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The Kumano Kodō&rsquo;s Kiiji route is believed to be the original access point of the Kumano Kodō, and connects to the more well-known classic Nakahechi route. Our 6-day self-guided walking tour introduces you to the Kiiji route and features more gentle walking than our other Kumano Kodō itineraries; once you enter the Nakahechi portion of your trip, we provide you with options so you may decide to enjoy the trail on your own terms. Whether you wish to enjoy a slower pace, take in your surroundings, and explore to your heart&rsquo;s content or are excited to traverse as much of the trails as you can, we welcome you to experience this rewarding combination of the Kiiji and Nakahechi trails.

You start your journey on a beautifully preserved portion of the Kiiji route and enjoy a stop at Fujishiro Shrine. The torii gate here is also called the &lsquo;first torii gate of Kumano&rsquo; and is believed to be the entry point of the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage. You also have time to explore the origin of Japanese soy sauce, the town of Yuasa.

From here, you venture further on the Kumano Kodō, walking on a splendid cobblestone path that will take you to your next destination, Haradani in Hidaka. This town is home to the last remaining family producing black bamboo nationwide &ndash; shrines, temples, even gardens and the interiors of Japanese homes are all common places to find black bamboo. Spend some time with this welcoming family as they show you how they refine the bamboo and learn more about this unique craft. You&rsquo;ll receive a small keepsake to bring home with you.

After completing the Kiiji portion of your trip, you will reach Tanabe, the point at which the Kumano Kodō branches off into some of its other trails.&nbsp;From here you will continue onto the classic Nakahechi route, exploring local communities, inland walks, and atmospheric shrines that continue to draw pilgrims to this day. Along your pilgrimage, you will visit the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano before heading onwards by train.

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You&rsquo;re supported by our team in Kyōto and <a href="https://okujapan.com/about-us/kumano-kodo-branch/">our local Chikatsuyu office</a>, as well as by our bespoke turn-by-turn walking instructions and topographical maps, created by our team of hikers for you to guide you on your way.

Have you walked the Camino de Santiago? You can obtain Dual Pilgrim status on our tour, or collect your stamps and obtain the status on your future Camino de Santiago trip.

<a href="https://static-oku.diqit.io/uploads/oku/itinerary_kumano_kodo_kiiji_self_guided_6days_ny0so3g.pdf" target="_blank"><svg style="display: inline-block; width: 1em; height: 1em; vertical-align: -0.125em;" viewbox="0 0 512 512" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M64 464l48 0 0 48-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L229.5 0c17 0 33.3 6.7 45.3 18.7l90.5 90.5c12 12 18.7 28.3 18.7 45.3L384 304l-48 0 0-144-80 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-80L64 48c-8.8 0-16 7.2-16 16l0 384c0 8.8 7.2 16 16 16zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z" fill="#ed1c24"></path></svg> Download PDF itinerary</a>

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Once the original approach emperors followed to the Kumano Kodo, the Kiiji trail can still be walked today, offering visits to Yuasa, deep cultural experiences and access to a more moderate version of the classic Nakahechi route.

Kumano Kodo Kiiji self-guided walking 6 days

Once the original approach emperors followed to the Kumano Kodō, the Kiiji trail can still be walked today, offering visits to Yuasa, deep cultural experiences and access to a more moderate version of the classic Nakahechi route.

Begin on the Kiiji route before segueing into the classic Kumano Kodo experience on the Nakahechi route.

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