Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

For over 1000 years people from all levels of society, including retired emperors and aristocrats, have made the arduous pilgrimage to Kumano. These pilgrims used a network of routes, now called the Kumano Kodo, which stretched across the mountainous Kii Peninsula. The walk itself was an integral part of the pilgrimage process as they undertook rigorous religious rites of worship and purification. Walking the ancient Kumano Kodo is a fantastic way to experience the unique cultural landscape of Kumano’s spiritual countryside.

In July 2004, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes were registered as UNESCO World Heritage as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” property.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 1 – Osaka to Kumano Kodo

After reaching Kii-Tanabe by railway, you will need to take the local bus to Takijiri-oji to stop by Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Center, where you can learn more about the history of the area and get some tips and helpful gears for your hiking.

Note: Please hand over your suitcases to the luggage sending service; 1 piece of luggage per person applies.

Across the pilgrimage center you will find Takijiri-oji, one of the five major oji (subsidiary shrines) in the area and is considered as the main entrance to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. From this point on your way to Takahara, the trail is very steep and surrounded by many trees, so please be careful and don’t hesitate to get off to a slow start.

About 15 minutes into the climb, you will reach a set of large boulders called Tainai-kuguri, where bold travelers test their faith by climbing through a very narrow exit at the far end. Continue hiking until you arrive at the lookout point that offers nice views of the surrounding mountains (a short climb up the stairs will be needed).

Descend from the hill following the stairs on the other side that leads back to the main route, pass by signpost nos. 4 and 5, and climb a couple more stairs and slopes until you reach Takahara Shrine, a Shinto shrine surrounded by ancient camphor trees that could be about a century old. From the shrine, walk towards Takahara Village, also called “kiri-no-sato” (village in the fog), a small quiet town with rice terraces and surrounded by forests.

While in Takahara, you will be staying in a lodge that offers Western-style rooms but serves Japanese-style meals that consist of Kumano Kodo’s local produce.

Overnight in Takahara

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 2 -Takahara to Tsugizakura (B,L,D)

Today the trail from Takahara continues to climb into the mountains and will reach the Jujo-oji clearing, a popular spot for picnic lunches, where you also will enjoy lunch.

The trail then descends quickly past the Three-Fold Moon Viewing area from where it is a short climb to the small but impressive Gyuba-doji statue. This statue shows Kazan, one of the first abdicated emperors to pilgrimage to Kumano, sitting on a horse and cow. You will then descend a cobblestone staircase to the village of Chikatsuyu.

From here, along the south side of Mount Takao and gradually climbing over 200 meters in elevation, you will pass the shrine grove of Tsugizakura-oji, where massive cedar trees dominate the landscape.

Dinner tonight is again included in your accommodation.

Overnight in Tsugizakura

Note: Your luggage will be transfer separately to your lodging today.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 3 -Tsugizakura to Yunomine (B,L,D)

Today’s hike starts with a climb to the Kobiro-toge Pass, and on into an ancient mountain trail which will eventually lead you to Hosshinmon-oji. From Hosshinmon-oji, you will then make way through some small settlements, before arriving at the Kumano Hongu Taisha, the main shrine in the area, to which all roads in the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage lead.

You will have time to visit the shrine and explore this spiritual town before you continue hiking the short but relatively steep trail over Mount Dainichi that links Kumano Hongu Taisha with Yunomine Onsen, your final destination for the day.

Yunomine is a quaint little collection of inns tucked into a small valley deep in the heart of the sacred mountains of Kumano. The waters here are said to change color seven times over the course of a day. Yunomine Onsen was discovered about 1,800 years ago, and it is thought to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan.

Yunomine Onsen is an integral part of the over 1000 year old Kumano pilgrimage tradition as pilgrims performed hot water purification rituals in these piping hot mineral waters after their long journey in preparation to worship at Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Tonight you will have the chance to stay in this amazing place, and try these hot springs yourself to get rid of the aches of the past days of climbing.

Dinner tonight is included in your accommodation.

Overnight in Yunomine Onsen

Note: Your luggage will be transferred separetely to the hotel today.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 4 – Yunomine to Koguchi (B,L,D)

Today you have a morning at leisure to enjoy the onsen of Yunomine, before you board a shuttle bus to arrive at Koguchi in the late afternoon.

Dinner tonight is included in your accommodation.

Overnight in Koguchi

Note: Your luggage will be transferred separately to the hotel today.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 5 – Koguchi to Nachi (B,L,D)

Today you will hike towards the famous Nachi Falls.

This path will take you along wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean and also via the Waroda-ishi rock, where the Kumano deities are believed to meet and chat over tea.

Upon arrival in Nachi you will visit the Nachi waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Japan, and also pay a visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 350 meters above sea level. It has its religious origin in the ancient nature worship of the waterfalls and this grand shrine is part of the Kumano Sanzan and is a major pilgrimage destination.

In the evening you will then board the bus to Katsuura, where you will take the ferry to your lodging for tonight. Nakanoshima is a seaside Ryokan located on a private island in Katsuura Bay. One of the highlights of staying in Nakanoshima is the large outdoor bath overlooking the bay. The sounds of waves on the rocks nearby, while watching the sunset over the mountains, make for a wonderful experience.

Overnight in Nakanoshima

Note: Your luggage will be transferred separately to the hotel today.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 6 – Back to Osaka (B)

After a final filling Japanese breakfast and another soak you say goodbye to this great area and to your guide for the past days, when you head back by express train (4h) to Osaka, where you can continue your onward journey.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Notes:

Reservations during weekends, peak periods and Japanese public holidays maybe subject to supplementary charges.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Our Services Include:

• Accommodation in twin room with daily breakfast.
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• English speaking local guideduring the entire hike
• Train ticket ordinary class on LTD. EXP. KUROSHIO from Shin-Osaka to Kii-Tanabe
• Train ticket ordinary class on LTD. EXP. KUROSHIO from Kii-Katsuura to Shin-Osaka

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Our Services do not Include:

• International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
• Meals other than mentioned above
• Some local transport in the Kumano Kodo region
• Guide to and from Kumano Kodo area
• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, etc.).
• Travel insurance (please see below).
• Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Creating Unique Touring Experiences

All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our experienced team members and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. We are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Japan tour to your individual specifications.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Important notes:

• We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation). Please contact us for pricing