Our tour includes train tickets for your journey from Kyoto or Osaka to the small town of Kii-Tanabe on the mystical Kii Peninsula, gateway to the historic Kumano Kodo Trail. The railway line runs close to the ocean for the latter part of the journey and offers fine views out over the sea. The journey from Osaka to Kii-Tanabe is around two and half hours; from Kyoto it is around three hours and usually requires a change of trains at Shin-Osaka station. Board a local bus outside Kii-Tanabe station and travel forty minutes to Takijiri. This is where your walk on the Nakahechi portion of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route begins. From Takijiri the path climbs steadily to the ridge-top village of Takahara, and takes around two hours.

Stay tonight in a small, Japanese-style minshuku in the tiny village of Takahara, or in the nearby village of Kurisugawa. Both serve delicious home-cooked dinners featuring local seasonal ingredients.

Walking distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 mi

Elevation gain: 370 m / 1,200 ft

Time required: About 2 hours

Accommodation: Japanese-style hotel in Takahara or min­shuku (family-run guesthouse) in Kurisugawa

Meals: Dinner

After your Japanese breakfast, you leave your inn and follow the trail as it winds through small settlements and peaceful countryside. You pass several oji shrines before finally descending to the village of Chikatsuyu. The paths are clearly defined, and flagstones have been laid in some places to make the climbs easier. Arrive in Chikatsuyu in time to relax before dinner at a family-run guesthouse.

Walking distance: 10 km / 6.5 mi
Elevation gain: 480 m / 1,575 ft of ascent and 520 m / 1,700 ft of descent
Time required: About 4 - 5 hours
Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

From Chikatsuyu and Nonaka, the trail continues through the mountains. Board a bus today and then walk a gentle section of the trail from Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. At the heart of these sacred mountains, Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the ‘other world’ which spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. From Hongu, a short bus ride brings you to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot spring villages in Japan, or to Kawayu Onsen, famous for the thermal water bubbling to the surface of the crystal-clear river. Enjoy a relaxing soak in a Japanese bath before or after your delicious, multi-course dinner.

Walking distance: 7 km / 4 mi

Elevation gain: 120 m / 395 ft of ascent and 360 m / 1,180 ft of descent

Time required: About 2 hours

If you prefer a more challenging day, we offer two longer alternatives of 7 hours (15 km / 9 mi) or of 8-9 hours (24 km / 14.9 mi), both with significant ascent and descent. You can choose which option you prefer on the day—no need to decide in advance!

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn)

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Before or after breakfast, take time to explore the atmospheric village of Yunomine Onsen or Kawayu Onsen. Travel by bus along the picturesque valley to Shingu and visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano, 15 minutes on foot from Shingu Station. The tourist office is located directly in front of Shingu Station, where the bus arrives; they can supply maps and advice. Within the shrine precinct is a giant nagi tree about a thousand years old. ‘Nagi dolls’ made from the seeds of this tree are believed to bring about lucky encounters with the opposite sex or a happy married life to couples.

Kamikura Shrine on Mount Gongen, further on from Hayatama Grand Shrine, is also well worth a visit. People worship a large rock as a god here and the shrine is extremely atmospheric. After visiting the sights of Shingu, use the train tickets we provide for the train journey onwards to Osaka or Kyoto. The journey takes around five hours, arriving in Osaka or Kyoto early- to mid-evening.

Meals: Breakfast