Kumano Kodo Advanced 4 days
The challenge of the Kumano
| Duration | 3 nights and 4 days |
| Departs | Daily |
| Price | From $915 per person (based on twin share) |
After a leisurely stroll on day 1, you’ll be faced with 2 challenging full day walks culminating with a view of Japan’s tallest waterfall at Kumano Nachi Taisha.
Hike the passes of Kogumotori-goe (Ukegawa to Koguchi) and Ogumotori-goe (Koguchi to Nachi) with long ascents and descents, but offering fantastic views of the Kii mountains.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Osaka – Kii-Tanabe – Hongu – Yunomine Onsen
Board a morning train to Kii-Tanabe. Sit on the right hand side of the train for the best views of the Kii Peninsula. Visit the Tourist Information Centre for a brief tour orientation and up-to-date maps and transportation timetables. Head to the Kumano Travel Support Centre to drop off your luggage and shop for some local goods and souvenirs.
Board the 12:50pm bus to Kumano Hongu Taisha, the head shrine to over 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan and one of the Kumano Sanzan (the three grand shrines of Kumano).
From Kumano Hongu Taisha, 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.
Walk along the Dainichi-goe route from Hongu to Yunomine Onsen.
Walking Distance: 2 km
Time: approx. 1 – 2 hours
Accommodation: Yunomine Onsen – 1 night (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch for Day 2)
Day 2: Kumano Kodo (Ukegawa – Koguchi)
Luggage shuttle from Yunomine Onsen to Koguchi.
Pick up your lunch from your accommodation and board the bus to Ukegawa. Begin your full day walk from Ukegawa along the Kogumotori-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
This section provides superb views of the Kumano mountains and it’s where you’ll find Okiri Jizo (the statue of the guardian deity of children). If you stand in front of it and shout across the valley, you’ll hear a perfect echo of your voice.
Walking Distance: 13 km
Time: approx. 4.5 – 6 hours
Accommodation: Koguchi – 1 night (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch for Day 3)
Day 3: Kumano Kodo Advanced (Koguchi- Kumano Nachi Taisha)
Luggage shuttle from Koguchi to Nachisan.
Enjoy a full day walk on the Ogumotori-goe section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to the shrine-temple complex of Nachisan and Japan’s tallest waterfall.
This is considered one of the most difficult sections on the Nakahechi route with some long climbs and descents often with cobblestone lined trails, which can be slipperly, especially when wet. It’s best to give yourself enough time to complete the walk. There’s no escape routes, so if you’re not up to the challenge, take public transport from Koguchi to Shingu and then onto Nachi.
Distance: 14 km
Time: approx. 7~9 hours
Accommodation: Nachisan – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)
Day 4: Nachisan – Kii-Katsuura
Complete your sightseeing in Nachi. You can 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 (the tallest waterfall in Japan).
Walking Distance: 1.5 km
Time: approx. 45 minutes
When ready, board a local bus to Kii-Katsuura, then train to your next destination
*The Kumano Kodo Advanced 4 days tour can be changed and the length increased or decreased to match your requirements.
Highlights:
– Challenging hike along the World Heritage Kumano Kodo Trail
– Experience the hidden onsen town of Yunomine
– Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha and Nachi grand shrine
Package Details:
| Duration | 3 nights and 4 days (travel order can be changed, length of tour can be extended or decreased) |
| Departure Dates | Available all year round |
| Route | Kii-Tanabe, Kumano Hongu, Yunomine Onsen, Kumano Kodo, Koguchi, Nachi |
| Tour type | Self-guided package: pick up/drop off service is not available |
| Price (land fee) | Twin share from $915 per person |
| *Seasonal fee may apply (arriving in March, April, May, October and November) | |
Package inclusions:
– 3 nights accommodation in a standard room in 3-4 star hotel and/or ryokan
・ 1 night in Yunomine Onsen – Ryokan Adumaya or similar
・ 1 night in Koguchi – Shizen-no-Ie or similar
・ 1 night in Nachi – Mitaki Sanso or similar
– Meals
・ Dinner, breakfast and lunch at Yunomine Onsen
・ Dinner, breakfast and lunch at Koguchi
・ Dinner and breakfast in Nachi
– Luggage transfer service during Kumano Kodo walk (from Kii-Tanabe to Yunomine Onsen to Koguchi to Nachi)
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.
