How difficult is the Kumano Kodo trail?

Kumano Kodo is one of the most iconic walks in the world – an ancient pilgrimage of trails between three sacred shrines in the Kii Peninsula. ‘How difficult is the Kumano Kodo’ is one of the most common questions we get asked, but also one of the most difficult questions to answer.

Kumano Kodo offers many route options for hikers of all levels. Explore this guide to learn the details on everything you should consider when preparing to embark on your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.

Where is the Kumano Kodo and how do I get there?

Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient trails in Japan’s Kii Peninsula. The routes lead to Kumano Sanzan – the three shrines of the Kumano: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Haisha. The most popular and well-preserved route is the 68km Nakahechi trail (or Imperial Route), which runs from Takijiri-Oji (near Tanabe) to Hongu Taisha, and then on to Nachi Falls.

Kumano Kodo is easily accessible from many major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya. Local bus and train networks will help you get to the start of your hike, and RAW Travel can help you plan an itinerary and transport from any major cities.

What is the difficulty of the Kumano Kodo?

To help you decide if our Kumano Kodo trips are right for you we have graded our trips from 1 (Introductory) to 10 (Tough). We have used several criteria to assess the difficulty of each walk we offer which include:

• the number of hours walking required each day
• terrain and conditions underfoot
• weather
• gradient
• altitude
• signage and facilities

Basic accommodation and food in remote areas will contribute to a walk being graded more difficult.

Our Kumano Kodo trip is a 6-7, Challenging to Strenuous, with our Kumano Kodo Highlight trip graded a 4-6, Moderate to Challenging.

How do I prepare to hike the Kumano Kodo?

The pilgrimage route is a demanding trek and it is recommended that you have a good level of fitness and that you do regular physical exercise in the lead up to your trip.

Practice hiking in a hill or mountain environment. It’s also important to train with your equipment and rain gear beforehand so you know everything fits and is waterproof. If you have new hiking boots, remember to break them in properly before you embark on your trip to avoid pain and blisters. We highly recommend hiking poles, especially during rainy weather.

Also read: What to pack for Kumano Kodo

We can help you prepare and train for your Kumano Kodo walk. Our destination experts can help you with your training plan. The more training you do and the better prepared you are, the more you will enjoy this beautiful walk.

Is the Kumano Kodo trail well signed?

The Kumano Kodo trail is extremely well signed and a well-defined trail so you won’t need advanced orienteering skills. However, it is still a good idea that you are comfortable reading a map, referring to route notes and independently navigating your way along this rural trail.

In addition to the Kumano Kodo signs, there are waymarkers every 500 metres as well as regular signs indicating directions and distances. There are also signs that read ‘Not Kumano Kodo’ on some crossroads indicating where not to go.

What is the Kumano Kodo trek like underfoot?

The majority of the Nakahechi route is in forested mountains and includes a number of steep ascents and descents on each walking day. This is a rugged trail and underfoot you will find exposed tree roots, loose rocks and stone steps which can be very slippery, particularly if it has been raining. There are also a few short sections of country lanes and gravel roads, mainly when coming into the towns.

The area receives a lot of rain year round, and the summer months of June, July and August can be especially humid with potential rain. This can affect the condition of the trail and is good to keep in mind when packing and preparing for your trip.

Our destination specialists would love to discuss any questions or concerns in more detail.

Also read: When to trek the Kumano Kodo

What’s the accommodation like along the Kumano Kodo?

Walking the Kumano Kodo means embarking on a journey to authentic Japan. You won’t find fancy resorts along the route, but instead traditional Japanese guesthouses (ryokans) accommodate travellers along the trail. Many of these inns also include an onsen and offer either private or communal bathing. These guest houses also offer traditional Japanese dining with dinners and breakfasts included. Many ryokans will also give you a lunch box (bento box) for when you’re out on the trail. 

Accommodation needs to be booked in advance, and hotels and inns often get booked out early on autumn and spring peak seasons. Make sure to plan your itinerary well ahead – RAW Travel can help with this.

Also read: Do’s and Don’t of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage

Need help planning your Kumano Kodo experience? Contact RAW Travel for help

Kumano Kodo and Camino de Santiago are the only Unesco Heritage listed pilgrimage walks in the world. RAW Travel offers walks to both of these destinations, and our destination experts have decades of experience to help you plan a once in a lifetime hike fit for your needs. 

Experiencing Japan for the first time can feel intimidating, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our destination experts today, and they will be happy to help you plan your trip with you.