
Walk highlights
On the trail
Watch our 2-minute video we shot showing you some of the scenic highlights of the Kumano Kodo trail as it winds through the mountains and forests of the Kii Peninsula. The mystical and remote nature of the Kumano region has drawn walkers for over 1200 years and that experience of serenity can still be found today. The magnificent waterfall of Nachi-no-Otaki and the temple complex of Kumano Nachi Taisha at the end of the trail is shown here.
Kumano Kodo
The Autumn Trip – Kumano Kodo
- Stay in traditional guesthouses
- Beautiful, changing colours are a highlight for people on this trek
- Enjoy delicious handmade Japanese food with fresh local ingredients
- A great option for solo travellers or enjoy the company and support of others
$2,790.00
Kumano Kodo
The 7 Day Trail – Kumano Kodo
- Walk the full length of the Nakahechi trail
- Stay in traditional guesthouses
- Gain insights into life in rural Japan and the spiritual history
- Enjoy delicious handmade Japanese food with fresh local ingredients
$2,450.00
Kumano Kodo
The Extended Trip – Kumano Kodo
- Hike the full length of the Nakahechi route
- Enjoy a day on the challenging Kohechi route
- Journey along the Kumano-gawa river in a traditional boat
- Experience the life of a monk by staying in a Buddhist monastery
$3,595.00
Kumano Kodo
The Highlights Trip – Kumano Kodo
- Stay in traditional minshuku and ryokan accommodation
- Experience a traditional boat ride along the Kumano-gawa river
- Savour delicious Japanese food using fresh local ingredients
- Visit all 3 grand shrines, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan
$2,190.00
Kumano Kodo
Guided trip with Mike Rhodes – Kumano Kodo
- Hike the full length of the Nakahechi route
- Enjoy a day on the more challenging Kohechi route
- Gain a great understanding of this ancient pilgrimage trail
- Be enlightened by the experience, enthusiasm and knowledge of your local guide Mike Rhodes
$5,695.00
Kumano Kodo
Koyasan and Kumano Kodo
- Beautiful nature walking through rugged, forested mountains, quiet rural valleys and alongside rivers.
- Visit temples, shrines and traditional gardens
- Stay at a Japanese Buddhist temple
- Learn about traditional daily rituals, join a spiritual ceremony
$3,195.00
Kumano Kodo
The Spring Trip – Kumano Kodo
- A great option for solo travellers
- Stay in traditional guesthouses
- Spring is a wonderful time to hike the Nakahechi Trail
- Enjoy delicious handmade Japanese food with fresh local ingredients
$2,790.00
Kumano Kodo
The Dual Pilgrim Trip – Kumano Kodo
- Participate in a Purification ceremony
- Experience Kumano Hongu Taisha Spring Festival
- Annual festival held in Hongu to honour the Kumano Deities
- Receive a commemorative Dual Pilgrim shirt and Tenegui
$2,950.00

Exclusive Guide
GET INSPIRED
Japan’s ancient Kumano Kodo trails are nestled in the verdant mountains of the southern part of the beautiful Kii Peninsula, just south of Osaka. This lush and rugged area has been considered the abode of the gods and worshipped for centuries.
Our destination guide is bursting with all you need to know about walking the sacred Nakahechi pilgrimage route, the most popular and accessible of all the routes. You’ll love the peacefulness and tranquillity of the trail, the food (so elegant and refined!), the onsens (a cherished Japanese ritual), and the traditional family run guesthouses, full of character and charm.
KUMANO KODO
Get to know the Kumano Kodo
Autumn (October & November) Also a popular time to visit as the colours throughout the forest are stunning. In autumn, expect daytime temperatures of around 10–15°C. September This is a popular month to visit with warm weather (20–26°C) and long daylight hours. It is humid with the chance of rain.
Summer (June to August) During summer in Japan you can expect longer daylight hours, humidity and higher rainfall, but the scenery is beautifully green and verdant. Daytime temperatures are around 25–30°C. Winter (December to February)
We have used several criteria to assess the difficulty of our walks, including the number of hours walking required each day, terrain and conditions underfoot, weather, gradient, altitude, signage and facilities along the trail. See how to prepare for walks of this grading.

Not quite what you're after?
Tailor-made trips
If you don’t see the exact trip you’re looking for then consider a customised trip, individually tailored to your ideal walking distances and timeframes. Or if you have a group of friends or family you can have your own private group departure. Have a look at our tailor-made trips page on the link below and drop us a line: