Add the Kyoto Extension to your Kumano Kodo walk

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most compelling cities and for many travellers, an essential stop on any first visit to the country. Rich in history, culture and cuisine, it offers a striking contrast to the forested mountains and rural landscapes of the Kumano Kodo.

I recently combined a Kyoto Extension with a Kumano Kodo hike which created a well-paced and deeply rewarding Japan itinerary and offered the perfect mix of culture with activity.

For those wanting to get more from their journey, spending time in Kyoto before heading to the Kumano Kodo makes such practical sense, and for me it truly enhanced my overall experience.

Kyoto: A Must-See City in Japan

With more than a thousand years as Japan’s former capital, Kyoto offers an unmatched concentration of temples, shrines, gardens and historic neighbourhoods. It’s a city best explored at a slower pace, allowing time to absorb its layers of tradition, craftsmanship and daily life. Beginning my journey in Kyoto gave me time to adjust, culturally, physically and mentally before moving into the more remote landscapes of the Kumano Kodo. By the time I reached the trail, I felt settled, oriented and ready.

What You Can Do on a Kyoto Extension

A Kyoto Extension isn’t simply extra sightseeing. It provides a chance to balance cultural experiences, gentle activity as well as preparation for walking.

Private Guided Cycling Tours

Kyoto’s flat layout and riverside paths make it ideal for cycling. A guided cycling tour offered a relaxed way to explore neighbourhoods, temples and quieter backstreets while gaining local insight that would be hard to access independently. It’s an active but low-impact introduction to the city and a great way to ease into movement after travel.

Food Experiences

Kyoto is widely regarded as one of Japan’s culinary centres. From market visits and street food to refined kaiseki dining, food experiences here provide insight into Japanese seasonality, presentation and regional flavours. For me, food experiences became a highlight of the entire trip. To engage with the food scene, an evening food tour is a great inclusion – fun, delicious and a good chance to meet other travellers.

Free Time to Explore

My time in Kyoto included some free mornings and afternoons, allowing me to explore independently whether it was wandering temple grounds, visiting a teahouse or simply sitting by the river. This flexibility helped me settle into the rhythm of Japan before beginning my multi-day walk.

Warm up Hikes in Kyoto

One of the most valuable benefits of a Kyoto Extension is the opportunity to warm up for the Kumano Kodo through short, rewarding day walks. These walks help activate hiking muscles, build confidence and introduce typical Japanese trail conditions. I chose to undertake the two day hikes in Kyoto below before the Kumano Kodo and found it so beneficial.

Kurama to Kibune Hike

This popular and accessible hike begins in the mountain village of Kurama and follows forested trails through cedar trees, bamboo groves and small shrines before descending into the riverside village of Kibune. The terrain includes stone steps, exposed roots and uneven ground, all common features of the Kumano Kodo. While the route can be walked in either direction, I recommend starting in Kurama and finishing in Kibune, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of Kibune’s riverside restaurants at the end of the walk. A perfect end to a fabulous hike.

Kyoto Isshu Trail – Higashiyama Course

For those wanting something more challenging, sections of the Kyoto Isshu Trail provide an excellent step up.

One option begins after visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of torii gates climb through wooded hills. The trail continues north through forest paths, residential streets, and small shrines, offering a mix of urban and natural landscapes.

I chose another section of the Higashiyama Course starting from Keage Station and following forested trails toward Mt Daimonji. This stretch includes short climbs, exposed tree roots and several viewpoints across Kyoto. Again, the terrain closely mirrors sections of the Kumano Kodo. Finishing with a walk along the Philosopher’s path and a visit to some of my new favourite temples. What a perfect day!

These day hikes in Kyoto provide an opportunity to test pacing and energy levels before undertaking consecutive days of walking.

One Seamless Japan Itinerary

Combining Kyoto with the Kumano Kodo also makes logistical sense. Kyoto is exceptionally well connected by rail and provides an easy transition to the Kii Peninsula. Rather than treating city and trail as separate trips, linking them creates a smooth, well-rounded journey from culture to wilderness, from exploration to immersion. Arriving on the Kumano Kodo after time in Kyoto meant I was already acclimatised, confident and ready to enjoy the walk rather than simply manage it.

Final Thoughts

A Kyoto Extension enhances a Kumano Kodo hike in every way. It adds cultural depth, provides some warm up hikes before hitting the trail and creates a more balanced and enjoyable journey. Whether through guided experiences, food exploration or carefully chosen training walks, Kyoto provides the perfect lead-in to one of Japan’s most meaningful walking trails.