Where To Stay on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail (The Nakahechi Route)

Setting off on the sacred pilgrimage of the Kumano Kodo along the Nakahechi Route is a transformative journey that transcends both physical and spiritual realms. As pilgrims tread the ancient paths, the choice of accommodation becomes a pivotal part of the experience, promising not just a place to rest but a chapter in the unfolding narrative of this sacred trail.

The Nakahechi Route, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and historical significance, weaves a tapestry of accommodation types, each contributing a unique hue to the pilgrimage experience. From traditional ryokans to modern hotels, cosy guesthouses and tranquil onsen retreats, the trail unfolds a myriad of choices that resonate with the diverse needs and preferences of pilgrims. So, lace up your walking shoes, and let's explore the enchanting accommodations that await on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail. If you plan to walk the Kumano Kodo, you might like to read more of our posts to help plan your ultimate Japan walking holiday:

1. Harvest Club Nanki Tanabe

Located in Tanabe City, the gateway to Kumano Kodo, Harvest Club Nanki Tanabe is a gem along the Nakahechi Route. Offering luxurious comfort with a cool ocean view, it's the ideal haven for a delightful rest after an eventful day treading the Nakahechi route.

Experience true relaxation in guest rooms furnished with pastel-coloured furniture, including the charming bed and tatami rooms, all boasting uninterrupted Pacific views. Whether from the public baths or the verandah, enjoy the serenity of ocean waves after a day's exploration.

Revitalise in the natural hot spring bath (Onsen) and explore various facilities like the Lounge, Heated Indoor pool, and Fitness gym, etc.

The restaurant, with its sea motif and panoramic ocean view, serves a variety of dishes made with local seafood and seasonal produce. Dive into authentic French or Japanese Kaiseki, with dinner included in your booking.

2. Lodge/Guesthouse in Takahara

Takahara, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Japan, offers a tranquil escape with its charming lodges and guesthouses. Among these, the Kiri-no-Sato lodge stands out as a gem, drawing visitors with its unique blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comforts.

Guests are welcomed into cosy tatami-floored rooms adorned with elegant shoji screens, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japan. The warm hospitality of the staff adds a personal touch, making visitors feel like they are part of a welcoming community.

One of the highlights of Kiri-no-Sato is its open-air onsen, allowing guests to indulge in a relaxing soak while enjoying panoramic views of the mountains. The therapeutic hot springs, coupled with the crisp mountain air, create a rejuvenating experience that lingers long after departure.

For those seeking a more intimate stay, Takahara also boasts a variety of guesthouses, each with its own unique charm. From traditional ryokans to modern boutique accommodations, the options cater to diverse preferences. These guesthouses often provide locally sourced meals, allowing guests to savour the flavours of the region.

3. Guesthouse in Chikatsuyu and Nonaka (Tsugizakura area)

Chikatsuyu and Nonaka are picturesque settlements on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail's Nakahechi Route. Nonaka is recognised for its verdant surroundings, while Chikatsuyu provides accommodations and a quiet setting. Both are important destinations for pilgrims visiting this historic trail in the lovely Tsugizakura area.

Whether you select a mountain farmhouse, cosy lodges, or cosy container box lodgings, each guesthouse has conveniences for a self-contained stay.

Feel at ease with Japanese-style accommodations that provide ample comfort with common or private toilets and baths. You can expect a traditional rustic feel that maintains the authentic charm of the countryside, rich deep browns of aged wood, tatami mats, fusuma sliding doors, and veranda - decorated with antiques, and for an even more exciting feel, few container box lodgings offer pizza kiln and bonfire stands to ignite the true japanese feel.

Plus, the meals are homemade with vegetables and herbs fresh from the garden ensuring you're always energised to hit the road.

4. Traditional Japanese Ryokans in Yunomine and Kawayu Onsen

There is no lack of opportunity to experience genuine Japanese culture along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail, as it is dotted with several Ryokans. Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen are both beautiful areas for an unparalleled stay, and the Japanese-style ryokans there will provide you with a really unique experience as you soak in the therapeutic thermal springs and immerse yourself in Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Luxuriate in rooms decorated in a Japanese style, complete with wooden inside baths or private baths on the balcony with outdoor rock pools situated in beautiful Japanese gardens and supplied by warm springs.

Among the many Ryokans in the area, three stand out: Ryokan Adumaya, Fujiya Ryokan, and Kawayu Midoriya. Depending on the ryokan, guests can select between rooms decorated in a Western or Japanese style; all are absolutely stunning. The warm atmosphere, adorned with ikebana and artwork, is sure to enchant you. Also, make sure to take in the breathtaking scenery while you relax in one of these unparalleled ryokans, as the Oto River winds its way through the charming towns where they are located. and for something truly special, try the wintertime "Sennin" bath in Kawayu Midoriya or one of the open-air baths to the lovely music.

5. Hotels/resorts in Katsuura

Luxurious hotels and resorts, strategically located along the route, provide pilgrims with modern comforts and breathtaking views. In towns like Kii-Katsuura near Nachi-san, these establishments offer an indulgent respite, blending seamlessly with the coastal scenery. Notable options such as Katsuura Gyoen with its ryokan charm, Hotel Urashima's expensive complex with panoramic views, and Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima's private island setting ensure a memorable stay amid the natural beauty of the Kii Peninsula pilgrimage. Enjoy the wide spring baths while admiring the breathtaking views of the Nachi bay on the Pacific Ocean from the Katsuura Gyoen.

The majority of the hotels have rooms with ensuite outdoor rotenburo spring baths. Or an outdoor spring bath, such as the famous Bokido, a natural hot spring bath in a cave overlooking the ocean. And for a befitting feast for the pallet, enjoy a fresh seafood delight and home cooked meals made with only the freshest ingredients.

In conclusion, the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage trail presents a journey not only of spiritual significance but also an immersion into the heart of Japanese culture. The array of accommodations along the trail adds layers to this experience, turning each night's stay into a chapter in the narrative of a comfortable and culturally enriching pilgrimage.

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