Kumano Kodo Walk, Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha
Kodo Walkers
Description
This ~7 km route winds through the old countryside neighborhoods and forested paths with several places to enjoy panoramic views. It is like taking a time machine back to a way of life long forgotten by the city dwellers in Japan. This route is also rich in history and has many tales of the many generations of pilgrims who have walked this way for over a thousand years. It is mostly downhill with a few short uphill inclines so it is perfect for those looking to do an easier walk on the pilgrimage route.
The walk begins at the Hosshinmon-oji, one of the most important sites on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. It serves as the spiritual gateway to the divine precincts the Kumano Hongu Taisha. The name means “gateway to spiritual awakening". Passage through this gate was considered a symbolic rebirth. The final destination is the Grand Shrine of Kumano Hongu Taisha and the nearby Oyunohara, the site where Hongu Taisha originally stood for around two millennium.
You can see why this route has remained one of the most popular walks on the Kumano Kodo.
Price
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Details
Tour Outline
| Course Name | Hosshinmon-Oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (Oyunohara) |
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| Distance | ~7 km |
| Time | ~6.5 hours (not including bus transport times) |
| Difficulty | 2 What is a difficulty rating of walking trails? |
| Meeting Place | 1. In front of Kumano Hongu Heritage Center. From here we will take a public bus to Hosshinmon-oji (470 yen, not included in tour). ※ If you would like to meet the guide directly at Hosshinmon-Oji. ※ If you are taking the bus from Chikatsuyu (or somewhere else), the guide can adjust the meeting time to your bus schedule. 2. Your accommodation in Hongu area (Yunomine Onsen, kawayu Onsen, Wataze Onsen etc). Please let us know your schedule when making your reservation request. |
| Tour Ending Place | Hongu village |
| Maps | Kumano Kodo Hosshinmon~Hongu Taisha, Hongu Map |
Tour Options
| OPTION 1 |
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| Meeting Time | 9:00 |
| End of Tour | ~14:00 |
| OPTION 2 |
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| Meeting Time | 10:00 |
| End of Tour | ~14:50 |
※ Please specify which tour time you would like to join when making the reservation request.
Price Notice
※ Price includes insurance fee.
※ Price does not include transportation fees or meals for participants but does include meals and transportation costs for the guides.
Children
Please contact us for pricing for children.NOTE: Wakayama Local Guide Association may not accept children on some guided walks.
Luggage
To store larger bags during the walk, there are coin-lockers next to Ishihara Shop in front of the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center.
Lunch
Not included in this tour.Are you interested in trying the taste of the Kumano mountains? A popular and delicious "Kumano Kodo" lunch for walkers is offered by Minsyuku Omuraya. This can be delivered to the tour meeting place for you at the beginning of your tour. It contains onigiri rice balls, including mehari-zushi (rice wrapped in a pickled mustard leaf, a local specialty). It includes mushrooms, bamboo shoots, etc. Book online
After Tour
There are a few options once the tour is complete.● Stay overnight in nearby Hongu, Yunomine Onsen, or Kawayu Onsen. (recommended)
● Take a bus to Tanabe or Shingu. Bus timetables
For those wanting to do shorter walks on the pilgrimage route this is a good tour to join.
Please contact us if you would like more ideas on how to fit this guided walk into your visit.
Notes
Please:● wear appropriate clothing and walking shoes.
● be prepared for rain.
● bring a lunch and drinks.
Pilgrimage Etiquette
Please abide by the following guidelines while enjoying the Kumano Kodo.Map
- Access Information
- Public Bus● Daily busses leave from Kii-Tanabe station and Shirahama for Hongu (Hosshinmon-oji) (Bus timetable #1)● Daily busses leave from Shingu station for Hongu (Bus timetable #3)● Daily busses also connect Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen with Hongu (Bus timetable #11)※ Some accommodation offer free shuttle service toHosshinmon-oji in the morning.
Taxi● Another transportation option is to take a taxi.
Train● JR Kii-Tanabe or JR Shirahama to Kumano Hongu Taisha. Book online● From Kumano Hongu Taisha to JR Kii-Tanabe or JR Shirahama. Book online
