Pack Free. Best Accommodation

In the footsteps of Emperors, hike inn to inn with a local professional guide on enchanting sections of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route weaving through forested mountains and small villages towards the Grand Shrine of Hongu. Spend three nights at Japanese inns in Takahara, Nonaka and Yunomine Onsen areas, and enjoy home-cooked dinners featuring local seasonal ingredients.

The Kumano Kodo is the world's only UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage route besides the Camino de Santiago. Once a sacred pilgrimage reserved for emperors and samurai for over 1200 years, the world-class Kumano Kodo hiking route is today open to all walkers and natural wanderers.

The best accommodation along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is hand picked for this package, with three nights in Japanese style inns/boutique lodges. All rooms have ensuite (private toilet).

Most meals are included for the duration of the walk. You will enjoy authentic and delicious local cuisine.

Your luggage will be transported each day to the next accommodation so you only need to carry a daypack to enjoy your daily exploration.

This itinerary focuses on popular walks on the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo over 4 incredible days. Get ready for this unforgettable village-to-village trek.

Departure Dates:

Departs daily year round on request.

Orientation

The local staff will give you an orientation of the tour when you arrive at Kii-Tanabe station. The staff will supply you with maps, bus timetables and brief you on your itinerary. The staff will explain cultural elements such as how to use a bath and purchase bus tickets if need be as well as answer any last minute questions.

Dual Pilgrim

This walk is qualified for "Dual Pilgrim". We provide official Dual Pilgrim Credential - a type of passport for pilgrims. It is used to collect stamps along the trail as a record of the walk. There are two sides, one for the Kumano Kodo and one for the Way of St. James.Please read the details in the section of Dual Pilgrim at the bottom of this page.

Why Choose Us

- We provide official English map (the best map).

- We provide official Dual Pilgrim Credential.

- We offer a pre-walk briefing at our local representative’s office.

- Unlike other operators using traditional Japanese inns/guesthouses that have communal bathrooms and toilets, we offer the best accommodation along the trail. All our rooms have private toilets.

- We arrange daily luggage transfer. Your luggage will be transferred to the next accommodation. You only need to carry a daypack for the walk.

Dates or itinerary don't fit?  We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points. 

Walk the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track and sea kayak the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Led by local professional guides, this is a unique and spectacular 4-day walking and kayaking trip through a breathtaking region, as it passes through lush coastal forest, historic bays, and along skyline ridges with breathtaking views of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.

Spend 2 exhilarating days hiking the incredible Queen Charlotte Track from Ship Cove to Camp Bay and from there your 2-day exploration by kayak will be begin. The Queen Charlotte Track is a 70km long New Zealand walking track, one of New Zealand's nine Great Walks. This unique coastal track, stretching from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa, passes through magnificent forest, around coves and inlets, and along dramatic ridges offering breathtaking views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. Marlborough Sounds is a collection of ancient deep river valleys filled with the waters of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Lush green hills rise steeply from the ocean around a coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays. Your efforts will be rewarded with unsurpassed views of both Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds and encounters with native birds such as the inquisitive weka. This highly enjoyable experience is physically demanding at times, it is therefore recommended that it only be undertaken by those with at least a moderate level of fitness.

Each night come to rest at 4 star lodges - Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove and Lochmara Lodge - all with a restaurant, comfortable accommodation and a superb setting.

Your tour includes 3 nights' iconic accommodation on a twin share basis (single supplement available at additional expenses), small group (12 walkers or fewer) guided walks/kayak tours each day, all meals, water taxi transfers, luggage transfers, and return transfers from/to Picton.

Combining the best of New Zealand walking experiences with iconic lodges, great food and wine, discerning service and the local knowledge of your field guides, the Queen Charlotte Track Classic Walk & Kayak is a thrilling and unique adventure.

Dates or itinerary don't fit?  We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points. 

Route: Shikoku Island - Takamatsu - 88 Pilgrimage Trail - Iya Valley - Kochi - Tokushima

The undeveloped scenery, awe inspiring scale, depth of history and world-class cuisine of Japan await on this spectacular 8-day luxury journey around Shikoku. Venture to Japan's last frontier, walk the Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Trail, stroll in one of Japan's most beautiful feudal lord gardens, cross suspended vine bridges in the picturesque Iya Valley, and discover the south coast of Shikoku and Naruto Strait. Benefit from the expertise of a professional English-speaking Japanese guide and private transfers throughout the journey. You'll just relax and enjoy some of the most beautiful hikes as well as overnight stays with the finest accommodation along the route, offering delicious regional cuisine and natural hot springs.

Synonymous with the natural beauty and the pursuit of spiritual perfection, Shikoku is home to Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage and dramatic landscapes. This hand crafted itinerary combines the best walks, cultural sightseeings and unmissable destinations. This luxury journey takes you to Tokushima, Iya Valley, Kochi and Katsurahama and Naruto.

The luxurious accommodation is hand picked for this package, including some of the best 4 and 5 star hotels and boutique Japanese ryokans.

Most meals are included for the duration of the tour. You will enjoy authentic and delicious local cuisine. Please refer to the itinerary for the meal inclusion.

The tour includes 7 nights accommodation, meals as mentioned in the itinerary, English speaking guide(s), all transportation during the tour, all entry tickets/park fees, and luggage transfers.

This is the luxury discovery of Japan's smallest island Shikoku. This incredible journey will inspire with its scale, natural beauty and depth of history. You'll return invigorated and inspired with memories that will last a lifetime.

Luggage Transfer

Luggage transfers are included in the package. Please see the itinerary for the details.

Departure Dates

Departs daily on request

Dates or itinerary don't fit?  We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.