Kumano Kodo Grand Traverse Mountain to Sea 6D5N (Inc. Kogumotori-goe & Ogumotori-goe), Private Guided

Walk from Takijiri-oji to Takahara: Approx. 4 km (2.5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 430 m (1410 ft), Elevation loss: 200 m (656 ft)

Commence your journey from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto, opting for a 3-hour ride to Kii-Tanabe Station. Serving as the gateway to the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, Kii-Tanabe reveals a transformative landscape along the western edge of the Kii peninsula. From bustling urban hubs to serene agricultural expanses and untouched natural realms, the JR train navigates this scenic route southward, unfolding mountains in sparsely inhabited grandeur. For the best views of the show, sit on the right side of the train.

Make your way out of Kii-Tanabe Station for an orientation of the tour. After meeting your private guide, your adventure starts for a forty-minute journey to Takijiri, marking the beginning of your pilgrimage along the Nakahechi of the Kumano Kodo. Takijiri-Oji, a pivotal site on the Kumano Kodo, stands as one of the five significant Oji shrines—an entrance to realms where gods reside and Buddhist paradises of rebirth unfold.

Climb the brisk yet steep trail from Takijiri to the hilltop settlement of Takahara, where your exertions yield sweeping vistas of the Hatenashi mountain range. Branded as "Kiri-no-Sato" (Village in the Mist), Takahara enchants with its mist-draped scenic allure.

Tonight, find solace in the Kiri No-Sato Takahara Lodge, a charming hillside hotel offering views of the Hatenashi mountain range. End your day with an organic meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients, embracing tranquillity for a peaceful night in this cosy retreat.

Walk from Takahara to Tsugizakura-Oji: Approx. 14 km (8.6 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 830 m (2720 ft), Elevation loss: 650 m (2130 ft)

Start your day with a delightful Japanese breakfast at your charming inn, creating the perfect ambiance for the captivating adventure ahead. Afterward, embark on trails that meander into the forested mountains east of Takahara, revealing quaint settlements and tranquil countryside along the way. The path, marked by clearly defined trails and occasional flagstone paving, facilitates your ascents with ease.

While traversing scenic ridges, encounter Oji shrines gracefully nestled along the path, establishing a seamless connection to the warm embrace of Chikatsuyu village. Descend into its welcoming atmosphere, where a rejuvenating break at a local cafe awaits, allowing you to recharge amidst the village's inviting ambiance.

Subsequently, continue your unhurried stroll toward Tsugizakura-oji, an undiscovered shrine adorned by majestic old-growth trees. Witness the colossal branches extending southward, drawn by the mystical power of Kannon's southern paradise, adding a touch of magic to your unforgettable journey.

Following a day filled with adventure, luxuriate in a spellbinding Japanese boutique guesthouse, nestled in the scenic Nonaka region, where you'll unwind in a cosy haven replete with a private ensuite bathroom, ensuring both comfort and tranquillity throughout the night.

Walk from Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha: Approx. 21.5 km (13 miles), 5-7+ hours walking, Elevation gain: 960 m (3250 ft), Elevation loss: 1440 m (4720 ft)

Walkers can also choose to do one of the shorter courses by using local buses:
Option A: Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking
Option B: Approx. 17 km (11 miles), 3-5 hours walking

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast, fortifying yourself for a day that beckons with challenges and scenic wonders. Embark on a full-day trek, a symphony of climbs and descents, navigating the trail from the sacred grounds of Hosshinmon-oji to the revered destination of Hongu. This trail, cloaked in a diverse forest canopy, becomes the canvas for your journey.

Arriving at Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the esteemed 'Grand Shrines of Kumano,' perched on a ridge line in the northern embrace of Hongu village, you step into a realm where spirituality converges with architectural grandeur. The austere pavilions, crafted from wood and crowned with cypress bark roofs, bear witness to a design legacy spanning over 800 years—a testament to the enduring harmony between craftsmanship and nature.

A 10-minute ride from Kumano Hongu Taisha transports you to Yunomine Onsen, a village steeped in the soothing embrace of natural hot springs, its thermal waters a timeless source of rejuvenation.

Tonight's accommodation is a remarkable traditional Ryokan with a legacy dating back through generations since the Edo era. Ryokan Adumaya boasts eight hot baths, including the largest one preserving its Taisho era charm. The Samashi bath, a 100% natural hot spring, offers medicinal benefits at a moderate temperature. After your day's walking adventure, unwind in Japan's oldest hot spring, cherished by renowned Japanese poet Kyoshi Takahama and other literary figures.

Indulge in a leisurely soak in a Japanese bath before or after savouring your delightful multi-course dinner, completing your day with relaxation and the rich history of this cherished hot spring retreat.

Walking from Ukegawa to Koguchi: Approx. 13 km (8 miles), 4.5~6 hrs hours walking, Elevation gain: 670 m (2198 ft), Elevation loss: 690 m (2264 ft)

Relish a tantalising breakfast and head out early for a full day of walking on the Kogumotori-goe section.

You’ll take a short bus ride (approx. 10 min) from Yunomine Onsen (or Kawayu Onsen) to Ukegawa (at your own expense), situated on the banks of the Kumano River. From Ukegawa, ascend the Kogumotori-goe Pass before descending to the remote village of Koguchi. This moderate trail is filled with numerous highlights, culminating in the breathtaking view from Hyakken-gura. From this vantage point, gaze upon the expanse of Kumano mountains, the scenery dynamically shifting with the weather. Pause to inhale the invigorating mountain air, allowing it to refresh both your mind and body, enhancing the overall experience of your journey.

Your stop for the day is Koguchi — a tiny settlement nestled in the valley bottom and strategically positioned as the midpoint between the Kogumotori-goe and Ogumotorie-goe sections. Enveloped by verdant mountains, Koguchi offers a tranquil haven amid nature’s lush embrace.

Take a complimentary 30-minute shuttle bus to your hot spring lodge, tucked away into the lush mountains on the picturesque Tamara River. If the weather is favourable, you can swim in the river and explore.

Indulge in a soothing hot shower and immerse yourself in a healing moment at Takata Greenland. The simple alkaline hot spring is renowned for its effectiveness in alleviating common ailments like neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain. Delight in the experience of soaking in the blue-grey waters of the rock pool, surrounded by lush greenery, the murmur of a rushing river, and the cheerful chirping of birds—an unforgettable moment.

For an added touch of luxury, explore the indoor pool utilising Tendai Uyaku, the primary ingredient in Jofuku's legendary Elixir of Life, elevating your relaxation to another level.

Walk from from Koguchi to Nachisan: Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 5-7+ hours walking, Elevation gain: 1260 m (4134 ft), Elevation loss: 930 m (3050 ft)

Start your day with an early satisfying breakfast. Then we will transfer you to the trail starting point of Koguchi. Kick off an adventurous journey from Koguchi to the mystical shrine-temple complex of Nachisan. You're diving into the Ogumotori-goe segment of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, known for its demanding landscape—expect prolonged ascents and descents on cobblestone trails that may get slippery, especially if it rains.

Continue your captivating journey along the trail leading to the Ogumotorigoe Pass, offering a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. A sense of achievement awaits after conquering the challenging path, guiding you to Nachi-san, home to the revered Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and the majestic Nachi-taki waterfall.

Explore Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three majestic shrines, situated midway up Nachi Mountain at an elevation of approximately 350 metres. Rooted in ancient nature worship, it finds its religious origin in Nachi-no-Otaki Falls. The towering Nachi Falls, standing at 133 metres in height and 13 metres in width, proudly holds the title of Japan's tallest waterfall. Sourced from the surrounding broad-leaf evergreen primaeval forest, this sanctuary has been revered since ancient times. It serves as a sacred space for ascetic training by mountain monks devoted to Shugendo, a syncretic blend of foreign and indigenous beliefs.

You’ll take a bus to Katsuura Onsen on the coast (at your own expense). You’ll then board a ferry to Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima on a private island.

Your accommodation tonight is Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima. This luxury inn is lodged in a unique location by the seaside of a private island in Katsuura. It can be accessed by a 5-minute boat ride from Kanko Sanbashi, a tourist pier on the bay. This spectacular lodge features an open-air bath opposite the bay, where you can soak yourself and relax with gorgeous views of the mountains and listen to the rhythmic sounds of waves splashing on the shores.

Dinner tonight is exceptional, featuring a Japanese Kaiseki set menu bearing seasonal seafood delights fetched from the Pacific Ocean and ready to stun your taste buds.

Following breakfast, take the opportunity to leisurely explore Katsuura. Delve into the vibrant atmosphere of the Katsuura Fish Market, renowned for hosting Japan's most extensive tuna hauls.

Here, the coastal treasures, harvested through longline fishing, take centre stage in lively auctions. From specially designated observation areas, witness the spectacle of 150 kg tuna specimens being showcased and auctioned off during the lively early morning proceedings. After the auction, treat your taste buds to these oceanic delights at various restaurants scattered throughout the town. The auctions kick-off at 7:00 am, pausing only on Saturdays.

Your trip concludes at Katsuura. You could catch a train to Shin-Osaka or Kyoto (at your own expense).

Please contact us if you wish to customise the itinerary including trip extensions (Additional Charge). Options are:

• Extra night stay at Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima
• Venture to the east coast in Mie, residing in Ise Shima and Toba for a luxurious coastal escapade, steeped in Ama diving history, sacred Ise Jingu (Ise Shrine), and the rugged coastline. Stay at the luxury resorts or ryokan at Amanemu and Oyado The Earth. 
• See Ise Shima Tours
• Ise Shima cycling
• Guided sea kayaking

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.