6 Days & 5 Nights

4.7

Kumano Kodo Trail (Walk only)

Follow in the footsteps of Japan’s Imperial family on the Kumano Kodo Trail
Walk through stunning rural scenery - Japan as it once was
Relax in an outdoor bath at Yunomine Onsen
Explore the Grand Shrine at Hongu
Sumptuous evening meals beautifully presented in traditional minshuku

Walk the 11th century Kumano Kodo pilgrim’s trail through rural Japan to the three grand shrines of Kumano, staying overnight in traditional Japanese minshuku and ryokan. Perfect if you are making your own arrangements as part of a longer trip to Japan. Following part of the Nakahechi route (one of five pilgrimage routes leading to the Grand Shrine), you will experience five wonderful days of walking along village paths and forested mountain trails. Discover mountain-top villages, soothing hot springs and sacred temples before finishing at Nachi shrine on the coast. Each night stay in small minshuku or ryokan and enjoy impeccable service, beautiful rooms and delicious food to finish off your day.

From $2,179.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Takijiri Oji to Takahara 2 miles / 4 km

You will take the train to the mystical Kii Peninsula via Osaka. Your train will hug the coastline until you reach the small town of Tanabe. From there you will board a bus (payable locally) and then start the walk on the Kumano pilgrimage route from Takijiri. From the start at Takijiri Oji, the path climbs steeply up to the ridge-top village of Takahara (2 hours). Stay at a lovely ryokan with both Japanese and western style rooms.

N:B There is very limited accommodation in Takahara so if the inn there is full the itinerary will be changed to the following;

Day 1: Take train to Tanabe on the Kii Peninsula and overnight

Day 2: Take early morning bus to Takijiri and walk to Chikatsuyu: 14.5km, 6-7 hours

Day 3: onwards: as per below

Overnight Takahara

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Organic Hotel Kirinosato-Takahara | Hotel

Kirinosato offers friendly service, magnificent views from each room and delicious meals with locally produced organic rice and vegetables. There are three Japanese-style tatami-mat rooms and five western-style rooms for guests. All guestrooms have private ensuite toilet; guests use the two gender-segregated communal bathing rooms. Water for the hot spring bath comes from Wataze Onsen in Hongu. Bathing is available from 3pm to 11pm and from 7am to 9am. If you are staying in a tatami-mat room, please lay out your futon yourself in the evening. Wifi is available in the lobby area.

Minpaku Akatsuki | Minshuku

Akatsuki is a “Minpaku” or homestay run by the cheery Maeda couple, in their two story home with the guestrooms on the second floor. The house itself is lovingly maintained and decorated with handmade crafts and flowers, and is a comfortable and welcoming homestay environment.

Suzushiro | Cabin, Lodge

Suzushiro is a cozy cottage in Takahara owned by the young Kashiwagi family. The views from the facility and expansive deck are fantastic. There is a bedroom, sitting room, loft, mini-kitchen, toilet, and bath.

Day 2 Takahara to Chikatsuyu 6 miles / 10 km

The Nakaheji has been established as one of Japan's National Historic Roads and here the paths are clearly defined, and flagstones have been laid in some places to make the climbs easier. Today’s walk undulating walk through gorgeous rural scenery passes several oji shrines before descending to the small village of Chikatsuyu.

Ascent: 555m / Descent: 580m

Overnight Chikatsuyu

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Happiness Chikatsuyu | Country House

The cozy cottage has a Japanese style room, small loft, dining room, and kitchen. The dining room features a giant wooden table. The windows look onto the surrounding garden planted with a variety of flowering trees. Guests often enjoy sitting on the deck or in the private gazebo taking in the peaceful location.

Chikatsuyu Minshuku | Minshuku

Minshuku Chikatsuyu is a small guesthouse located in the Chikatsuyu village along the Tonda River. The Hisui-no-yu onsen is a hot spring bath next to the inn. The water is famous for its smooth texture. One of their specialty dishes is ayu (sweet fish) rice. The view from the dining room opens onto the river and mountains beyond.

Sakura no Sono | Guest House

Chikatsuyu Cherry Garden “Sakura-no-Sono” is a set of Japanese houses on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route on the west side of Chikatsuyu village, the first buildings on the left when entering the village. Both homes are lovingly maintained and elegantly decorated.

Day 3 Chikatsuyu to Hongu/bus to Yunomine Onsen 15 miles / 24 km

Today’s walk is quite tough but well worth the effort! An initial climb takes you up through the mountains to Mikoshi-touge (pass). From here the path levels off slightly before reaching the grand shrine Kumano Hongu Taisha at the heart of the sacred Kii mountains. Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the ‘other world which spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. From the shrine, you take a bus (payable locally) to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot spring onsen villages in Japan.

Ascent: 1070m / Descent: 1305m

N.B it is possible to shorten to 21 or 7 km using local buses.

Overnight Yunomine Onsen

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Minshuku Kuraya | Minshuku

Minshuku Kuraya is a small guesthouse with over 100 years of history and features traditional Japanese construction. It is located by the creek in the middle of the Yunomine Onsen hot spring village. Minshuku Kuraya serves local “family” meals and the hot spring bath is open 24 hours. The communal dining room is surrounded by sliding shoji paper screen doors. The guestrooms look out onto the village. For those looking for an authentic guesthouse with Japanese architecture, this is a good choice.

Fujiya Ryokan

Overlooking the Ōta River, this polished hot spring hotel surrounded by lush landscape is a minute's walk from the Kawayu Hot Spring and 5 km from the Kumano Hongū Taisha Shinto shrineOverlooking the Ōta River, this polished hot spring hotel surrounded by lush landscape is a minute's walk from the Kawayu Hot Spring and 5 km from the Kumano Hongū Taisha Shinto shrine

Yunomineso | Ryokan

Located a few hundred meters south of the Yunomine Onsen village on a ridge above the Yomuragawa River. It is a quiet accommodation and serves a variety of different set meals that compliment the seasons. All of the rooms are Japanese style. There are both indoor and outdoor baths, each with very good quality water.

Day 4 Free Day in Yunomine 6 miles / 10 km

An extra day in your wonderful onsen Ryokan in Yunomine is a welcome break after a few days on the trail. You can do some sightseeing, or simply sit back and relax. Or for those still feeling energetic there is an optional short walk available to Dainichi-goe shrine.

Ascent: 705m / Descent: 440m

Overnight Yunomine Onsen

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Minshuku Kuraya | Minshuku

Fujiya Ryokan

Yunomineso | Ryokan

Day 5 Transfer to Koguchi, walk to Nachi-San. Bus to Kii-Katsuura 9 miles / 14 km

A pre-arranged taxi takes you to Koguchi. From here you walk this glorious final section of the Kumano Kodo trail, over the Ogumotorigoe Pass, where you can catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It then descends to Nachi-san, the location of Nachi Taisha (Grand Shrine), one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano’ and Nachi-taki waterfall, Japan’s highest. You then have a short bus ride from Nachi-San to the coast at Kii-Katsuura. The end of a beautiful coast to coast walk.

Ascent: 1135m / Descent: 860m

Overnight Kii-Katsuura

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Manseiro | Inn

Manseirou is located in front of the pier and offers the views of Katsuura Bay and old streets of Katsuura. Manseiro's garden features open air baths, while Chiyo no Yu-bath changes colors according to the seasons and weather.

Nakanoshima | Hotel

UPGRADE HOTEL

Hot-spring baths, massages and a summertime outdoor pool can be enjoyed at Nakanoshima, located a 3-minute ferry ride from Kanko Sanbashi pier. Traditional Kaiseki dinners and Japanese rooms with views of Nachi Bay are featured. Guests sleep on futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. All rooms are air-conditioned and include an LCD TV, an en suite bathroom, green tea and Yukata robes.

Day 6 Transfer to Osaka

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 15kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 15kg is equivalent to 88.5 candy bars. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals

Accommodations

In Kyoto and Osaka, we use carefully selected 3 or 4* western-style hotels. We use local family-run accommodations and traditional Ryokan and Minshuku Inns on the walking section.

The classic Japanese inn, Ryokan come in many styles, but are united by flawless service and exquisitely-prepared food. Ryokan may be in modern or traditional wooden buildings, but rooms are always Japanese style, with Tatami (straw mat) floors and futons for sleeping laid out in the evening by the Ryokan staff. Minshuku are similar to Ryokan but family-run and with less formal service. Rooms are more simply-furnished and guests typically lay out their own futons. Regardless if you have requested a double or a twin room you will get 2 separate futons to sleep on in your traditional Japanese room.

Ryokan rooms sometimes have private bathrooms. Minshuku offer toilet and bathing facilities ‘along the corridor’. Baths may be smaller rooms, used privately in turn by guests; or they may be larger communal bathing suites, one for men and one for women. As availability is limited we cannot guarantee or inform you in advance of booking which type of Japanese Inn you will overnight in.

We provide you with detailed information on the etiquette of staying in these beautiful traditional Japanese Inns.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This trip is available to solo walkers and a limited number of single rooms are available, although a single/solo supplement is payable.

Meals

Japanese cuisine is the highlight of many people’s visit to Japan and this is especially the case on the Kumano Kodo Trail. Your trip includes all breakfasts and 5 evening meals whilst on the trail.

Most meals will be Japanese cuisine, though breakfast in western-style hotels usually includes more familiar choices.

Dinner and breakfast in ryokan and minshuku are set meals, usually with a whole succession of different dishes which will delight you. Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included with meals. Tipping is not customary at hotels and restaurants in Japan.

Navigation What's Included

Included

5 Nights minshuku (guest house) accommodation on the Kumano Kodo trail.
5 Breakfasts
5 evening meals
Train tickets from/to Kyoto or Osaka
Detailed information pack with local travel information, route notes and maps.
Telephone support from our local, English speaking, area manager.

Excluded

Baggage forwarding is not included, though we provide instructions for how this can be easily arranged locally or you can pre-book as an optional extra
International flights and travel to Kyoto/from Osaka
Drinks with meals
Lunches
Local buses on day 1, 3 & 5 should be paid locally (around ¥2500, £18 or $28)
Travel insurance

Extras

Additional nights on the trail or in Kyoto, Tokyo or Osaka (prices on request for Kyoto and Osaka)
Daily Luggage Transfers (Takijiri to Kii-Katsuura)

When to go

When To Go

This trip is available year-round but we recommend April to November. The region may experience occasional snow from December to February and the hours of daylight are much less so during these months we may offer an alternative itinerary detailed below. It can get quite hot and sticky in July and August so please keep this in mind if you are looking to travel then.

Accommodation gets busy and may charge extra during the following Japanese holiday periods: New Year (29 December - 04 January), Golden Week (29 April - 05 May 2024), and O-bon (13-15 August 2024).

The months of April and May is peak cherry blossom season, so please be aware that bookings during this time may require a change of itinerary or accommodation. There is very limited accommodation in Takahara so if the inn there is full you will stay in Tanabe, on the first night and the following day complete the first two sections of the walk to Chikatsuyu.

WINTER ALTERNATIVE DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

In order to make the itinerary work during the winter months, we offer a slightly adapted version during this time. This varation also highlights the location of Kawayu Onsen which is a hotspring town. For a limited time during winter, the thermal river is transformed into a giant open-air bath created by digging down through the rocky river bed to allow the natural hot spring waters to rise closer to the surface and bring the temperature of the natural mineral river to a soothingly warm temperature to contrast the cold winter temperatures, and locals and travellers alike can soak and relax in the hot water (around 40 degrees Celsius).

The layout for this itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Regional Farm Experience in Azikuno - overnight in Kii-Tanabe
Day 2: Hike from Takijiri to Chikatsuyu - overnight in Chikatsuyu
Day 3: Hike from Chikatsuyu to Nonaka and Hongu - overnight in Kawayu Onsen
Day 4: Hike from Ukegawa to Koguchi - overnight in Koguchi (* or Kawayu Onsen if you prefer to relax and enjoy the area)
Day 5: Hike from Koguchi to Nachi-san - overnight in Kii-Katsura
Day 6: Onward travels

Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air:

The best airport to arrive at is Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX), which has flights from international destinations. You can also fly into Tokyo Narita (NRT) and take an internal flight or the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (3h30).

The West Japan Rail Company operates services between Kansai Airport and Osaka/Kyoto. Timetables and route maps can be found on their website. The Airport Express HARUKA (Kansai Airport Line) takes approx 75 mins to Kyoto.

Getting from the End

By Air:

Train tickets are included from the end of the trail in Kii-Katsuura to Osaka city centre. You can then fly out of Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX), which has flights to many international destinations. You can also fly out of Tokyo Narita (NRT) and take an internal flight or the shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka (3h30).

The West Japan Rail Company operates services between Kansai Airport and Osaka. The Airport Express HARUKA (Kansai Airport Line) takes approx 75 mins to Kyoto.

Luggage Transfer

Luggage transfer is not included during your walk as standard. There are two options for your luggage: Takkubin or Daily Luggage transfers.

Takkubin (sometimes Takkyubin or Takuhaibin)

Takkubin is a luggage courier service which you can only book once you are in Japan. It is reliable and well-priced at approximately $20 per journey (you will have 2 on this itinerary). The price is based per bag under 25kg/55lbs. Your bags will not be moved each day.

On the Kumano Kodo hike, you have access to your luggage only when in Yunomine Onsen. The other nights you have to carry your essentials with you. We recommend this method as you do not have to navigate the trains and buses with your main large suitcase. Additionally, in the accommodation you are provided with robes and shoes to wear in the traditional houses.

With Takkubin your Kumano Kodo luggage transfers and access would be:

You send your luggage from Kyoto (or from wherever you are before you start your hike) to Yunomine Onsen. You travel by train & bus with your overnight things (and no heavy suitcase) to Takijri and hike to Takahara. No access to main bag.
Hike to Chikatsuyu. No access to main bag.
Hike to Yunomine. Access to main bag.
Day Yunomine. Access to main bag.
Send your main bag to the destination after your hike (Osaka). You travel/hike to Kii-Katsuura. No access to main bag.
Kii-Katsuura. Train to Osaka (no heavy suitcase). Reunited with luggage at hotel at end of day.

Exactly where you leave and collect your bags for Takkubin is clearly explained in your final information. It is a widely used and efficient service, with many tourists and locals using it every day.

Daily Luggage Transfers

This allows you to have access to your luggage on all nights. It costs approximately $250 for up to 3 bags and needs to be pre-booked through Macs. You will have to take your suitcase with you on the trains and buses at the start and end of the walk, which can be difficult if cumbersome.

With daily luggage transfers, your Kumano Kodo luggage transfers and access would be:

You need to take your own luggage with you from Kyoto (or from wherever you come from to the start of the trail) on the train and then the bus to Takijiri. You leave your bags here at the tourist office and hike to Takahara. Access to main bags.
Hike to Chikatsuyu. Access to main bags.
Hike/Travel to Yunomine Onsen. Access to main bags.
Day Yunomine. Access to main bag.
Hike/Travel to Kii-Katsuura. Access to main bags.
Take your bags with you on the train to Osaka or onwards travel.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof cloths, and lightweight clothing for summer.

Dietary and Allergies on the Kumano Kodo

Japanese Inns prepare their meals in-house and take great pride in their cuisine which showcases the best seasonal and local produce it has to offer! This means that dietary requests such as gluten-free and strict vegetarian and vegan are difficult to cater to. Gluten-free is still poorly understood in some parts of Japan, and the base ingredients of Japanese cuisine contain a large amount of gluten or fish. Whilst, in some cases you think it's easy for them just to make you vegetables and rice but this is not the case! The inns may be family-run and simply cannot make alternate meals due to resources at hand or more commonly that the meals and hot spring baths are the largest attraction to staying at an inn for domestic Japanese travellers and the innkeeper's sense of pride will cause them to simply decline these requests fearing the customer will be unsatisfied.

Getting around

Your package includes train tickets from/to Kyoto or Osaka to the start of the walk and from the end of the walk back to Osaka or Kyoto. The public transport system in Japan is world class and your pre-departure information pack and itinerary has detailed information on tickets, trains and how to use public transport easily and what trains/buses to take from Kyoto/Osaka to Kii-Tanabe at the start of the walk.

Visas

Please check your visa requirements with the foreign office or the embassy in your country of residence before travelling to Japan.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof cloths, and lightweight clothing for summer.

Travel Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you secure adequate travel insurance.

How fit do I need to be? Which is the best airport to fly to? What about luggage transfers? When is the best time of year? Can you accommodate specific dietary requirements?

It is essential at the time of booking that we understand your party's dietary requirements. It is worth mentioning that many dishes do contain the ubiquitous Japanese fish stock called dashi which is an ingredient in many soups and sauces. Japanese Inns prepare their meals in-house and take great pride in their cuisine which showcases the best seasonal and local produce it has to offer! This means that dietary requests such as gluten-free and strict vegetarian and vegan are difficult to cater to. Gluten-free is still poorly understood in some parts of Japan, and the base ingredients of Japanese cuisine contain a large amount of gluten or fish. Whilst, in some cases you think it's easy for them just to make you vegetables and rice but this is not the case! The inns may be family-run and simply cannot make alternate meals due to resources at hand or more commonly that the meals and hot spring baths are the largest attraction to staying at an inn for domestic Japanese travelers and the innkeeper's sense of pride will cause them to simply decline these requests fearing the customer will be unsatisfied.

Interestingly, on the Kumano Kodo itself, there are many young families or those simply fed-up with the rat race in the larger cities who have decided to move to regional Japan. You may find that these residents have set up local businesses such as Japanese inns, cafes, and coffee roasters. These residents are more progressive in attitudes and many have opened a vegan cafe, or are willing to substitute the fish stock for mushroom or seaweed stock at their inns. Unfortunately, this is not guaranteed and in order for us to make the trip work, you may need to have some flexibility with dates in order for our local supplier to find a space in inns that are accommodating with dietary requests.

Do I need to speak Japanese? What personal equipment do I need? How far in advance do I need to book?

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