Kumano Kodo Pilgrim’s Journey - 7 days Self-Guided | Advanced | April 7, 2023 Departure
Local Package Tours
Description
Bask in the forested Japanese rural landscape along the sacred Kumano Kodo ancient pilgrimage on this 7-day, 6-night self-guided trek.Walk through the undulating hills and mountains of the Kii Peninsula, through villages and mountain trails. Come to understand the spiritual and historical context of this 1,000-year-old pilgrimage with an initial guide on the first day of the tour.
From the traditional starting point at Takijiri-oji, walk to the villages of Takahara, Chikatsuyu and finally Hongu. Visit two grand shrines of the Kumano faith and the highest falls in Japan. At night, soak in three onsen hot spring areas, and stay at local inns and dine on delicious, traditional cuisine.
Complete your tour at the Nachi shrine complex and stay in the Katsuura Onsen area.
An active, challenging pilgrimage along the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo.
Although this tour is “Self-Guided,” as a special addition, a local guide is provided on the first day so guests can get a feel for the trail and environment. Also, the first day will be with the others that have also booked this Self-Guided Package.
Sorry, this tour is Sold Out. Please be on the lookout for more local package tours.
Price
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Description
Walk this self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage along two challenging mountainous routes between Hongu Village and Nachi shrine complex.
The tour includes traditional stays, local cuisine, beautiful historical passage among Japanese natural and rural landscapes over 3 nights.
It also includes an English-speaking guide only for the first day to add deeper context to the experience!
WHEN | April 7 to 13, 2023 |
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STARTING/FINISHING POINT |
Starting Point: JR Kii-Tanabe Finishing Point: Katsuura Onsen |
PRICE |
125,000 yen/person Twin share |
ROUTE | Takahara | Chikatsuyu | Hongu | Kawayu Onsen | Koguchi | Nachi | Katsuura Onsen |
DURATION | 7 days & 6 nights |
OVERNIGHT | Takahara, Chikatsuyu, Kawayu Onsen *2 nights, Koguchi, Katsuura Onsen |
OVERALL LEVEL | Intermediate |
TYPE | Self-guided. No T/C |
DAILY LUGGAGE SHUTTLE | Available for all days. |
MAXIMUM GUESTS | 10 Guests |
MINIMUM GUESTS | 3 Guests |
GUIDE | Only for April 7, 2023 (Takijiri to Takahara part) |
RECOMMENDED FOR | Those looking for a longer, more intensive Kumano Kodo pilgrimage experience. |
INCLUDED
6 Nights of accommodation
6 Suppers, 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest)
NOT INCLUDED
Train tickets to Kii-Tanabe or airplane ticket to Nanki-Shirahama.
Transporation such as bus fare in the itinerary
Miscellaneous personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping, etc.
Travel insurance (please purchase this before your trip)
NOTES
● The Kumano Kodo is a mountain trail with sections unpaved, uneven surfaces of dirt, roots and cobblestones. Please wear appropriate footwear.
● For clothes it is best to bring layered clothes, such as a fleece jacket and an outer shell. Snow is rare in the mountains of the southern Kii peninsula, but if there are chances of freezing overnight. More weather information.
● Some accommodations have shared facilities such as hot-spring baths. Here is a detailed overview on how to take a Japanese bath.
● Tour itinerary may change depending on local circumstances and/or weather.
● Please meet for the tour at Tanabe Tourist Information Center by 11:30 AM on April 7, 2023.
Any questions? Contact us!
- April 7, 2023
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Meet a guide at TANABE Tourist Information Center.
Local Bus from Kii-Tanabe at 12:50 to Takijiri (~40 min)
Walk from Takijiri-oji to Takahara (~4 km, ~3 hrs)
Stay in Takahara (Kiri-no-Sato Takahara, Western or Japanese style room with ensuite toilet)
========================================Day 1:Breakfast/× Lunch/× Supper/〇
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Takijiri-oji→Kiri-no-Sato Takahara
- April 8, 2023
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Walk Kumano Kodo Takahara to Tsugizakura-oji (13 km, 6~8 hrs)
Bus from Nonaka no Ipposugi to Chikatsuyu-oji (~6 mins)
Stay in Chikatsuyu (Minshuku Chikatsuyu, Main Building Shared toilet and bath)
========================================Day 2:Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Kiri-no-Sato Takahara→Minshuku Chikatsuyu
- April 9, 2023
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Bus from Chikatsuyu-oji to Doyukawa-bashi (~10 min)
Walk Doyukawa-bashi to Kumano Hongu Taisha (~17 km, ~9 hrs)
Bus from Hongu to Kawayu Onsen (~15 min)
Stay in Kawayu Onsen (Kawayu Midoriya, Japanese style room with ensuite toilet and bath)
========================================Day 3:Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Minshuku Chikatsuyu→Kawayu Midoriya
- April 10, 2023
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(OPTION) Bus from Hongu to Yunomine Onsen (~15 min)
(OPTION) Walk Yunomine Onsen to Kumano Hongu Taisha (~2 km, ~2 hrs)
Bus from Hongu to Kawayu Onsen (~15 min)
Stay in Kawayu Onsen (Kawayu Midoriya, Japanese style room with ensuite toilet and bath)
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Day 4:Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇
No daily luggage shuttles
- April 11, 2023
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Bus from Kawayu Onsen to Ukegawa (~10 min)
Walk Ukegawa to Koguchi (~13 km, 4.5~6 hr)
Stay in Koguchi (Koguchi Shizen-no-Ie, Japanese style room with shared toilet and bath)
========================================Day 5:Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Kawayu Midoriya→Koguchi Shizen-no-Ie
- April 12, 2023
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Walk Koguchi to Kumano Nachi Taisha (~14 km, 7~9 hr)
Bus from taki-mae to Kii-Katsuura (~20 mins)
Stay in Katsuura Onsen (Hotel Urashima, Nisshokan or Nagisakan, Japanese style room with ensuite toilet and bath)
========================================Day 6:Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Koguchi Shizen-no-Ie→Hotel Urashima
- April 13, 2023
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End of tour:Go to next destination!
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Day 7:Breakfast/〇 Lunch/× Supper/×
No daily luggage shuttles
Our Request for Travelers during the Tour ・In order to follow the guidelines for the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus, please check this link of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) for the most updated information regarding traveling to Japan. JNTO Practical Coronavirus Information |
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Itinerary Map

Highlights
Day 1
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Option 1
Airplane from Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama Airport (JAL213)Depart: 7:45 Haneda Airport Arrive: 9:05 Nanki-Shirahama Airport *Not included in the tour price -
Option 2
TRAIN FROM OSAKA TO KII-TANABE (JR Kuroshio 1)Depart: 7:35 Shin-Osaka
Depart: 7:59 TennojiArrive: 9:58 Kii-Tanabe
The JR train travels down the west coast of the Kii peninsula.
As you head south the scenery changes dramatically from the large urban centers to agricultural and natural regions, with distinctively less populated mountains.
Watch for terraced orange and ume orchards along the way.
TIP: Sit on the right hand side of the train for the best views.
*Not included in the tour price -
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! -
Meet Guide
Meet guide at TANABE Tourist Information Center at 11:30. The guide will meet you at TANABE Tourist Information Center next to the Kii-Tanabe station and do brief introduction of the tour, and make sure you board your public bus. After re-grouping at Takijiri your tour begins and he will escort you until Takahara accommodation.
*Guide is only for day 1. -
LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
Meet the luggage shuttle man at Tanabe Tourist Information center.
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BUS FROM KII-TANABE STATION TO TAKIJIRI (Ryujin Bus)
Depart: 12:50 Kii-Tanabe
Arrive: 13:28 Takijiri
Busses depart from bus stop two in front of the station.
PRICE: 970 yen
NOTE: You can buy your bus ticket at the vending machine in the information center.
*Not included in the tour price -
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.
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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.
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WALK KUMANO KODO - TAKIJIRI-OJI TO TAKAHARA
Distance: ~4 km
Time: 2~3 hr
Elevation Gain: ~430 m
Elevation Loss: ~200 m
This is a short but steep uphill walk from Takijiri to the ridge top settlement of Takahara. The trailhead is located behind the Takijiri-oji shrine pavilion.
NOTE: The trail starts off with a challenging grade so set a slow, easy pace, watching your steps on the rocks and roots. -
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. -
OVERNIGHT IN TAKAHARA
There are a few options in Takahara including the Kiri-no-Sato Takahara Lodge and smaller facilities, such as rental houses.
Stay: Kiri-no-Sato Takahara, Western or Japanese style room with ensuite toilet
Day 2
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LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
Leave luggage at accommodation.
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WALK KUMANO KODO - TAKAHARA TO CHIKATSUYU/TSUGIZAKURA
Distance: 9.3~10 km
Time: 5~8 hr
Elevation Gain: 590~830 m
Elevation Loss: 640~650 m
This walk continues into the forested mountains east of Takahara climbing up and over ridges into the next watershed, descending into the village of Chikatsuyu.
The Nonaka area is another ~3 km further along the trail on an old highway.
NOTE: The Michi-no-Eki rest area near numbered signpost 23 sells drinks, snacks, and simple meals. -
VISIT CHIKATSUYU
The village after Takahara is Chikatsuyu where the clear Hiki-gawa river runs through the valley.
On the east side of Chikatsuyu-oji is Hashiori-jaya cafe, a small and cozy spot for a break. Or a little further on the Chikatsuyu Experience Center's restaurant called Kotorinoki housed in a renovated historic home.
Pass through Chikatsuyu towards Tsugizakura-oji. -
VISIT TSUGIZAKURA-OJI
Tsugizakura-oji is a small shrine featuring gigantic old-growth trees, with branches facing south, drawn by the power of Kannon's southern paradise.
Directly below Tsugizakura-oji is the Nonaka-no-Shimizu spring, a nice stop to fill up a water bottle.
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BUS FROM NONAKA TO CHIKATSUYU
Depart: 15:54 Nonaka-no-Ipposugi
Arrive: 15:59 Chikatsuyu-oji
*Not included in the tour price -
OVERNIGHT IN CHIKATSUYU
There are some minshuku guesthouses and rental houses in Chikatsuyu.
Stay: Minshuku Chikatsuyu, Main Building Shared toilet and bath
Day 3
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LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
Leave luggage at accommodation.
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Option 2 (Intermediate Walk)
WALK KUMANO KODO - DOYUKAWA-BASHI BUS STOP TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHADistance: ~17 km
Time: 6~9 hr
Elevation Gain: ~770 m
Elevation Loss: ~1170 m
BUS FROM CHIKATSUYU OR NONAKA TO DOYUKAWA-BASHI (Ryujin Bus)Depart: 7:23 Chikatsuyu-oji
Depart: 7:29 Nonaka Ipposugi
Arrive: 7:33 Doyukawa-bashiPRICE: 280 yen
Kumano Kodo Map 1
Kumano Kodo Map 2
Walk Options
Bus Timetable #1 -
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.
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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. -
Option 1
BUS FROM HONGU TO YUNOMINE, WATARASE AND KAWAYU ONSEN (Nara Kotsu)Depart: 16:58 Hongu Taisha-mae
Arrive: 17:09 Yunomine Onsen
Arrive: 17:17 Watarase Onsen
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.
*Not included in the tour price -
OVERNIGHT IN YUNOMINE, KAWAYU OR WATAZE ONSEN
There is a diversity of accommodations in Yunomine, Kawayu or Wataze Onsen such as Ryokan inns, Minshuku lodgings.
Stay: <Kawayu Onsen> Kawayu Midoriya, Japanese style room with ensuite toilet and bath
Day 4
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Option 1
WALK KUMANO KODO - HONGU TO YUNOMINE ONSEN - DAINICHI-GOEDistance: ~2 km
Time: 1~2 hr
Elevation Gain: ~250 m
Elevation Loss: ~190 m
The Dainichi-goe route is a short but relatively steep trail over Mt. Dainichi that links the Hongu village with Yunomine Onsen.
The trailhead is at the southend of Hongu.Bus to Yunomine Onsen -
BUS FROM YUNOMINE, WATAZE AND KAWAYU ONSEN TO UKEGAWA (Kumano Kotsu)
Depart: 15:05 Hongu Taisha-mae
Arrive: 15:16 Kawayu Onsen Arrive: 15:17 Wataze Onsen Arrive: 15:24 Yunomine Onsen -
OVERNIGHT IN YUNOMINE, KAWAYU OR WATAZE ONSEN
There is a diversity of accommodations in Yunomine, Kawayu or Wataze Onsen such as Ryokan inns, Minshuku lodgings.
Stay: <Kawayu Onsen> Kawayu Midoriya, Japanese style room with ensuite toilet and bath
Day 5
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LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
Leave luggage at accommodation.
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BUS FROM YUNOMINE, WATAZE AND KAWAYU ONSEN TO UKEGAWA (Kumano Kotsu)
Depart: 8:31 Yunomine Onsen
Depart: 8:37 Wataze Onsen
Depart: 8:39 Kawayu Onsen
Arrive: 8:44 Ukegawa*Not included in the tour price -
WALK KUMANO KODO "KOGUMOTORI-OGE" - 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. -
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.
Stay: Koguchi Shizen-no-Ie, Main Building Shared toilet and bath
Day 6
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LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
Leave luggage at accommodation.
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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. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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OVERNIGHT IN KATSUURAThere are a diversity of Ryokan, Minshuku, and Guesthouses in Katsuura, so with coastal views, and many with hot spring baths.
Bus from Nachi-no-Taki-mae bus stop to Kii-Katsuura Station
Depart: 17:04 Nachi-no-Taki-mae
Arrive: 17:28 Kii-Katsuura Station
Bus fare:*Not included in the tour price
Stay: Hotel Urashima, Nisshokan or nagisakan, Japanese style room with ensuite toilet and bath -
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