Walk the Kumano Kodo

Name: Walk the Kumano Kodo
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

11 Days Excluding Flights From

11 Days from

£ 3359

5.0/5 from

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Moderate

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Ages :

Trip Code :

W10KK

Walking the ancient pilgrimage trail, Kumano Kodo

Embark on an incredibly rewarding hike through the Kii Peninsula Mountains along an ancient pilgrimage trail known as Kumano Kodo. The “Kodo” (old ways) are a key part of the region’s World Heritage destination and have been in use for 1,000 years. The pilgrimage routes were developed as a way for people to move between the sacred areas on the Kii Peninsula. At the centre of this religious area are the three Kumano shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and Nachi Taisha, collectively known as Kumano Sanzan.

The Kii Peninsula points south away from Kyoto and Osaka and is one of the most remote and mystical areas of Japan, despite its proximity to these great cities. From the 11th century, successive emperors and their families made the long and difficult pilgrimage to Kumano from Kyoto. Our trip focuses on the Nakahechi-do, which weaves its way through the forested mountains and small villages to the Grand Shrine of Hongu, before finishing near the Pacific Ocean at Nachi Grand Shrine.

Explore the fascinating city of Kyoto before beginning your Kumano Kodo journey and end with two nights in Osaka. Famous for its beautifully built Buddhist temples and traditional teahouses, Kyoto is a great introduction to your Japanese adventure. From here, you can visit the historical city of Nara, full of cultural treasures and tranquil gardens.

Osaka is known as the food capital of western Japan, inheriting its name in part from the fantastic Dotonbori area in the south of the city. Countless restaurants line the Dotonbori-gawa River offering dinner with views. The city is also home to Osaka-jo – a symbolic castle, re-built to its grand size after repeated fires.

Highlights

Walk the ancient pilgrimage route Kumano Kodo, one of Japan’s most remote and rewarding journeys
Witness the Grand Shrines, bathe in the hot spring thermal waters, and admire stunning views over the mountains towards the Pacific Ocean
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, staying at traditional ryokans and minshuku guesthouses

What's Included

10 nights’ accommodation in hotels and Japanese-style inns (ryokan/minshuku)
All breakfasts & 6 dinners
Management by your local Headwater appointed agent
Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between accommodation on the trail
Train from Kyoto to trail starting point and from trail end point to Osaka

What's Not Included

Lunches
Travel insurance
Single supplements
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas and vaccinations

6 Days of Walking & Trekking

Day 3

4 km / 2.5 miles

Day 4

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 5

24 km / 14.9 miles

Day 6

4 km / 2.5 miles

Day 7

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 8

13 km / 8.1 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

W10KK - Walk the Kumano Kodo

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Walk the Kumano Kodo

Walking the ancient pilgrimage trail, Kumano Kodo

6 Days of Walking & Trekking

Sustainability and Impact

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Itinerary

Osaka Osaka London London

Essential Info

Vaccinations and Health

Japan

Visa

Japan

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Hotels, Ryokan & Minshuku

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Reviews

Excellent cultural trip

Most Inspirational Moment

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Walk the Kumano Kodo