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South of Japan&rsquo;s ancient capital of Kyōto and bustling Ōsaka lies the Kii Peninsula, the largest peninsula on Japan&rsquo;s main island of Honshū. The history of this region goes back more than 1,000 years as a spiritual centre, with pilgrims ranging from emperors to common folk walking the trails that made up the Kumano Kodō. The Kumano Kodō (Kumano Ancient Trail) is made of five specific routes: the Nakahechi, Kohechi, Iseji, Kiiji, and Ōhechi.

Our 4-day Kumano Kodō tour is our shortest on this ancient pilgrimage, and introduces you to the classic Nakahechi route, weaving through forested mountains and small villages towards Hongū Grand Shrine.

After visiting ridgetop villages and peaceful countryside settlements, arrive in Hongū to visit the Grand Shrine here. Afterwards, arrive in Shingū, home of Hayatama Grand Shrine and Kamikura Shrine, a sacred place where it is believed the gods first descended before being enshrined.

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

If you&rsquo;re looking for a condensed version of the Kumano Kodō experience, our 4-day self-guided tour will introduce you to many of its highlights, as you enjoy delicious local meals at your traditional Japanese inns and refresh yourself in onsen baths&nbsp;between your hikes.

Have you walked the Camino de Santiago? You can obtain Dual Pilgrim status on our tour, or earn your credentials and obtain the status on your future Camino de Santiago trip.&nbsp;

Daily luggage transfer is also available along the Kumano Kodō trail as an <a href="https://www.okujapan.com/help/luggage-transfer">optional extra service</a>.

<a href="https://static-oku.diqit.io/uploads/oku/itinerary_kumano_kodo_self_guided_4days_ll9bl9o.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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A condensed version of the wonderful Nakahechi route, introducing you to the highlights of the Kumano Kodo. With 3 hikes of 2-7 hours, this tour offers more challenging options on day 3 for avid hikers and is eligible for Dual Pilgrim certification.

Kumano Kodo self-guided walking 4 days

A condensed version of the wonderful Nakahechi route, introducing you to the highlights of the Kumano Kodō. With 3 hikes of 2-7 hours, this tour offers more challenging options on day 3 for avid hikers and is eligible for Dual Pilgrim certification.

The quintessential Kumano Kodo experience on the classic Nakahechi route.

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