KUMANO TRAVEL

 Description

 Itinerary Map

 Highlights

• 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 Tennoji

    Arrive: 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.
  

  Train Timetable Search Engines

  *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.
  
• 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.
  

  Bus Timetable #1
  How to Ride a Local Bus

  *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.
  

  Kumano Kodo Kan
• 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.
  

  Takijiri-oji
• 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.

  Kumano Kodo Map
• 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.

  Takahara
• 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

• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• 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.
  

  Kumano Kodo Map
• 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.

  Chikatsuyu Map
• 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.
  

  Tsugizakura-oji
• BUS FROM NONAKA TO CHIKATSUYU

  Depart: 15:54 Nonaka-no-Ipposugi

  Arrive: 15:59 Chikatsuyu-oji

  
  

  Bus Timetable #2

  *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

• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• Option 2 (Intermediate Walk)
  WALK KUMANO KODO - DOYUKAWA-BASHI BUS STOP TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA

  

   Distance: ~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-bashi

  PRICE: 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.
  

  Kumano Hongu Taisha

  Hongu Map
• 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.

  Oyunohara
• 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.
  
  

  Bus Timetable #11

  *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

• Option 1
  WALK KUMANO KODO - HONGU TO YUNOMINE ONSEN - DAINICHI-GOE

  

   Distance: ~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.
  

  Dainichi-goe
  Kumano Kodo Map

  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

  Bus Timetable #11
• 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

• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• 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

  Bus Timetable #4

  *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.

  Kumano Kodo Map
• 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

• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• 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.

  Kumano Kodo Map
• 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.
  

  Nachisan Map
• 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.
  

  Kumano Nachi Taisha

  Nachisan Map
• 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.
  

  Nachisan Map
• 
  OVERNIGHT IN KATSUURA

  There 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 Timetable #8

  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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