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Route: Kyoto - Kumano Kodo - Ise Shima - Osaka
Journey to the world-famous Kumano Kodo on foot from mountain to sea and immerse yourself in one of the most fascinating Japanese sacred traditions of Ama diving. Starting from Kyoto, this fully guided tour is the ideal discovery of the mountainous Kii Peninsula blessed with a rich pilgrimage tradition, isolated hot springs, and welcoming countryside hospitality. Your experiences also include an unforgettable culinary experience at a Michelin star restaurant in Kyoto.
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 Kumano Kodo hiking route is well marked with sign posts. It weaves through the mountainous Kii Peninsula, forested landscapes and occasional villages. This walking journey has a mix of easy, moderate and hard day walks. The moderate Kogumotori-goe －pass rewards trekkers with the amazing view from Hyakken-gura. The Ogumotori-goe is a challenging walk with long ascents and descents, but it's believed to be the most memorable challenge of the Kodo. You'll walk from village to village covering up to 65.5 km and have an opportunity to visit two Grand Shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha & Kumano Nachi Taisha).
The best accommodation along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is hand picked for this package, including a luxury Ryokan (a member of Relais & Châteaux member) in Kyoto, a traditional Ryokan run for generations since the Edo era in the picturesque hot-spring village of Yunomine Onsen, a private island hot spring resort and the luxurious Japanese Ryokan sitting along cliffs and overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
All meals are included for the duration of the walk. You will enjoy authentic and delicious local cuisine.
Your luggage will be transported all the way through, so you only need to carry a day pack to enjoy your daily exploration. Round trip train tickets and all transportations (taxi & local bus) during the Kumano Kodo hike are also included.
Luxury Kumano Kodo Mountain to Sea & Ama Divers is the ultimate discovery of Kumano replete with natural beauty and rich history. You'll return invigorated and inspired with memories that will last a lifetime.
Kumano Kodo walk can be customised to suit your requirements, e.g. changing guided to self guided.
Orientation for Kumano Kodo Walk
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.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.
Pack Free.
In the footsteps of Emperors, hike inn to inn 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. Your luggage will be transported each day to the next inn so that you can enjoy exploring the world-famous Kumano Kodo, Japan's ancient pilgrimage route on foot independently over 4 days.
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.
Add A Guide
You can choose to have a local guide for your first day. The local guide will explain this significant historical area as well as provide detailed information on the trail and general track advice. You are then well equipped to continue on your way for the remainder of your self-guided walk. Additional cost: $250 per person.
Orientation
- 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.
Experience an otherworldly zen on a fascinating 5-day time travelling adventure on the Kumano Kodo Trail—a symbol of Japan’s glorious past surrounded by nature’s elegance. Tread the path of pilgrims from the mountains to the sea at your pace, visit all three Kumano Grand Shrines, and explore the serene Kumano-gawa River on a traditional cruise—the amazements are never ending!Experience an otherworldly zen on a fascinating 5-day time travelling adventure on the Kumano Kodo Trail—a symbol of Japan’s glorious past surrounded by nature’s elegance. Tread the path of pilgrims from the mountains to the sea at your pace, visit all three Kumano Grand Shrines, and explore the serene Kumano-gawa River on a traditional cruise—the amazements are never ending!
Kick-off at Kii-Tanabe where your will meet your expert guide briefing you the tour to Takijiri to walk on the Nakahechi trail of the Kumano Kodo route. Dine and rest at Takahara mountain settlement before venturing into its forested trail to arrive at Chikatsuyu, bypassing Oji shrines. Rise in Chikatsuyu the following day and make your own way to Hosshinmon-oji by bus to tour the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine. Arrive at Yunomine Onsen from Hongu Taisha shrine and repose in a traditional Ryokan inn. Ride a traditional flat-bottom wooden boat on the Kumano River to Shingu, where the Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine and Kamikura-jinja shrines await your gaze. Visit Daimon-zaka to see the Nachi-shrine temple complex and Nachi Falls, the highest in Japan. Wrap up the trek at Seiganto-ji temple to Kii-Katsuura and then to Kyoto or Osaka.
Spend nights of the trips at four choice accommodations: Kiri-no-sato Takahara Lodge, Chikatsuyu Garden House, Ryokan AduMaya, and Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima. Leverage their amenities such as hot spring baths, indoor and outdoor ensuite bathrooms, and relaxing cosy beds with views of surrounding natural beauty. Yield to the temptations of authentic Japanese cuisine.
The adventure package includes 4 nights of accommodation on a twin-share basis. Luggage transfer services are included. A thoughtfully crafted itinerary tailored to your explorative pace ensures you savour the region's best sights, meals, and sounds.
A trek of a lifetime! Embark on an epic spiritual sojourn along the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail, a path where samurai and emperors once trod. Learn the rich heritage of the region, savour delectable cuisine and make memories for years to come.
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.
Leave behind the ordinary and join an eccentric journey that fuses spirituality, adventure, and nature's grandeur in one experience. As you set your foot on the world-famous Kumano Kodo Trail for 3 days with your private guide, feel the potent presence of past samurai warriors and emperors—the trail is beyond a pilgrimage route, it's a portal to the past, to enlightenment, and to intimacy with nature.
Set off on an awe-inspiring journey, starting from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto, bound for Kii-Tanabe, the gateway to Kumano Kodo. The trek begins at Kii-Tanabe station with an orientation from local staff, followed by a bus ride to Kawayu Onsen, where you can immerse yourself in the hot spring and relax. Savour a Japanese tantalising cuisine and rest for the night at the Kawayu Onsen Fujiya. Proceed the next day to Hosshinmon-oji to begin the walk on the Kumano Kodo trail with a local private guide. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and all of its marvels before boarding a bus to Katsuura Onsen on the coast. Afterward, be ferried to Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima seaside resort on a private island to enjoy a Kaiseki set menu for dinner and spend the night. Take a ferry back to Katsuura and proceed to Daimon-zaka by bus. With a private local guide, explore the Nachi shrine-temple complex, and walk on the Daimon-zaka slope to behold the stunning Nachi Falls, which is the tallest in Japan. Explore Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine and the 5th-century Seiganto-ji temple before boarding a bus back to Kii-katsuura, and a train to Kyoto/Shin-Osaka, marking the end of the trip.
Recline and enjoy the nights of the trip at two premium accommodations, Kawayu Onsen and Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima, along the trail set at the backdrops of fascinating nature. Enjoy Onsen hot springs, ensuite outdoor and indoor baths, themed rooms, and river views. Help yourself to Japanese palatable cuisines, including seafood sourced from the Pacific Ocean.
The adventure includes two day private guiding and two nights of accommodation on a twin-share basis, with one night at Kawayu Onsen Fujiya and the other night at Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima. Luggage transfer services are included and pre-walk orientation is provided.
A dignifying spiritual odyssey and nature exploration awaits your arrival on the Kumano Kodo. Stroll along its well-carved paths, savour mouth-watering Japanese cuisine and learn the rich history of Old Japan on this 3-day sojourn into the past.
Note: Bus and train tickets are not included. You can use vending machines to purchase.
Embark on the Iseji Route of the Kumano Kodo for a transformative 5-day pilgrimage that blends spiritual depth with Japan’s stunning landscapes. This semi-guided journey offers the perfect balance of expert support and personal freedom, allowing you to explore sacred paths while connecting with the divine and ancient prayers. Enjoy the wisdom and beauty of the Iseji pilgrimage with the flexibility to immerse yourself fully in its transcendent experience.
Your adventure kicks off in Ise, where you’ll savor a delightful lunch in Okage Yokocho before embarking on a tour of the Ise Grand Shrine and its Inner Sanctuary. Experience the spiritual resonance of a kagura dance dedicated to the gods. Next, journey to Futami Okitama Shrine in Futamiura Park to marvel at the iconic Meoto-iwa (wedded rocks). Hike the tranquil Magose-toge Pass on ancient cobblestones, and return to the serene Oase Seaside View. With a private guide, tackle the stunning Yakiyama-toge Pass. Then, transfer to Odomari Station and set out to conquer the Matsumoto-toge Pass. Discover the dramatic Onigajo (Demon’s Castle) and visit the historic Hana no Iwaya Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest. Take a bus to Daimon-zaka and ascend the 600-meter staircase leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the revered Kumano grand shrines. Explore Seiganto-ji, a 5th-century Tendai Buddhist temple with ancient charm. Conclude your journey with a bus ride to Kii-Katsuura and a train to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.
The trip includes 4 nights of accommodation on a twin-share basis. Luggage transfer services are included. A mix of private-guided and self-guided walks with a detailed itinerary intentionally curated to give you the best experience on the trail.
Immerse yourself fully in the profound wisdom and beauty of the Iseji pilgrimage, embracing a journey of transcendence where every moment resonates with the profound beauty of nature and the sacred.
Experience an otherworldly zen on a fascinating 5-day time travelling adventure on the Kumano Kodo Trail—a symbol of Japan’s glorious past surrounded by nature’s elegance. Tread the path of pilgrims from the mountains to the sea at your pace, visit all three Kumano Grand Shrines, and explore the serene Kumano-gawa River on a traditional cruise—the amazements are never ending!
Kick-off at Kii-Tanabe station with a tour briefing from local staff and take a bus to Takijiri to walk on the Nakahechi trail of the Kumano Kodo route. Dine and rest at Takahara mountain settlement before venturing into its forested trail to arrive at Chikatsuyu, bypassing Oji shrines. Rise in Chikatsuyu the following day and make your own way to Hosshinmon-oji by bus to tour the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine. Arrive at Yunomine Onsen by bus from Hongu Taisha shrine and repose in a traditional Ryokan inn. Ride a traditional flat-bottom wooden boat on the Kumano River to Shingu, where the Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine and Kamikura-jinja shrines await your gaze. Visit Daimon-zaka to see the Nachi-shrine temple complex and Nachi Falls, the highest in Japan. Wrap up the trek at Seiganto-ji temple and take a bus to Kii-Katsuura and then to Kyoto or Osaka.
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.
Leave behind the ordinary and join an eccentric journey that fuses spirituality, adventure, and nature's grandeur in one experience. As you forge your own way on the world-famous Kumano Kodo Trail for 3 days, feel the potent presence of past samurai warriors and emperors—the trail is beyond a pilgrimage route, it's a portal to the past, to enlightenment, and to intimacy with nature.
The trek begins at Kii-Tanabe station with an orientation from local staff, followed by a bus ride to Kawayu Onsen, where you can immerse yourself in the hot spring and relax. Savour a Japanese tantalising cuisine and rest for the night at the Kawayu Onsen Fujiya. Proceed the next day to Hosshinmon-oji to begin the walk on the Kumano Kodo trail. Tour the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and all of its marvels before boarding a bus to Katsuura Onsen on the coast. Afterward, be ferried to Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima seaside resort on a private island to enjoy a Kaiseki set menu for dinner and spend the night. Take a ferry back to Katsuura and proceed to Daimon-zaka by bus. Explore the Nachi shrine-temple complex, and walk on the Daimon-zaka slope to behold the stunning Nachi Falls, which is the tallest in Japan. Explore Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine and the 5th-century Seiganto-ji temple before boarding a bus back to Kii-katsuura, and a train to Kyoto/Shin-Osaka, marking the end of the trip.
The adventure includes two nights of accommodation on a twin-share basis, with one night at Kawayu Onsen Fujiya and the other night at Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima. Luggage transfer services are included and pre-walk orientation is provided. A self-guided walk with a detailed itinerary intentionally curated to give you the best experiences on the trail.
Delve into the beating heart of an ancient trail that weaves through Japan’s history and present — the Nakahechi segment of the Kumano Kodo. For 6 days, navigate its diverse wonders and conquer challenges, including traversing the Kogumotori-goe and the formidable Ogomotori-goe passes. Embark on a journey from mountain peaks to the serene sea, encountering the captivating Kumano Nachi Taisha and the thundering Nachi Falls.
Set off on an awe-inspiring journey, starting from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto, bound for Kii-Tanabe, the gateway to Kumano Kodo. Your conquest of Nakahechi begins at Takijiri-oji, leading you through mist-kissed Takahara, into the embrace of forested mountains en route to Chikatsuyu, and onwards to the tranquil Tsugizakura-oji. Walk from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the Grand shrines of Kumano, surrounded by breathtaking nature. Relax with a dip in a rejuvenating hot spring at your lovely accommodation to soothe your tired muscles. Hike the Kogumotori-goe and descend to the tiny village of Koguchi. Brave the challenging Ogumotori-goe Pass, leading to the famous Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls. End your journey exploring Katsuura Fish Market, witnessing lively tuna auctions, and savouring oceanic delights before travelling back to Kyoto or Osaka.
Seek refuge in thoughtfully selected accommodations for a serene escape. Absorb tranquil atmospheres amidst enchanting panoramas. Indulge in the soothing embrace of traditional Japanese hot springs and savour the enchanting flavours of the freshest seasonal cuisine sourced from the Pacific Ocean.
This adventure includes 5 nights of accommodation on a twin-share basis. A trip perfectly planned with engaging tour activities to discover the region at a leisurely pace. Daily luggage transfer is included and guests only need to carry a day pack for walking.
Grab the perfect opportunity to explore, conquer, and immerse yourself in the timeless allure of the Kumano Kodo. Heed the call of discovery and experience the past of Old Japan on this 6-day adventure.
Note: Bus and train tickets are not included. You can use vending machines to purchase. Estimated total cost for the bus tickets during the tour is 5,400 yen per person.
This adventure includes 5 nights of accommodation on a twin-share basis and 5 day private guiding service. A trip perfectly planned with engaging tour activities to discover the region at a leisurely pace. Daily luggage transfer is included and guests only need to carry a day pack for walking.