KUMANO KODO Trek - 7 days | Expert | Kohechi, Koyasan to Hongu: Apr 27 to May 3, 2025
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Daimon Gate at Koyasan
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Kongobu-ji Temple
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Konpon Daito Pagoda
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Gorinto stone monument
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Nyonin Michi
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Okuno-in graveyard
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Shojin ryori cuisine
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Buddhist priests praying
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Kohechi mountains
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Miura-guchi
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Hatenashi Village
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Obako-toge Pass
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Kohechi route
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View
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Miura-guchi
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Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail
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Kumano Hongu Taisha
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O-torii gate at Oyunohara
Local Package Tours
Description
The Kohechi route connects two sacred sites of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network in the Kii Peninsula: Koyasan and Kumano.
Join this 7-day, 6-night self-guided expert-level Kumano Kodo Kohechi package tour and spend two nights exploring the ancient isolated mountain enclave of Koyasan, the home of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Enjoy temple lodging and traditional vegetarian monastery "shojin ryori" cuisine. In Koyasan, walk through the Danjo Garan worship and training grounds or stroll Okuno-in to revered saint Kobo Daishi's mausoleum through Japan's largest graveyard with over 200,000 gravestones and towering Japanese cedar.
Then, proceed along the challenging often ridgeline walks of the Kohechi route for four days through the Omine Mountain Range popularized around 700 years ago. There are four passes of over 1000 meters along the more than 65-km route, with small settlements located in the river valleys (Omata, Miura-guchi, Totsukawa Onsen, and the Hongu area), with some enjoyable hot springs including Tostukawa Onsen.
Complete your tour at Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and stay in the Yunomine Onsen hot spring area.
An active, extremely challenging pilgrimage of the sacred Kumano Kodo.
※ No single occupancy available. Reservations must be for 2 or more.
※ This is a self-guided tour.
For expert hikers in good physical condition with multi-day, mountain hike experience only.
※ This tour is fully booked.
Price
| KUMANO KODO Trek - 7 days | Expert | Kohechi, Koyasan to Hongu | |
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1 persons
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2 persons
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3 persons
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4 persons
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5 persons
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6 persons
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Description
Walk this self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage over four challenging mountainous passes on the Kohechi route between Koyasan and Hongu.
The tour includes traditional stays, local cuisine, beautiful historical passage among Japanese natural and rural landscapes over 6 nights.
| WHEN | Apr 27 to May 3, 2025 |
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| STARTING/FINISHING POINT |
Starting Point: Koyasan Finishing Point: Yunomine Onsen (Hongu) |
| PRICE |
See above |
| ROUTE | Koyasan| Omata | Miura-guchi | Totsukawa | Hongu |
| DURATION | 7 days & 6 nights |
| OVERNIGHT | Koyasan | Omata | Miura-guchi | Totsukawa Onsen | Yunomine Onsen |
| OVERALL LEVEL | Expert |
| TYPE | Self-guided. No T/C |
| DAILY LUGGAGE SHUTTLE | Available for all days starting from Day 3 |
| MAXIMUM | 8 Guests |
| MINIMUM | 2 Guests |
| WALKING DIFFICULTY | Day 3=4.5, Day 4=5, Day 5=4.5, Day 6=4.5 What is walking difficulty? |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | Experienced hikers in strong physical condition who have done multi-day treks in mountain environments. The Kohechi is not for beginners. |
INCLUDED
6 Nights of accommodation
6 Suppers, 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest)
Kumano Kodo Official Guide Book (1 per room)
NOT INCLUDED
Train tickets to Koyasan, transit from Hongu after the tour
Transportation such as bus fare
Miscellaneous personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping, etc.
Travel insurance (please purchase this before your trip)
NOTES
● The Kumano Kodo Kohechi route is a mountain trail with 4 passes of over 1000 meters elevation. There are many steep climbs and ascents with some steep drops beside the trail. Near the village areas there are sections on paved roads. To complete this trek good preparation and a high level of experience and fitness is necessary.
● For clothes it is best to bring layered clothes, good footwear. Poles are recommended. Be prepared for varied weather at elevation and precipitation year round. More weather information and other tips.
● 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 collect your tour information after check-in (between 15:00 and 18:00) at temple lodging in Koyasan.
Any questions? Contact us!
- DAY 1
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Arrive in Koyasan.
Check-in to Koyasan temple accommodation and receive tour materials (materials will also be sent via email) (hard copies can be sent in advance to Japanese address)
Stay in Koyasan (Temple Stay), Japanese style room with shared toilet and bath)
========================================Day 1：Breakfast/× Lunch/× Supper/〇
No daily luggage shuttles
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
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Walk Koyasan to Omata bus stop (~17 km, 6~8 hrs)
Shuttle to accommodation (~10 min)
Stay in Omata (Hotel), Japanese style room with ensuite toilet
========================================Day 3：Breakfast/〇 Lunch/× Supper/〇
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Koyasan→Omata
- DAY 4
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Walk Omata to Miura-guchi (~15 km, 6~8 hrs)
Stay in Miura-guchi (Minshuku), Japanese style room with shared toilet and bath
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Day 4：Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇
Daily luggage shuttle (1 piece per guest) Omata→Miura-guchi
- DAY 5
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Walk Miura-guchi to Totsukawa (~18 km, 7~9 hr)
Stay in Totsukawa Onsen (Minshuku), Japanese style room with shared toilet and bath
========================================Day 5：Breakfast/〇 Lunch/〇 Supper/〇
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Miura-guchi→Totsukawa Onsen
- DAY 6
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Walk Totsukawa to Kumano Hongu Taisha (~15 km, 7~9 hr)
Bus from Hongu Taisha-mae to Yunomine (~15 mins)
Stay in Yunomine Onsen (Ryokan), Japanese style room with ensuite toilet and bath
========================================Day 6：Breakfast/〇 Lunch/× Supper/〇
Daily luggage shuttles (1 piece per guest) Totsukawa Onsen→Yunomine Onsen
- DAY 7
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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
Itinerary Map
Day 1 (S)
Transfer to Koyasan | Overnight: Temple in Koyasan
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TRAIN FROM NAMBA TO GOKURAKUBASHI (JR Nankai Koya Line)
Depart: Namba
Arrive: Gokurakubashi
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CABLE CAR FROM GOKURAKUBASHI TO KOYASAN (Nankai Koyasan Cable)
Depart: Gokurakubashi
Arrive: Koyasan
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BUS FROM KOYASAN STATION TO SENJUIN-BASHI (Nankai Rinkan Bus)
Depart: Koyasan
Arrive: Senjuin-bashi
NOTE: The above is suggested access. Price is not included in the tour. Japan-guide.com has easy to understand transport information. -
VISIT KOYASAN
Koyasan is a sacred Shingon Buddhist temple complex located in an alpine basin founded by the high priest Kukai, posthumously known as Kobo Daishi (774-835).
Strolling around this sacred monastery town and surrounding walks offer many cultural sites and experiences. -
OVERNIGHT AT TEMPLE IN KOYASAN
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SUPPER
At temple.
Day 2 (B,S)
Visit Koyasan | Overnight: Temple in Koyasan
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BREAKFAST
At temple. -
VISIT KOYASAN
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OVERNIGHT AT TEMPLE IN KOYASAN
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SUPPER
At temple.
Day 3 (B,S)
Walk Kumano Kodo, Koyasan to Omata | Overnight: Omata
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BREAKFAST
At temple.
BUY LUNCH
Buy something for lunch to eat along the trail. -
LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
Leave luggage at accommodation.
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WALK KUMANO KODO - KOYASAN TO OMATA
Distance: ~17 km
Time: 6~8 hr
Elevation Gain: ~690 m
Elevation Loss: ~840 m
The section starts in Koyasan and finishes at the Omata Bus Stop. These are longer sections on paved roads: near Otaki, on the Koyasan-Ryujin Skyline road, and a forestry road after Mizugamine Peak. The trail is generally wide and easy to walk, with some steep sections into river valleys near Otaki (Odono-gawa River) and the Omata Bus Stop (Kawarabi-gawa River). -
OVERNIGHT IN OMATA
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SUPPER
At accommodation.
Day 4 (B,L,S)
Walk Kumano Kodo, Omata to Miura-guchi | Overnight: Miura-guchi
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BREAKFAST
At accommodation.
PICK UP LUNCH BOX
Supplied by accommodation to eat along the trail. -
LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
Leave luggage at accommodation.
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WALK KUMANO KODO - OMATA TO MIURA-GUCHI
Distance: ~14.5 km
Time: 6~8 hr
Elevation Gain: ~740 m
Elevation Loss: ~1090 m
This is often considered the most challenging and “wildest” day of the trek. The trail is entirely in the mountains with much of it at high elevation. It is one of the highest peaks (1,344m) in the region taking the brunt of storms that rise up the mountain range from the ocean.
The trail has a very different feel on either side of the Obako-toge Pass. The north side has wider trails with easier gradients. The south side is more of a wilderness trail with some spots that are narrow with steep slopes. -
OVERNIGHT IN MIURA-GUCHI
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SUPPER
At accommodation.
Day 5 (B,L,S)
Walk Kumano Kodo, Miura-guchi to Totsukawa | Overnight: Totsukawa Onsen
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BREAKFAST
At accommodation.
PICK UP LUNCH BOX
Supplied by accommodation to eat along the trail. -
LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
Leave luggage at accommodation.
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WALK KUMANO KODO - MIURA-GUCHI TO TOTSUKAWA
Distance: ~18 km
Time: 7~9 hr
Elevation Gain: ~815 m
Elevation Loss: ~1050 m
From Miura-guchi bus stop the trail threads by some buildings to a metal suspension bridge across the river. From here it is a steady and constant climb to the pass.
The first 10 km is a mountain trail up and over the Miura-toge Pass. The last 8 km are on Route 425 parallel to the Nishi-gawa River to Totsukawa Onsen. -
OVERNIGHT IN TOTSUKAWA ONSEN
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SUPPER
At accommodation.
Day 6 (B,S)
Walk Kumano Kodo, Totsukawa to Hongu | Overnight: Yunomine Onsen
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BREAKFAST
At accommodation.
BUY LUNCH
Buy something for lunch to eat along the trail. -
LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
Leave luggage at accommodation.
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WALK KUMANO KODO - TOTSUKAWA TO HONGU
Distance: ~15.5 km
Time: 7~9 hr
Elevation Gain: ~1075 m
Elevation Loss: ~1170 m
This section is know as the Hatenashi-toge, a steep climb and descent over the pass. From Yakio Bus Stop the trail follows Route 168 before joining the Nakahechi route at Sangen-jaya until Kumano Hongu Taisha.
The trail is lined with photogenic statues of Kannon.
NOTE: The Michi-no-Eki rest area to the south of pass contains a grocery store with light meals. -
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. -
BUS FROM HONGU TO YUNOMINE ONSEN
Depart: Hongu Taisha-mae
Arrive: Yunomine Onsen
Busses depart from in front of the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center.
NOTE: Limited busses, so check timetable before hand. Staff at the Heritage Center also are a good resource onsite. -
OVERNIGHT IN YUNOMINE ONSEN
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SUPPER
At accommodation.
Day 7 (B)
Finish Tour | Transfer to Next Destination
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BREAKFAST
At accommodation.
Participation requirements
● I have the physical endurance to walk long distances and traverse steep terrain for multiple consecutive days. (Up to 20 km per day, maximum 10 hours per day, for 4 consecutive days.)
● I am capable of walking for extended periods on uneven, muddy, and rocky trails.
● I have hiked recently and am in good to excellent fitness.
● I will prepare appropriate hiking gear (hiking boots, rainwear, warm clothing, etc.) and understand my preparation is my own responsibility.
● I accept route changes or withdrawal based on weather conditions or my physical condition on the day of the hike.
● I have no medical conditions that would prevent me from long-distance hiking or trekking.
● I understand having travel and mountain insurance to cover potential injuries or accidents is highly recommended.
