Your JourneyDay 1 Kii-Tanabe – Takijiri-Oji - Takahara Train from Kyoto or Osaka to Kii-Tanabe. Orientation meeting then go by bus to the village of Kawayu. Day 2 Kawayu – Hosshinmon Oji – Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine – Katsura Transfer to Hosshinmon Oji from where you walk a mix of forested trails past mountain top villages, immersed in the Japanese countryside till you reach the spectacular Grand Shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha. Descend by an impressive multi flight set of steps the bus to Katsura. Day 3 Katsura – Nachi – Daimon Zaka Slope – Katsura The Daimon-zaka is an ancient 600m long stone staircase ascending between columns of trees to Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. The descent is to a view point at the foot of a beautiful waterfall. Return to Katsura. Day 4 Arrangements end or you can extend your walk. TerrainEnergetic – the full trail is overall demanding with steep climbs, descents and long stone staircases. A shorter moderate graded itinerary can be offered of days that are easier with public transport in between. MealsFull board. PricePlease note that price is per person in Japanese Yen 2020: From ¥89,375 Per Person, Double/Twin Share. Schedule2020: Start any day year round. BookThe above is a short synopsis of this tour. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a more detailed itinerary and trip notes.
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Kumano Kodo Highlights
Self Guided - 4 Days/3 Nights
This pilgrimage trail in Southern Japan has existed for over 1,000 years where pilgrims from all levels of society have trod their way to the Grand Shrines of Kumano. The entire weeklong route is a challenging trail that is steeped in a rich cultural and natural heritage. Walking can be tailored to cover the highlights of the route to suit a walker’s level of fitness for 3 days and longer. The Kumano Kodo is an immersion into the Japanese way of life far from the large cities.
Accommodations along the way are mostly Japanese traditional style inns and guesthouses with tatami mat flooring in the guest and dining rooms and futon mattresses to sleep on. Meals are included which is an adventure into typical Japanese cuisine. Hot springs are common on the route and baths with mineral waters (called ‘onsen’) are very soothing at the end of a day’s walk.
The Kumano Kodo in the Southern Kii peninsula (Wakayama Prefecture) of Japan, can be accessed by train from Osaka or Kyoto to Kii-Tanabe station (approx. 2.5 hours). The first day is guided so you get to “know the ropes”. Public transport is planned into the itinerary and guides can be hired for extra days.
