Self-Guided Adventure
Tailor-made
Kumano Kodo Five-Night Module (Advanced Hiking)
5 Nights: from US$2074 per person (twin share) Trip Code: KK002
A challenging five-night walking module introducing the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network. Difficult and rewarding walking courses take you through one of Japan's most beautiful rural areas, with stays at traditional Japanese inns included along the way. Read more >
The pilgrimage routes that criss-cross the mountainous interior of the Kii Peninsula have been trodden by pilgrims of diverse social and religious backgrounds for over one thousand years. This ancient network of trails is known as the Kumano Kodo, and it links the three great shrines of Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha and Hayatama Taisha - known collectively as the Kumano Sanzan.
Emanating from Kumano Hongu Taisha in the heart of the Kii Mountain Range, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes spread across the peninsula as far afield as Mount Koya, Yoshino, Omine, and even the sacred shrines of Ise in Mie Prefecture.
This itinerary packs in some of the more challenging sections of the Kumano Kodo, taking you from Kii-Tanabe to Kii-Katsuura, stopping at the ridge-top settlement of Takahara, the tiny villages of Nonaka and Koguchi, and the famous onsen town of Yunomine. Along the way you'll also visit two of the three great shrines: Hongu Taisha and Nachi Taisha.
The Kii Peninsula is one of Japan's most ancient and mystical regions, with great swathes of untouched forest and some of the country's most important temples and shrines. This is a fantastic chance to get in some really challenging hikes in a beautiful setting steeped in religious history.
This is an advanced module for experienced walkers and hikers - information below is provided as guidance for what to expect on this hike:
Day 1 - Takijiri to Takahara - Approx 4km hiking; 2-3 hours; 430m up; 200m down; bus available to Kurisugawa approx 30 minutes' walk from Takahara, no buses to Takahara.
Day 2 - Takahara to Nonaka - Approx 13km hiking; 5-7 hours; 830m up; 650m down; bus available as 'escape route' 8km along route at Gyuba-doji-guchi.
Day 3 - Nonaka to Kumano Hongu Taisha - Approx 21.5km hiking; 8-11 hours; 960m up; 1440m down; bus available if you prefer - many cut down options (either 19km, 17km or 7.5 km all served by buses)
Day 4 - Ukegawa to Koguchi - Approx 13km; 4.5-6 hours; 670m up; 690m down; bus available if you prefer.
Day 5 - Koguchi to Nachi Taisha - Approx 14km; 7-9 hours; 1260m up; 930 down; bus available if you prefer.
Please note that there may be times that we will need to adjust the routing and inclusions due to availability of accommodations or experiences. We work with local experts who ensure we provide the best possible trip through the area so rest assured we will do our best to ensure you can enjoy Kumano Kodo whenever you travel.
What's included
- Five nights Japanese-style accommodation (two nights fully en suite, one night en suite toilet only, two nights shared bathing facilities)
- Breakfast every morning, four lunches and dinner every evening
- All train travel between destinations
- Kumano Kodo orientation
- Same-day luggage forwarding service between all destinations on the Kumano Kodo
- Two hour guided hike from Takijiri-Oji to Takahara
- Pocket WiFi device
- Personalised InsideJapan Info-Pack
What's NOT included:
- Lunch in Kii-Tanabe on day one
- Local transport between destinations, including any buses
- Any entrance fees, including those for temples, shrines and onsen
Trip Highlights
- Hike with an expert guide from Takijiri-Oji to Takahara
- Enjoy a kaiseki dinner cooked by a top-class chef
- Soak in Japan's only UNESCO World Heritage hot spring bath
- Visit Nachi-no-Otaki, the largest waterfall in Japan
- Stay above the clouds at the “village in the mist”
- Stay in traditional Japanese-style accommodation
- Admire two of the Kumano Kodo's three great shrines
For more information email us: info@insidejapantours.com or call: + 44 117 244 3380
What, where, when and how...
Kumano Kodo Five-Night Module (Advanced Hiking) - 6 Days
Destinations
Trip Reviews
Self-Guided Adventure Kumano Kodo Five-Night Module (Advanced Hiking)
Read more >It was exactly the trip I dreamed of.
Self-Guided Adventure Kumano Kodo Five-Night Module (Advanced Hiking)
Read more >Our trip was so well organized it made it stress-free for us. The train tickets, bus schedules, hiking guides, wifi walker and accommodations all worked out perfectly.
5.0 out of 5 from 1 review Show all Kumano Kodo Five-Night Module (Advanced Hiking) Reviews
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