Walking Japan
5 Days | Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Hike
Walking Japan
5 Day Tour
A self-guided hike through the scenic vistas of the sacred, UNESCO World Heritage listed Kii Mountain range.
Despite being easily accessible by public transport from both Osaka and Kyoto, the region is one of Japan’s most remote, forested mountain landscapes and home to the centuries old pilgrimage trails leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Hike the peaceful cobble lined paths weaving through forested valleys, along mountain ridges and rural villages. The entire route is clearly marked with English language sign posts and we take care of all the arrangements for you, including charming traditional inns, all meals, luggage transfers, detailed route maps with daily itinerary and local English speaking helpline so you can simply relax and enjoy the spectacular hike in the footsteps of Emperors.
Areas Visited
Kii Tanabe
Hongu Loop
Kowaze
Kogumotori-Goe
Koguchi
Nachi
Katsuura
Explore the Region
Key Inclusions
- Walk at your own pace on this self-guided journey through scenic forests
- Discover Kumano Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine on Nachi Mountain
- Hike in the mountains to Hongu shrine
- Become a Dual Pilgrim by walking both the Kumano Kodo and the Way of St.James (Camino de Santiago)
- Stay at local guesthouses and soak in onsens
- Discover Japan’s cultural past
- Marvel at spectacular scenery
- Dine on delicious local cuisine and interact with friendly locals
Click to view Detailed Itinerary
Itinerary
A self-guided hike through the scenic vistas of the sacred, UNESCO World Heritage listed Kii Mountain range. Despite being easily accessible by public transport from both Osaka and Kyoto, the region is one of Japan’s most remote, forested mountain landscapes and home to the centuries old pilgrimage trails leading to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Hike the peaceful cobble lined paths weaving through forested valleys, along mountain ridges and rural villages. The entire route is clearly marked with English language sign posts and we take care of all the arrangements for you, including charming traditional inns, all meals, luggage transfers, detailed route maps with daily itinerary and local English speaking helpline so you can simply relax and enjoy the spectacular hike in the footsteps of Emperors.
Day 1:
Join in Kii Tanabe
This adventure begins in Kii Tanabe at 11.30am, where you will have an orientation at the Information Center, next to Kii-Tanabe Station. This meet and greet orientation session goes over the details of the trip and answers any questions you may have. Leave your luggage with the orientation staff as it will be shuttled for you to your evening’s accommodation in Yunomine Onsen. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch (own cost) at a restaurant near Tanabe Station before taking the public bus from Tanabe to Yunomine Onsen (1900yen). Yunomine Onsen is a small hot spring village with only one road but a history of over 1800 years strongly related to the Kumano pilgrimage as a place of hot water ablution rites. The mineral waters are famous for their healing properties. You’ll find your accommodation only a few minutes walk from the Yunomine Onsen bus stop. The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner. Overnight: Minshiku Yunosato or similar.
Meals: D
Day 2:
Hongu Loop walk (13km)
You will start your walk from Yunomine Onsen, which is a very nice walk on the pilgrimage route. It goes through a mixture of ridge top settlements and forest trails. There are some good panoramic lookout spots along the trail. Lunch today is a picnic in mountains. Along the way you will visit Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano. If you have hiked the Camino, you will have an opportunity for dual pilgrim registration at the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center. Next it’s time to visit Oyunohara. After spending time in this remarkable spot you’ll take the bus from Hongu to Kawayu Onsen. The bus departs from Hongu Taisha-mae (in front of the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center) at 4:45pm and arrives at Kawayu Onsen at 4:55pm. Kawayu Onsen is a thermal wonder where hot spring water bubbles to the surface of the river. There are several choices of accommodation here, such as Minshuku Tateishi. Tonight you enjoy a traditional dinner at your guesthouse. Hiking distance: ~19km
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3:
Walk Kowaze to Kogumotori-Goe (and to Kawayu Onsen)
You will start the day with breakfast at your guesthouse in Kawayu Onsen. In winter, you can experience the famous 1,000 people onsen in the Kawayu River. You’d need a swimsuit to join the locals sitting in the river where the hot onsen water bubbles to the surface. Pick up your lunch at your accommodation and from here take the shuttle from your accommodation to the Kowaze bus stop (approx. 25 min). If you stay at another accommodation other than Minshuku Tateishi a taxi transfer can be arranged. Today the walk is Kumano Kodo – Kowaze to Kawayu Onsen (Kogumotori-Goe). You can enjoy your picnic lunch in the mountains. Dinner is at your accommodation. Overnight: Kawayu Onsen Hiking distance: 15km/ 6hrs
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4:
Shuttle to Koguchi and walk to Nachi (14.5km)
Try to get away early today as its a big day ahead. Breakfast this morning is at your accommodation, and your luggage will be shuttled from Kawayu Onsen to Katsuura. (Therefore, please leave your luggage at the front desk.) Before departing, be sure to pick up your lunch at reception. You’ll take a shuttle from your accommodation to Koguchi (approx. 25 mins). If you stay at another accommodation other than Minshuku Tateishi you can arrange a taxi transfer. Today is exciting as you walk the Kumano Kodo – Koguchi to Nachi (Ogumotori-Goe) route. Lunch will be enjoyed as a picnic lunch in the mountains. Next you will visit Kumano Kodo Nachi Taisha, which is a major pilgrimage destination. Kumano Nachi Taisha is a Shinto shrine located halfway up Nachi Mountain (approx. 350m above sea level). This area also boasts the tallest waterfall in Japan, Nachi-no-Otaki, which is 133m high and 13m wide. After spending time in this significant area, take the bus from Nachi to Kii Katsuura (cost is 620yen pp). You will depart from Taki-mae at 5:11pm and arrive at Kii Katsuura Station at 5:35pm. Dinner is at your accommodation. Overnight: Kii Katsuura Hiking distance: ~14.5km/ 7-9hrs
Meals: B,L,D
Day 5:
In Kii Katsuura
After breakfast you bid farewell to this great area and your hosts. You may choose to visit Kii Katsuura and the fish market near the pier (note: the market is not open everyday). In Kii Katsuura the trip concludes.
Meals: B
Pricing
Pricing Per Person From $2,290 AUD
We can also assist with international airfares, travel insurance and pre and post tour accommodation or trip extensions.
Inclusions
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners (Please inform us when booking if you have any special dietary requirements)
- Traditional local inns on a twin share basis
- Luggage transfers between accommodation
- Official Kumano Kodo guidebook
- Orientation session with Q&A on arrival
- Local English language support number
- Detailed route maps & daily itinerary
Overview
- Day 1 Join in Kii Tanabe
- Day 2 Hongu Loop walk (13km)
- Day 3 Walk Kowaze to Kogumotori-Goe (and to Kawayu Onsen)
- Day 4 Shuttle to Koguchi and walk to Nachi (14.5km)
- Day 5 In Kii Katsuura
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Frequently Asked Questions
I’m looking for a custom itinerary and someone to manage my trip. Do you offer traditional travel agent services?
Answer: Absolutely. This is where we started. Planning any sort of travel, particularly international, can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Travel shouldn’t add to any daily stressors! It’s to be enjoyed. And that’s where we come in. Our dedicated team of truly passionate travel experts is here to handle every detail, ensuring your travel is seamless and stress-free. From booking flights and accommodation to organising guided tours, hosts and activities, we take care of everything so you can focus on making memories.
What makes Mind and Body different to traditional travel agents?
Answer: We specialise in meaningful journeys, where we spend time getting to know you and what you really need out of your time away. Going that little bit deeper to truly understand you as a person and as a traveler. To us, there are far more important questions than “where to?” and “how long for?”. Travel is an incredible opportunity to not just see something different, but to feel something different. Better even. Feel revived, refreshed and inspired.
I’m pretty easy, and like what you’re about. Do you have package holidays I can choose from?
Answer: Definitely. We’ve taken our same approach to planning personalised journeys and applied it to creating meaningful pre-arranged packages for you to take you pick. All you have to decide is where (though we can help you with this too). Every element of our package holidays has been carefully selected keeping in mind our purpose for travel – creating experiences to leave you more inspired and feeling well. As well as ensuring the destinations we travel to are cared for as well. Considered approach at every step.
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Planning your adventure can be overwhelming, but with Mind and Body Travel, it doesn’t have to be.
Our dedicated team of travel experts is here to handle every detail, ensuring your Adventure is seamless and stress-free. From booking flights and accommodations to organising guided tours and activities, we take care of everything so you can focus on making memories with your loved ones.
