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

Walk the Kumano Kodo Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Programmes: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
11 Days: Land Only
Ages: 8+
Trip Code: W10KK

Trip Overview

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

Adult min age: 8

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Osaka
End City: Osaka

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London
End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Take the express train from Osaka Kansai Int. Airport to Kyoto City (approx. 70mins), then a local taxi to your first hotel. (approx. 10mins).

Overnight Kyoto.

Enjoy a rest day in the incredible city of Kyoto, famous for its Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional teahouses. We recommend visiting the historical city of Nara, full of cultural treasures and expansive parks, located approx. 1hr from Kyoto city on the train.

Overnight Kyoto.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your day begins by taking the train to Kii-Tanabe (included) then the bus to Takijiri (paid locally – total travel time approx. 3hrs 30mins); this is the gateway to the historic Kumano Kodo Trail and the start of your walking journey. You’ll walk the Nakahechi portion of the Kumnao Kodo pilgrimage route, climbing steadily from Takijiri to the ridge-top village of Takahara.

Tonight, you’ll stay in a small, Japanese style hotel in the tiny village of Takahara or in a Japanese Minshuku in the nearby village of Kurisugawa.

Overnight Japanese-style hotel, Takahara or Minshuku Guesthouse, Kurisugawa.

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)