YAKIOHOUSE is a comfy, fully renovated, pastoral rental house in the Hongu area near the Kumano Kodo Kohechi route and relatively close to the Nakahechi as well. The owner is a photographer who fell in love with Hongu while visiting Wakayama Prefecture for a few years and eventually moved here to raise his family. YAKIOHOUSE is simple, clean, and modernized, located on a hill overlooking the Kumanogawa River and facing the Kohechi, perfect for not just Kumano Kodo hikers, but also for small groups or families wanting to relax a couple of days in the rural countryside.

Although not located in the onsen hot spring area (Yunomine, Kawayu, Wataze / Watarase), YAKIOHOUSE is one of many excellent options in the Greater Hongu area.

It is located just 10 minutes by bus from Kumano Hongu Taisha, and shuttle pickup from Hongu Taisha-mae can be reserved at booking.

YAKIOHOUSE can only accept reservations 4 months or less in advance.

Located just 4 km from Kumano Hongu Taisha (near the Fushigami-oji on the Kumano Kodo), this country-side home is the perfect place to stay before your final pilgrimage destination. Nestled in the quiet ridge-top settlement of Fushiogami, it offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the timeless beauty of rural Japan. Limited to only two groups per night, the lodging features spacious, clean rooms with serene garden views. It has been renovated to create two private suites in the same house.  With an early morning departure, you'll have plenty of time for a relaxed and meaningful visit to Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Chanoka Tea Aroma Inn is a small rural guesthouse with a local tea plantation in the greater Hongu area. The owner inherited it from her grandparents and created the inn to share Japanese tea culture with others from around the world. Guests can choose from 2 rooms, Japanese or western-style, for up to just 5 guests total. Meals feature home-grown vegetables and tea-related dishes unique to tea farms. Guests can even choose a plan that includes a tea aroma experience. Although located away from the center of Hongu and onsen area, the owner offers free shuttle pickup from Hongu Taisha-mae bus stop. The inn is excellent for those walking the Kumano Kodo and interested in rural Japanese life.

Kumano Hagi Matsumiya is a historic inn located in Hagi, a small village north of Hongu village.  It is currently operated by a married couple who hope to share its rich history and their simple hospitality with guests from all over the world.  Established in 1889, the inn was originally a popular stop for wood rafters who floated cedar and cypress logs along the Kumano-gawa River from Totsukawa Village to Shingu. Back then, the river was the highway, and Hagi, the area of the inn, was a busy place. The ruins of the harbor are still nearby. There are 7 seven Japanese-style rooms, shared baths, and a nostalgic turn-of-the-century ambiance. Meals are held in the dining area. It is conveniently located for Kumano Kodo Kohechi walkers just a 13-minute walk to the Yakio trailhead and 7 minutes to the roadside rest area Oku-Kumano Hongu. Shuttle service is offered to and from Hosshinmon-oji, Kumano Hongu Taisha, and Kogumotori-goe Ukegawa trailhead making it a decent option for Nakahechi walkers as well. 

Guesthouse Hatenashi offers comfortable Western-style rooms near the Kohechi route in Hongu Village. The owner moved to live in the Kumano area from Osaka with his family and open up an accommodation. He also runs the nearby Japanese-style rental house "Guest House Shitanoie." While Guesthouse Hatenashi is located away from central Hongu and onsen hot spring onsen areas (Yunomine, Kawayu, Watarase), there are local busses from Hongu Taisha-mae bus stop. There are no meals offered at the accommodation, but there is a shared kitchen, and a supermarket is conveniently located nearby. It is a great, simple option for Kumano Kodo Kohechi hikers.

Cottage Kirihata, a private rental accommodation nestled in a tranquil rural village just 8 minutes by car from Kumano Hongu Taisha—one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites—is the perfect retreat for couples, friends, and young families. After exploring the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, unwind and rejuvenate in the peaceful mountain setting. Beyond hiking the historic trails, guests can enjoy a variety of activities including river play, fishing, and BBQ dining right at the cottage.