meals, you have complete freedom. A supermarket is conveniently located nearby, and our fully equipped kitchen is yours to use. Cook together with your travel companions, try local ingredients, or simply prepare what you like. This flexible approach keeps costs down, making extended stays comfortable and affordable.

* Please note we cannot accommodate special dietary requirements.

NULLM KAZE Rental House (formerly Nuruminoie) is a boutique rental house in Nakahechi about 15 minutes drive north of the Takahara settlement.  It is an older farmhouse with a designer renovation.  The fully furnished house itself is a one-story wooden structure with a series of rooms, including both Western and Japanese-style atmospheres.  The entrance and kitchen feature an exposed ceiling to showcase traditional construction techniques. 

The relaxing space offers views over the bucolic satoyama landscape of the wide Nurumi-gawa river valley, which the name derives from.  The bamboo trees waving in the wind frame the mountains beyond. 

This is a private house rental for only one group per night.

Akatsuki is a “Minpaku” or homestay run by the cheery Maeda couple, in a neighborhood of Kurisugawa, on a narrow mountain road to the ridgetop settlement of Takahara (a 5-minute drive by car). 

It is a two-story home with guestrooms on the second floor.  One guestroom has twin beds and the other sleeps with futons on the floor.  The house itself is lovingly maintained and decorated with handmade crafts and flowers.  It is a comfortable and welcoming homestay environment.

The Maedas are thrilled to open their home to visitors and look forward to offering unique experiences to guests. Ms. Maeda playfully used the character 暁 “Akatsuki” for the name of the minpaku, which is a character in her husband's name (to make him work!).

They offer free pick-up and drop-off from Takahara, Takijiri-oji, and Kurisugawa bus stops.

Guest House Kiyohime is a two-story house in the small settlement of Manago, ~2 km south of Takijiri-oji (~20 min walk) just off, or uphill, from route 311.   

Rooms share common facilities including toilet, bath, washing machine and kitchen. Each room is simply decorated and provides comfortable private space.

This guest house was renovated to host walkers along the Kumano Kodo by the owner who frequently travels the world with his job as a dog breeder.  He noticed more and more international pilgrims and wanted to extend his hospitality to those who visit the area. Guest House Kiyohime is convenient for those wanting to overnight somewhat closer to Takijiri-oji.

* Please note that we are no longer accepting new reservations for the full-floor rental plan. We now offer private rooms with shared facilities.

● Note: the closest bus stop is Kiyohime, not Takijiri. See Access notes below.