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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 ...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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On the first day of the trip, you will have to find your way to Kii-Tanabe Station from Kyoto or Shin-Osaka by train. The train ride is approximately 2.5 hours and we will provide the suggested train schedule after booking to match your pre-walk orientation appointment. While on the ride, enjoy the picturesque beauty of the scenery that changes like magic from an urban townscape to charming rural settings with mountains and rivers.
Arrive at Kii-Tanabe and head out of the station to meet a local guide for a brief tour orientation. You can ask relevant questions about the trip, while a travel map and the itinerary will be handed to you.
Done with briefing on the itinerary, it's time to explore on your own and at your own pace. Board a bus to Kawayu Onsen, a small settlement on the banks of the Ota-gawa River. The main attraction here is the Kawayu Onsen itself, a hot spring that bubbles on the surface of the river, and a spectacle for all eyes.
Afterward, proceed to the Kawayu Onsen Fujiya, your accommodation for the night where contemporary, western-style rooms await to absorb you. But before you are raptured into the cosy interiors of these rooms, savour the taste of authentic Japanese cuisine—a proper introduction into Japan’s culinary haven.
Enjoy the luxury of your overnight inn, the Kawayu Onsen Fujiya which lies on the easternmost part of the settlement. Quite remarkable in appearance, the rooms here are themed after earth, wood, and bamboo, yet they ooze a luxury Western appeal. All rooms feature private baths on their balcony and indoor baths, TV, fridge, twin beds, ensuite western toilets, and a view of the Oto-gawa River that flows through the village. The contemporary rooms with twin western beds features a private onsen bath. Settle into one of them for the night and prepare for the expedition at dawn.
Walking from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha: approx. 7 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 190 m (623 ft), Elevation loss: 460 m (1509 ft)
Rise this morning to the pristine and charming aura of an environment draped in natural glory. This morning, you'll receive your lunch pack right at your accommodation so you can pack it along on the trip. Breakfast will be delicious, vitalizing, and sensual, a perfect way to begin the day.
Afterward, board a bus from Kawayu Onsen to Hosshinmon-oji (own expense) where you will begin a half-day trek on the Kumano Kodo trail. This section is an excellent half-day walk on the Kumano Kodo. There are many forest trails and isolated mountaintop villages. Panoramic viewpoints can be found along the way. Hosshinmon-oji is known as the “gate of awakening of the aspiration to enlightenment” and is one of the most important sites on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route marking the outermost entrance into the divine precincts of the grand shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha. Better known as the Climax Route, you'll be spoiled by a captivating blend of forested trails and mountain hamlets down to the unadorned Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. Once here, ascend the flight of stairs heading to the sacred grounds of the shrine perched on a ridge and shaded by cypress and cedar trees.
This shrine stands out as one of the three grand shrines of Kumano categorised under Kumano Sanzan. Also, it is the leading shrine of the over 3,000 Kumano shrines spread across Japan. Check out the plain pavilions of the shrine created out of wood, including the roofs, all paying tribute to the architectural legacy set 800 years ago. These pavilions are unique, with spaces below their verandas which can be seen if you peer through the fence. These open spaces once served as praying grounds when the fences weren't built. Keep an eye out for the Kumano symbol defined by the weird Yatagarasu crow with three legs.
After exploring this shrine, take a bus at your expense to Katsuura Onsen on the coast and embark on a ferry that will bring you to your accommodation for the night - the Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima.
The Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima is a seaside hot spring resort lodged on a private island in Katsuura Bay. It is accessible by a five-minute boat ride from the tourist pier known as Kanko Sanbashi. The scenery around this lodge is jaw-dropping with mountains framing the background and overlapping with the sea at their feet. This accommodation also features an open-air hot spring bath facing the bay, where you can relax after a long day and drink in views of the sea and mountains.
While here, savour the tastes of indulgent, freshly cooked seafood with ingredients sourced from the Pacific Ocean and served in a Japanese Kaiseki set menu. Retreat afterward into any of the resort's rooms categorised into Western rooms with modern twin beds and Japanese rooms with futon beds on a tatami floor.
Walking from Daimonzaka to Nachi Falls: approx. 2.2 km (1.36 mile), 3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 190 m (623 ft), Elevation loss: 460 m (1509 ft)
This morning, arise and shine, enjoy a sensational buffet of seasonal dishes, and take a ferry at your expense back to Katsuura. From here, you can board a bus at your expense to Daimon-zaka. At Daimon-zaka, you'll be dumbfounded by the sights that will be unveiled before you.
The Daimon-zaka walk involves climbing a 600-metre (1960-feet) staircase made of cobblestone and rising out of the valley. The cobblestone staircase is flanked by lush ancient trees leading to the Nachi Taisha shrine complex. This Shinto shrine also known as Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the three Kumano grand shrines and is located halfway in the flight of stairs heading out of the valley into the mountain. The shrine is lodged at approximately 350 metres (1140-feet) above sea level.
Interestingly, it has its religious origin rooted in nature worship, with the Nachi-no-Taki Falls being the source or supreme deity. The walk on the Daimon-zaka stairs ends at the Nachi-no-Taki Falls, the tallest in Japan at 133 metres (436 feet). The water that rains down the cliff to form the falls runs from the surrounding broad-leaf evergreen ancient forest. This forest has been sacred since mediaeval times and has enjoyed centuries of preservation owing to its spiritual essence and usage by Shugendo monks for ascetic training.
The next stop is the nearby Seiganto-ji, a 5th-century Tendai Buddhist temple and one of the oldest buildings in the region. Exploring this temple grounds is super exciting and memorable, with the views of the falls serving as a backdrop for a magnificent pagoda. This temple also holds profound religious and spiritual value with the branches of an imposing camphor forming a shade over the worship hall roof. In this place, the two spiritual structures of Kumano Nachi and Seiganto-ji temples bind as one and are dedicated to the fascinating falls bearing witness as nature.
From here, you can take a bus at your expense to Kii-Katsuura and proceed with a train ride to either Kyoto or Shin-Osaka depending on where you're headed.
Please contact us if you wish to customise the itinerary including trip extensions (Additional Charge). Options are:
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. The luggage transfer is not included for Day 3. We suggest you arrange luggage transfer with Kumano-Bettei Nakanoshima hotel staff and forward luggage to your next hotel in Japan (The forwarding fee is approx. 2000yen per piece). Then you can only carry a small day pack for your Day 3 activities. There is a luggage storage facility at Kii-Katsuura Station. Please ask the local staff to provide you with more details of the luggage storage facility at Kii-Katsuura Station during the Orientation on Day 1.
Daily departure on request. Please contact us to book if you have a group of more than 12 people.
The starting point is Kii-Tanabe. The finishing point is Kii-Katsuura. By train from KyotoKyoto > Kii-Tanabe (2 hrs 35min)By train from OsakaShin-Osaka > Kii-Tanabe (2 hrs)
By train to KyotoKii-Katsuura > Kyoto (4 hrs 45min)By train to OsakaKii-Katsuura > Shin-Osaka (4 hrs 2min)
Day 1: No Walk (Extra self guided waking can be arranged)Day 2: Approx. 7 km (4 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 190 m (623 ft), Elevation loss: 460 m (1509 ft)Day 3: Approx. 2.2 km (1.36 mile), 3 hours walking and sightseeing, Elevation gain: 190 m (623 ft), Elevation loss: 460 m (1509 ft)
The Kumano Kodo can be walked year round but the weather can change rapidly in the Kumano mountain environment.The best time to walk the Kumano Kodo really depends on what you are looking for.March - April is spring season and an extremely popular time as it is cherry blossom season in Japan. October - November is also a popular time to visit as it is autumn and the colours throughout the forest are stunning. In spring and autumn, you can expect daytime temperatures of around 10-15°C. May and September are also lovely months to visit with warmer and longer days - daytime temperatures range between 18-24°C.June - August is summer season so you can expect much more humidity and higher rainfall but on the other hand scenery is beautifully green and verdant. During summer you can expect up to 25-30°C in temperature.December - February is winter season and there is a small chance of snow on the Nakahechi route. Trails are open year round but due to the cool weather and reduced hours of daylight we recommend this time of year for experienced trekkers only.Most accommodation close during the Christmas and New Year's holiday period.Kii-Peninsula is one of the wettest areas of mainland Japan and you should be prepared with adequate rain gear.Please note that the period when you are most likely to experience Typhoons is during August - early October period. If a Typhoon makes landfall on the mainland then there is often disruption to travel plans as all transport shuts down during a Typhoon and people stay indoors. Depending on the damage caused there may also be temporary trail closures - though usually things return to normal fairly quickly.
A "Dual Pilgrim" is someone who has walked both the Kumano Kodo and the Way of St.James (Camino de Santiago).This program was developed to celebrate, honor, and share the stories of those who have completed both of these UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage routes.Dual Pilgrims receive a limited edition "DUAL PILGRIM" pin badge and are featured on the Dual Pilgrim. (Inclusion on the website is optional).To receive the Dual Pilgrim status, pilgrims must complete one of the options for the Way of St. James, and one of the options for the Kumano Kodo, then register at a designated site.Way of St James Options- at least the last 100 km on foot or by horse, or- at least the last 200 km by bicycleKumano Kodo Options- Takijiri-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~38 km) or- Kumano Nachi Taisha to/from Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~30 km) or- Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~7 km) plus a visit to Kumano Hayatama Taisha and Kumano Nachi Taisha or- Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha on foot (~70 km)Only walking is allowed on the Kumano Kodo. No bicycles or horses.You can register for "Dual Pilgrim" status after you have completed the second route in either Santiago de Compostela or Tanabe City.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.