Pilgrimage Walk – Kumano Kodo – 9 Days
Kumano Kodo, Nachi-Katsuura and Kushimoto
| Duration | 8 nights and 9 days |
| Departs | Daily |
| Price | From $1,723 per person (based on twin share) |
The Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage path through the Kumano mountains of the Kii Peninsula.
For thousands of years emperors and pilgrims alike have walked this arduous journey to worship at the three Grand Shrines of Kumano – Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha.
Experience the extraordinary spiritual journey of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path. Cherish the atmosphere while staying at a hidden Onsen and feast on the delicious local cuisine!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Osaka
Upon arrival in Osaka, explore the bustling, friendly, food-lovers city. Enjoy the panoramic city view from the floating observatory in Umeda district or visit Osaka Castle. Discover your favourite local street food in Dotonbori then relax and prepare to trek the ancient pilgrimage route.
Accommodation: Osaka – 1 night
Day 2: Osaka – Kumano Kodo (Takahara)
Board a train to Kii-Tanabe, where you will meet the assistant staff at the Tanabe Tourist Information Centre for a brief tour orientation. Visit Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Centre, offering an introduction to the sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the area. Meet the luggage shuttle staff here, then commence the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage trail to Takahara. (you will receive your luggage at your accommodation)
Distance: 3.7 km
Time: approx. 2.5 hours
Accommodation: Takahara – 1 night (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch for day 3)
Day 3: Kumano Kodo (Takahara – Nonaka)
Luggage shuttle from Takahara to Nonaka.
Pick up your lunch from your accommodation, then continue along the Kumano Kodo trail to Nonaka via Gyubadoji, Chikatsuyu-oji and Tsugizakura-oji. Wallow in the nature and the idyllic village vistas.
Distance: 13 km
Time: approx. 6~7 hours
Accommodation: Nonaka – 1 night (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch for day 4)
Day 4: Kumano Kodo (Nonaka – Yunomine Onsen)
Luggage shuttle from Nonaka to Yunomine Onsen.
Pick up your lunch from your accommodation, then begin your day’s hike through the Kumano Kodo trail. Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, the head shrine to over 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan and one of the Kumano Sanzan (the three grand shrines of Kumano).
Distance: 21 km
Time: approx. 7~8 hours
*Alternatively, there is an option to use the local bus, then a short walk (7 km (approx. 3 hours)) to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.
From Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, make your way to Oyunohara, a sandbank at the confluence of the Kumano and Otonashi Rivers, marked by the largest Torii shrine gate in the world. Take a look at the Kumano Hongu Heritage Centre and learn more about Kumano’s cultural landscape.
Take a local bus from Hongu to Yunomine Onsen. The onsen was discovered about 1,800 years ago and now contains a quaint little collection of inns tucked into a small valley deep in the heart of the sacred mountains of Kumano. Relax and unwind in this historic onsen after a long walk.
Accommodation: Yunomine Onsen – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)
Day 5: Kumano Kodo (Yunomine Onsen – Kii-Katsuura)
Luggage shuttle from Yunomine Onsen to Kii-Katsuura.
Board a local bus to Hitari. Enjoy a river cruise in traditional wooden flat-bottomed boats, as pilgrims have been doing for centuries, to Hayatama Taisha, the second Grand Shrine of Kumano. Visit Kamikura-jinja Shrine and marvel the dynamic Gotobiki-iwa, a gigantic rock halfway up the mountain.
Take a train to Kii-Katsuura. Explore the Onsen complex of Hotel Urashima and soak in its famous Boki-do Cave Onsen, revelling in the incredibly spectacular scenery from the onsen bath.
Accommodation: Kii-Katsuura – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)
Day 6: Kii-Katsuura – Nachi-san Area – Kushimoto
Catch a local bus to Daimonzaka, an impressive cobblestone staircase/slope which leads to Kumano Nachi Taisha (the third Grand Shrine of Kumano), Seiganto-ji and Nachi waterfall, thus completing your Kumano Pilgrimage walk. Move on to Kushimoto.
Distance: 1.5 km
Time: approx. 45 minutes
Accommodation: Kushimoto – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)
Day 7: Kushimoto – Osaka
Explore Kushimoto, the southernmost point of Honshu, the main island of Japan. Be impressed by the natural formations of Hashikui-iwa and the stunning ocean view at Cape Shionomisaki and Shionomisaki Lighthouse. Learn about the azure sea and its creatures at the Kushimoto Marine Park before heading back to Osaka.
Accommodation: Osaka – 1 night
Day 8: Osaka
Depart Japan or head to your next destination.
*The order of the tour can be changed and the length increased or decreased to match your requirements.
Highlights:
– Walk along the World Heritage Kumano Kodo Trail
– Experience traditional Japanese inns – Ryokan & Minshuku
Package Details:
| Duration | 8 nights and 9 days (travel order can be changed, length of tour can be extended or decreased) |
| Departure Dates | Available all year round |
| Route | Osaka, Kii-tanabe, Kumano Kodo, Nachi-san, Nachi-Katsuura, Kushimoto |
| Tour type | Self-guided package: pick up/drop off service is not available |
| Price (land fee) | Twin share from $1,723 per person |
| *Seasonal fee may apply (arriving in March, April, May, October and November) | |
Package inclusions:
– 7 nights accommodation in a standard room in 3-4 star hotels and/or Ryokan
・ 2 nights in Osaka – Hearton Hotel Nishi Umeda or similar
・ 1 night in Takahara – Kiri-no-sato Takahara Lodge
・ 1 night in Nonaka – Minshuku Tsugizakura
・ 1 night in Yunomine Onsen – Yoshinoya Ryokan
・ 1 night in Nachi-Katsuura – Hotel Urashima or similar
・ 1 night in Kushimoto – Kushimoto Royal Hotel or similar
– Meals
・ 2 lunches in Kumano Kodo
・ 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts in Kumano Kodo
・ 1 dinner and 1 breakfast in Nachi-Katsuura
・ 1 dinner and 1 breakfast in Kushimoto
– Luggage transfer service during Kumano Kodo walk (from Takijiri to Kiikatsuura)
– Admission fees: Traditional boat cruise on Kumano River
– 2 x Kansai Area Pass 1-day
Package exclusions:
– Flights: We can assist with your flights to match your itinerary.
*If you have already booked your flight, please provide us with your flight details or send us copies of e-tickets when you book/enquire.
– Travel expenses
– Meals: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Activities or tours: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
*You can add any day tours or activities you like, we can arrange this for you.
– Admission fees: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Personal expenses
– Travel insurance
Notes:
*Non-smoking rooms may be available on request. We book non-smoking rooms when available.
*Please read our term and conditions.
*Package inclusions are subject to availability.
*Prices are subject to currency fluctuations.
