Experience our best-loved Kumano Kodō tour in winter. Suitable for hiking enthusiasts, enjoy village-to-village walking with 5 hikes of 2-7 hours in the crisp and clear air before bathing in thermal onsen.
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Winter Kumano Kodo self-guided walking 6 days
The classic Kumano Kodo experience during winter
- Duration: 6 days
- Trip level:Intermediate
- Availability: From the end of December through February
- Type:Self-guided
- Price: From USD 1,770(Price per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a room)
Highlights
- Don your swimsuit and bathe in Kawayu Onsen’s river of thermal water
- Visit two of Kumano’s grand shrines, Hongū Grand Shrine and Nachi Grand Shrine
- Take in Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall
- Earn credentials to receive Dual Pilgrim status
- Spend more time in the serene nature of the Kumano Kodō including the Ogumotorigoe Pass
- Enjoy delicious, homemade meals with fresh, local ingredients each day
The ancient pilgrimage, the Kumano Kodō, is located on the remote Kii Peninsula. The region’s high rainfall results in a misty backdrop that creates an atmosphere of mystery over the mountains and valleys. With a history going back more than 1,000 years, the Kumano Kodō has long been a pilgrimage walked by people from all levels of society, ranging from common folk to emperors.
Winter in Japan is a special time; the air becomes crisp and clear during this more dry season, creating a peaceful backdrop and invigorating your senses. As the Kumano region sees very little snow, the Kumano Kodō is an ideal hike for those looking to explore while still experiencing a bit of the winter’s chill, paired beautifully with warming and hearty cuisine and relaxing onsen hot spring baths along the way.
Our 6-day self-guided tour takes the classic and best-loved Nakahechi route, adding in a community experience and the famous senninburo of Kawayu Onsen, the crystal-clear bubbling thermal water of the river beckoning you for a relaxing dip after your day’s hike.
Walk village to village as you take in the scenery provided by the Kii Mountains, believed to be a sacred location that serves as the home of the gods. Try your hand at shinrinyoku (森林浴/forest bathing) and feel the serenity of the deep, forested walks and dreamy landscapes softly blanketed in fog.
You’re supported by our team in Kyōto, our local Chikatsuyu office, 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.
Have you walked the Camino de Santiago? You can obtain Dual Pilgrim status on our Kumano Kodō tours, or earn credentials and obtain the status on your future Camino de Santiago trip.
Daily luggage transfer is also available along the Kumano Kodō trail as an optional extra service.
What is included
 | 5 nights at Japanese inns along the Kumano Kodō trail |
 | 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners |
 | Round-trip train tickets from Kyōto or Ōsaka |
 | Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions |
 | Topographical maps |
 | Local support by telephone and at our Kumano Kodō branch |
 | Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks |
What is not included
 | Flights |
 | Airport transfers |
 | Drinks and meals not included in itinerary |
 | Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver |
 | Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy |
 | Daily luggage transfer |
Itinerary
Tour itineraries are subject to change. We will inform you of any amendments as soon as we become aware of them.