Description

 Itinerary Map

 Highlights

• Option 1
  Airplane from Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama Airport (JAL213)

   Depart: 7:35 Haneda Airport
   Arrive: 8:50 Nanki-Shirahama Airport

  *Not included in the tour price
• Option 2
  TRAIN FROM OSAKA TO KII-TANABE (JR Kuroshio 1)

  

   Depart: 7:34 Shin-Osaka
   Depart: 7:40 Osaka
    Depart: 7:57 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!

  Please note that this information center is not a KUMANO TRAVEL support desk. Please review and study your booking details before arrival to make your trip the smoothest possible.

   

  Pick up your Tour Information Pack, which includes:

  • ● Nakahechi Route Maps
  • ● Dual Pilgrim Stamp Credential
  • ● Kumano Kodo Bus Pass
  • ● Official Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Guide Book
• VISIT TANABE

  Tanabe is a small coastal city on the west side of the Kii Peninsula, well known for its agricultural products such as ume (Japanese Apricots) and oranges, as well its fresh seafood. 
  
  The downtown area is located southwest of the Kii-Tanabe train station, from which a ten minute walk leads to the Ogigahama beach.  
  
  Near the station is Tokei-jinja, a main shrine at the junction of the Nakahechi and Ohechi routes.  
  
  INTERESTING FACT: Ueshiba Morihei, the founder of the Aikido martial, was born in Tanabe.

  Tanabe
• SUPPER

  The entertainment area in front of the JR Kii-Tanabe station is called “Ajikoji” and is packed with over 200 restaurants and Japanese style eateries (Izakaya). It is considered to be the most concentrated of its kind for a city of this size in the entire country of Japan. Every alley is full of quaint places to eat and drink.

  Many restaurants have English menus.  Ask at the information center for recommendations.

  Kanpai!

  Tanabe Gourmet Guide
• OVERNIGHT IN TANABE

  There are a diversity of guesthouses and business style hotels in Tanabe. 

• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.

  Breakfast is not included, so be sure to ready something the night before when you arrive.
• LUNCH

  Picnic lunch along the trail.
  
  NOTE: Buying lunch in Tanabe before boarding the bus is often the best option.
• BUS FROM KII-TANABE STATION TO TAKIJIRI (Ryujin Bus)

  

   Depart: 13:00 Kii-Tanabe

   Arrive: 13:41Takijiri

  
  Busses depart from bus stop # 2 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

  ✻ Please use your Kumano Kodo Bus Pass.

• 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.

  NOTE: Takahara is a small settlements with limited accommodations. Some nearby accommodations offer free shuttle service from/to the Takahara. Shuttle information is supplied with reservation confirmation.

• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.

  Pick up lunch at breakfast before check-out.

• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• WALK KUMANO KODO - TAKAHARA TO CHIKATSUYU

  

   Distance: ~10 km
   Time: 4~6 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~590 m
   Elevation Loss: ~640 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.
  
  NOTE: The Michi-no-Eki rest area near numbered signpost 23 sells drinks, snacks, and simple meals.
  

  Kumano Kodo Map
• LUNCH

  Picnic lunch along the trail.
• VISIT CHIKATSUYU

  The village after Takahara is Chikatsuyu where the clear Hiki-gawa river runs through the valley.
  
  Pass through Chikatsuyu towards Tsugizakura-oji.

  Chikatsuyu Map
• OVERNIGHT IN CHIKATSUYU

  There are some minshuku guesthouses and rental houses in Chikatsuyu.

   Minshuku Inn or Shared rental house in Chikatsuyu (Japanese style room with shared toilet and bath)
  
  

• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.

  Pick up lunch at breakfast before check-out.

• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• Option 1 (Intermediate Walk)
  WALK KUMANO KODO - DOYUKAWA-BASHI BUS STOP TO FUSHIOGAMI

  

   Distance: ~13 km
   Time: 5~7 hrs
   Elevation Gain: ~770 m
   Elevation Loss: ~1370 m
  
  BUS FROM CHIKATSUYU TO DOYUKAWA-BASHI (Ryujin Bus)
  

   Depart: 7:23 Chikatsuyu-oji
   Arrive: 7:33 Doyukawa-bashi

  PRICE: 420 yen

  Kumano Kodo Map 1
  Kumano Kodo Map 2
  Walk Options
  Bus Timetable #1
• Option 2 (Full Walk)
  WALK KUMANO KODO - CHIKATSUYU-OJI TO FUSHIOGAMI

  

   Distance: ~22 km
   Time: 8~11 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~1210 m
   Elevation Loss: ~1670 m
  
  This is a challenging full day walk with many climbs and descents, finishing at the Fushiogami. 
  
  Best to start early if attempting the full walk.
  

  Kumano Kodo Map 1
  Kumano Kodo Map 2
  Walk Options
• Option 3 (Short Walk)
  WALK KUMANO KODO - HOSSHINMON-OJI TO FUSHIOGAMI

  

   Distance: ~3.6 km
   Time: 1~2 hr
   Elevation Gain: ~190 m
   Elevation Loss: ~260 m
  
  This option allows for a later check-out and more leisurely walk with a diversity of forested trail and settlement scenery.  Take a local bus from Chikatsuyu to Hosshimon-oji with one transfer.
  
  BUS FROM CHIKATSUYU TO HOSSHINMON-OJI (Meiko, then Ryujin Bus)
  

    Depart: 9:42 Nakahechi Bijutsukan-mae
    Arrive: 10:12 Hongu Taisha-mae

  PRICE: 1090 yen
  

    Depart: 10:30 Hongu Taisha-mae
    Arrive: 10:45 Hosshinmon-oji

  PRICE: 470 yen
  

  Kumano Kodo Map

  Walk Options

  Bus Timetable #1
• LUNCH

  Picnic lunch along the trail.
• OVERNIGHT IN FUSHIOGAMI

  Stay in a renovated rural rental house.

• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.
• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• WALK KUMANO KODO - FUSHIOGAMI TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA

  

   Distance: ~4 km
   Time: 1~2 hrs
   Elevation Gain: ~0 m
   Elevation Loss: ~200 m
  
  This is a very nice morning walk to Kumano Hongu Taisha.
  

  Kumano Kodo Map
• 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
• REGISTER AS A DUAL PILGRIM
  

  

  For those that have already walked the Camino de Santiago and have completed one of the qualifying sections of the Kumano Kodo, visit the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center to register.
  
  Once you have registered, ask about re-visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha for a Dual Pilgrim drumming ceremony!

  More about 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
• LUNCH

  Choose from restaurants or a few shops in Hongu Village for lunch.

  Hongu Area Map
• BUS FROM HONGU TO YUNOMINE, WATAZE AND KAWAYU ONSEN

    Depart: 15:05 Hongu Taisha-mae

    Arrive: 15:16 Kawayu Onsen

    Arrive: 15:17 Wataze Onsen

    Arrive: 15:24 Yunomine Onsen

  Bus Timetable #11

  ✻ Please use your Kumano Kodo Bus Pass.

• 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.
  

  
  BUSES FROM YUNOMINE ONSEN TO KAWAYU ONSEN (Ryujin Bus)
  

   Depart: 14:51 Yunomine Onsen
   Arrive: 14:57 Watarase Onsen
   Arrive: 14:58 Kawayu Onsen

   Depart: 16:41 Yunomine Onsen
   Arrive: 16:47 Watarase Onsen
   Arrive: 16:48 Kawayu Onsen

  Dainichi-goe
  Kumano Kodo Map

  ✻ Please use your Kumano Kodo Bus Pass.

• OVERNIGHT IN WATARASE ONSEN

  Take advantage of the spacious outdoor baths.

• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.

  Pick up lunch at breakfast before check-out.

• LUGGAGE SHUTTLE
  

  Leave luggage at accommodation.
• BUS FROM YUNOMINE, WATAZE AND KAWAYU ONSEN TO UKEGAWA (Ryujin Bus)

    Depart: 8:00 Yunomine Onsen

    Depart: 8:06 Wataze Onsen

    Depart: 8:07 Kawayu Onsen

    Arrive: 8:12 Ukegawa

  Bus Timetable #4

  ✻ During peak season, buses can be full. Walking from Kawayu Onsen to Ukegawa trailhead is just 35 minutes away.

• WALK KUMANO KODO "KOGUMOTORI-GOE" - 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
• LUNCH

  Picnic lunch along the trail.
• ZAZEN BUDDHIST EXPERIENCE AND TEA CEREMONY
  

  

  Experience a unique Zen Buddhist meditation and enjoy Japanese tea ceremony in the rural backdrop of Koguchi on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail.

  The ceremony takes place close to the accommodation at Seizo-ji Temple right after check-in.
• 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 in Koguchi (Guest House), Japanese-style room with ensuit toilet and bath.
  
  ✻ Zen Buddhist meditation session and tea ceremony experience at a nearby temple are included after check-in!

• BREAKFAST

  At accommodation.

  Pick up lunch at breakfast before check-out.

• 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
• LUNCH

  Picnic lunch along the trail.
• 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 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 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
• BUS FROM NACHI TO KATSUURA (Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus)

    Depart: 17:14 Nachi-no-Taki-mae
    Arrive: 17:38 Kii-Katsuura

  PRICE: 630 yen

  Other bus departure times possible. See bus timetable.
  

  Bus Timetable #8
• OVERNIGHT IN KATSUURA

  There are a diversity of Ryokan, Minshuku, and Guesthouses in Katsuura, so with coastal views, and many with hot spring baths.
  
  

• VISIT KATSUURA

  Katsuura Onsen is a fishing port on the rugged Pacific coastline. 
  
  This coastal village is famous for its hot spring baths and world-class seafood.
  

  Katsuura Map

  OPTION: Visit the Katsuura Fish Market at the pier in the morning before departing.
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