length

7 Days

difficulty

Challenging - Strenuous

trip cost

From $2595 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

7 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Challenging - Strenuous

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

From $2595 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Self Guided Trip

our walk experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Client Experiences
  • Reviews
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • On the trail
  • Accommodation
  • The onsen experience
  • Food
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Navigation
  • Similar walks

Overview

The 7 Day Trail

Our most popular Kumano Kodo trek | Includes the full length of the Nakahechi trail | Stay in traditional accommodation | Enjoy wonderful insights into life in rural Japan and the spiritual history of this path and region

The trails of Kumano Kodo are a series of ancient pilgrimage routes, dating back over 1000 years, in Japan’s beautiful Kii Peninsula, an area also strongly associated with nature worship. At one time Japan’s Imperial family and former Emperors made the pilgrimage trips from Kyoto to the shrines of Kumano, one of Japan’s most sacred sites.

The Kumano Kodo is a journey through a thousand years of Buddhist history and offers a window into traditional Japan that contrasts strongly with its hyper modern cities. The Kumano Kodo’s rugged, forested mountains, quiet rural valleys, rivers and waterfalls provide a spectacular backdrop for hikers. The seasonal contrasts of cherry blossom in the spring and rich autumn foliage inject wonderful colour along the hiking route. Arriving at your destination each day the traditional local guesthouses offer reviving onsens and wonderful local food. Hiking the Kumano Kodo really is a great immersion into Japanese culture.

Yellow hiker icon We are Japan experts! As the first Australian walking company to offer the Kumano Kodo in 2013, we are the most established operator on this trail and have the best local contacts, advice and resources.

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Highlights

Get Ready For

  • Walk the full length of the Nakahechi trail
  • Soak in an onsen to soothe your muscles (and spirit!)
  • Delicious handmade Japanese food with fresh local ingredients
  • Traditional guesthouses with lots of character and friendly hosts
  • Gain insights into life in rural Japan and the spiritual history of this path and region

Download Itinerary

Robyn and Jan

Client Experiences

On the Trail

Join RAW Travellers Robyn and Jan as they walk the Kumano Kodo in Japan to find out what they’ve enjoyed the most on this iconic walking trail.

READ: ‘A Sacred Journey’, Jetstar Magazine
Journalist Jayne D’Arcy discovers her inner pilgrim along the Kumano Kodo trail.

Reviews

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

A serene Japanese temple surrounded by pink cherry blossom and a cascading waterfall in the background
Kumano Kodo
A serene Japanese temple surrounded by pink cherry blossom and a cascading waterfall in the background
Hiker on Kumano Kodo trail
Kumano Kodo
steps of Kumano Kodo
Kumano kodo ancient forest path
Kumano Kodo shrine
Japanese shrine in the forest with vases of bright pink flowers and stone statues
Buddha statue sitting peacefully on stone shrine.
Kumano Kodo
Hiker on Kumano Kodo trail
Aerial view of four Japanese bowls of seaweed on a tray
Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo
steps of Kumano Kodo
Kumano kodo ancient forest path
steps of Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo Steps
Kumano Kodo shrine
Nachi Waterfall, Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo Steps
traditional Japanese pilgrim in traditional red dress standing on mountain top looking out over mountain range at sunrise kogumotori hyakkengura pilgrim heian Kii mountains
Vibrant autumn leaves along Japanese temple
Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo
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Customer Star Rating of 5

Customer Testimonials

An amazing experience exceeding all expectations. Loved being in the forest, and the open heartedness of the people. The accommodation was unique and interesting. The documentation was practical and informative, and the local support from RAW Travel was excellent.

Janis Bosiger, Lower Daintree (QLD) – May 2025

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

A brilliant adventure. Loved the cultural immersion and the scenery. The information provided by Dianne and the app was outstanding.

Anne Storey, Malvern East (VIC) – May 2025

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Accommodation and particularly the food was fabulous. I recently had surgery on a severe break in my hand so my training suffered. I took advantage of the bus options on a couple of days and was very happy about that. We loved all the accommodation, especially the onsen hotel on rest day – so beautiful. The pre-departure information was excellent.

Michelle Cook, South Durras (NSW) – May 2025

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

We had the best time. What is more perfect than hiking for 6 days on the Kii peninsula with your best friends. The landscape was amazing, the people were so welcoming, and the accommodation, food and company were spectacular. The landscape was constantly changing, from the tall pines to the bamboo forests – all with pops of cherry blossoms.

Rebecca Arnaud, Highgate Hill (QLD) – April 2025

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Very enjoyable with excellent service provided by Chris Kavanagh prior to our trip. Loved being immersed in the Japanese culture, the scenery and the people. Particularly enjoyed the stay at Guesthouse Sora Chikatsuyu – beautiful hosts.

Peter & Jane James, Churchlands (WA) – April 2025

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

I enjoyed sharing this experience with my friends. I felt prepared before starting the trek and enjoyed the challenge, the hospitality and the nature immensely. We had enough information to feel prepared but not so much that it would have ruined surprises! I will definitely keep an eye on future treks with RAW Travel and recommend you to friends!

Edwina Ventress, Albury (NSW) – March 2025

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

The trip was very challenging but satisfying. I can understand now the big push about training and being prepared. I enjoyed the camaraderie and the different accommodation. It was very well organised. RAW has a good reputation with the local Japanese partners.

Melanie Tan, Gelorup (WA) – March 2025

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Excellent walk and very well organised. Loved walking in the pristine, magnificent environment. The scenery was amazing, the food was delicious and the accommodation was very comfortable with friendly hosts. Mui was outstanding.

Rachael Eames & Hugh MacLean (UK) – March 2025

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

A great trip, well planned. The route mapping was always accurate and the support was excellent. Very friendly hosts in the Japanese accommodations and great food.

Phillip Dohnt, Penola (SA) – February 2025

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

The most organised trip ever! It was fantastic – beautiful views everywhere, and people were lovely and helpful even though my Japanese is limited. Loved the food and hospitality – really great to experience the culture closely outside of major cities. The trip briefing was so detailed! Tags on every page and relevant bus timetables highlighted with fares (very useful to plan ahead as not all buses accept change). The map I got from the local briefing was so detailed that I didn’t end up using the app.

Christina Fan, Annandale (NSW) – December 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Brilliant trip! The forest hiking. The views. The accommodation. All amazing. The first night at Minshuku Chikatsuyu-oji was some of the best Japanese food I’ve ever had. I’ve been coming to Japan with work for decades. The location of that guesthouse, on the river, and the warmth of the hosts was also a highlight of the trip. It all worked perfectly. 

Geoff Hay, Avoca Beach (NSW) – November 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

It was an amazing experience and the support and organisation of RAW meant we only had to focus on enjoying our adventure. Everything was great, including the app. The walk was well marked so we didn’t use the navigation part as much but the rest was very handy. Loved the hike and the stay at Chitkasuyu and Koguchi – the village and hosts were great. Also loved the rest day in Hongu exploring and all the onsens.

Bernadette Feeney, Belgrave (VIC) – November 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Amazing experience! Loved the food, people, hiking and guesthouses. Our host at Minshuku Momofuku was so accommodating – especially when we were drenched. We are keen to do more walks. Lots to choose from. We will definitely book our next one through RAW.

Sue & Matt Eaden, Christchurch (NZ) – October 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Great itinerary and fabulous communication prior to the trip. Our trip coordinator on the ground at Kii Tanabe could not have been more helpful. Loved the wonderful varied accommodations along the trail. 

Yasmin Layher, South Yarra (VIC) – September 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Awesome experience – the people, the challenge, the beauty of the areas. Our hosts were fantastic. Very friendly, accommodating, provided good information and insights. The pre-trip information and app were great. The hosts/onsen were awesome.

David Barnes, Manly (QLD) – June 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Everything was seamless. Nothing was considered a hassle, responses to questions were exceptional and timely, just made the entire trip easy.

Jennifer Howe, Thornbury (VIC) – May 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Such a great trip! As a woman in my 40s, alone, I was never anxious, scared or felt wrong. An amazing experience! Everything was very well organised, awesome service with great information. Maps making others jealous, accommodations very clean, with smiling friendly hosts, divine local food and extras to complete a very good journey. I recommend using this service to anyone!

Jessica Dugeny, Kudardup (WA) – April 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

The hike was absolutely amazing. Highly recommend. Loved the beautiful surroundings in which we walked. Enjoyed the silence and the history lesson provided by the signage, and knowing the amazing pilgrimage we were undertaking. The accommodation was amazing, comfortable and clean. The staff were beautiful and we loved the onsens.

Maureen McGovern, Port Macquarie (NSW) – April 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Great way to experience Japanese history, culture, food and physical surroundings without feeling like a tourist. Loved the cherry blossoms, onsens, polite and helpful locals, the people we met on the way, and being self-guided but having all the accommodation, food and baggage transfer sorted.

Lisa Notley, Warwick (Qld) – April 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Well organised, accessible and immersive cultural experience. We didn’t have to worry about transporting bags or finding food each day. All these details were taken care of and organised for us by RAW.

Nicole Creaser, Korumburra (VIC) – April 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Walking the Kumano Kodo was one of the most physically and spiritually rewarding things I have ever done! I was very happy to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine…dinners, particularly at the first few accommodations, were outstanding.

Karen Hall, Beaumaris (VIC) – March 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

One of my favourite trips. I had all the information I needed. Everything was as smooth as clockwork. No stress and I could focus on the hike and the people.

Trish Davis, Port Macquarie (NSW) – March 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Four years in the making (thanks, Covid). RAW Travel were excellent with planning and support, and super flexible. It was value for money in terms of having the trip planned out for us and the fact that we didn’t have to liaise with accommodations or organise bag transfers, and the food was sorted.

Vicki Simmons, Northcote (VIC) – March 2024

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Excellent orientation, maps, tough walking, superb homestay and hotel hospitality. The Japanese people were respectful, kind, courteous, thoughtful, amazing! Our hosts (both homestay and hotel) were consistently helpful and generous. The futons were comfortable, bathrooms always clean and the food amazing. Loved the onsen, especially after a good day’s hike. Everything was fantastic – excellent preparation. Thank you.

Heather Ann Briker-Bell, Brisbane (QLD) – October 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Brilliant trip! I really had a wonderful time. Walking solo for the first time could not have been made easier or more satisfying. The pre-travel info helped me understand what I had to do and where I was going. The accommodation was mostly far beyond my expectations – much nicer than the places I would have booked if I was doing it myself. Aside from the walking (which was absolutely wonderful) I loved the seamless organisation that made everything stress-free, surprising and heaps of fun.

Lorna Hendry, Fitzroy (VIC) - October 2023

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

We had a fantastic trip to Japan and walking the Kumano Kodo. RAW Travel were great to deal with from day one and we would highly recommend their services when next planning your hiking adventure. Food was delicious, scenery beautiful and the cultural experience incredible. Thanks again to the team for all their assistance and planning.

John O'Brien, Highton (VIC) – February 2020

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Everything was well organised. All the information we needed. Food and accommodations wonderful and our luggage miraculously showed up every day at our new location. A 10/10 to RAW Travel. Would definitely recommend to anyone, especially if you’re traveling to and trekking in a new land.

Jeanne Reynolds (USA) - May 2019

Itinerary

daily details

Important info

The Kumano Kodo is a popular walk at certain times of year and guesthouses/hotels sometimes get fully booked. This itinerary is a guide to a possible route. Details may change and the actual accommodations booked may vary from what is written here, dependent on client numbers, wishes and availability. This adjustment with accommodations may alter the exact distance walked in a day so the itinerary should be used as an indication only to overnight stops/distances.

Please note that all ascent and descent figures listed in the itinerary are approximate only and may vary slightly depending on the route taken.

Day 1: ARRIVE KII-TANABE

The best way to reach Kii-Tanabe is by train (tickets not included and purchased locally). There are frequent trains from Kansai Airport, Osaka and Kyoto travelling southwards to Kii-Tanabe. Here the railway line parallels the coast and avoids the steep mountainous interior. The nearest major International Airport is Kansai (Osaka), from where you can take a 2-hour train journey to Kii-Tanabe. Train travel from Osaka to Kii-Tanabe takes just over 2 hours and from Kyoto approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Kii-Tanabe is the gateway town to the Imperial Route of the Kumano Kodo and a city surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains on the other. The town is also home to the Tanabe Tourist Information Center –  this is where you will collect your orientation pack. This evening is free for you to explore the town – enjoy great atmosphere at the Ajikoji Restaurant and Entertainment District, and perhaps stroll down to the Ogigahama Beach for sunset views.

Day 2: TAKIJIRI-OJI TO TSUGIZAKURA-OJI (17KM, 6–8 hours)

It is an early morning start today and after checking out and picking up your lunch box, you will take a 40-minute bus ride to Takijiri (paid locally), start of the walk. The first section of today’s walk will be a climb up from Takijiri-oji to Takahara, a rural hamlet on a ridge, noted for its ancient shrine surrounded by giant kusu-noki, or camphor trees, and a spectacular view over the surrounding Hatenashi mountain ranges. Reminders of the past, including Buddhist statues and oji shrines, line the route along the ancient highway as you climb upwards.

Leaving Takahara behind, you head further into the mountains along the old trail, past bamboo forest and then into the pencil pine. You continue to pass by reminders of the old highway, including an ichirizuka distance marker and the sites of old former tea houses, which provided rest and shelter to pilgrims up until the early 20th century. Continuing on you crest the Hashiori-Toge pass after a short climb. The trail then descends past the Three-Fold Moon viewing area, from where it is a short climb to the small but famous Gyuba-doji statue. This ancient statue shows Kazan, one of the first abdicated emperors to pilgrimage to Kumano, sitting astride both a horse and a cow. Your descent takes you along a cobbled path and staircase to Chikatsuyu, a small village and one of the few places where you can get limited supplies or drinks.

Your final stretch of the day takes you on a climb to Tsugizakura-oji and your accommodation for the evening. Nearby is a grove of giant cedar trees, some of which are reputed to be 800 years old! Accommodation tonight is in a small local minshuku guesthouse.

Note: If Tsugizakura accommodation is full on your chosen dates or if you are travelling with a larger group, you may stay in Chikatsuyu instead on this night.

Ascent 1260m / Descent 850m

Meals: L, D

Day 3: TSUGIZAKURA-OJI TO KUMANO HONGU TAISHA (21.5KM, 9 hours)

Today’s walk will bring you along many forest paths and eventually some mountain top villages before descending to Hongu. The walks starts with climbs over a number of passes and there is a permanent detour in place due to landslides on the main path. There are few facilities on the first part of today’s route which is through the forest before eventually leading you to the shrine at Hosshinmon-oji. At this point you also have the option to take a local bus (paid locally) as the road intersects here, or carry on down into the valley to Hongu. You will continue through small settlements and get your first glimpse of the great Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine and the giant torii gate called Oyunohara in the valley below.

Kumano Hongu Taisha is the main shrine in the area, to which all roads in the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage lead. A long stone staircase leads to the sacred grounds of the shrine, located on a ridge and surrounded by giant cedar and cypress trees. After looking around the impressive shrine you will  jump on a local bus (paid locally) to our evening destination at nearby Yunomine Onsen or Kawayu Onsen, charming little hot spring villages.

Arriving at your overnight location is a treat for tired walkers as the steam billows from the thermal rivers and there is the promise of a relaxing onsen after your exertions. The onsen thermal hot spring baths are an important part of the Kumano Kodo traditions with pilgrims performing hot water purification rituals in preparation for visiting the shrine. For us it will be more a preparation for a delicious Japanese meal in your accommodation.

Ascent 960m / Descent 1440m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: FREE DAY IN HONGU TO EXPLORE THE AREA

Today you can either completely relax and take in the local onsens or perhaps return to Hongu village for further explorations. If you wish to stretch your legs a little then walk back to Hongu on the Dainichi-goe route from Yunomine Onsen – this is a steep but delightful walk, passing some remarkable old carved statues at Hanakake Jizo, overgrown by tree roots.

Hongu village is home to the Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan, three grand shrines of Kumano, and head shrine of over 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan. Kumano was said to be the entrance gateway to the land of Yomi, the ‘other world’, which spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. Across the Kumano Hongu Shrine is the Kumano Hongu Heritage Centre, featuring a diversity of exhibitions on the Kumano Kodo – all permanent exhibitions and videos include English translations. Just nearby the centre you will find Oyunohara, the largest torii shrine gate in the world at 34m tall, signifying the division of the secular and the spiritual worlds.

Be sure to also visit the tiny Tsuboyu onsen in a wooden cabin at the centre of town in Yunomine Onsen, which is the only UNESCO world heritage listed spa and the oldest in Japan at 1200 years old! The bath can be booked for a 30-minute private bathing and works on a first come first serve basis.

Meals: B, D

Day 5: HONGU AREA TO KOGUCHI (13KM, 6 hours)

This morning you will take a short bus ride (paid locally) to Ukegawa to begin your walk. The Kogumotori-goe section is a fairly gentle trek with a climb and descent over a pass, and is mostly in the forested mountains with some nice ridge-walking sections.

The highlight of today’s walk is the Hyakken-gura pass, where a beautifully positioned Buddhist statue on a hilltop has a backdrop of the most spectacular views of the trip. The impressive Hyakken-gura look out surprises walkers with a lovely panoramic view of the 3600 peaks of Kumano. Take a moment to enjoy this stunning view, as pilgrims have been doing for over 1000 years.

The trail continues to rise and fall, sometimes gradual and the off time steeper when you continue towards the Sakura-jaya teahouse remains. The views from the Sakura-jaya teahouse remains down to the valley and across the mountains are impressive. It is said that when the owners of teahouses saw pilgrims approaching from far off in the distance, they would start to cook mochi rice cakes and boil water for tea, to have things ready to serve just as the pilgrims would arrive at the teahouse. From here the trail continues on a forest track and eventually descends into Koguchi, a small and isolated village surrounded by mountains and rivers.

Ascent 670m / Descent 690m

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: KOGUCHI TO KUMANO NACHI TAISHA (14km, 7 hours)

The Ogumotori-goe is the second day of a 2-day trek from the Hongu area to Kumano Nachi Taisha. It is one of the toughest sections of the Nakahechi trail and a big day’s walk so we recommend an early start as you begin with a 2.5-hour uphill climb up the Dogiri-zaka slope. Dogiri-zaka can be directly translated as “Body Breaking Slope”, and is an appropriate name for this 5km uphill section that rises 800m to the Echizen-toge Pass.

Afterwards, you pass the Jizo-jaya teahouse remains to the Moja-no-Deai, ‘Abode of the Dead’. It is believed that the souls of the dead gravitate to these higher mountains, where spirits inhabit this section of the trail. The walk continues through forest and along ridges, the path ascending and descending, until at Funami Toge pass the Pacific Ocean spreads out before you.

From here the trail descends to the Nachisan sanctuary and the brightly colored Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, another of the three grand shrines of Kumano. Also nearby is the wonderful wooden Seiganto-ji temple and the spectacular Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall, which is the highest in Japan and can be seen from far out on the Pacific Ocean. Tonight you will either overnight in Nachisan near the Kumano Nachi shrine or Kii Katsuura, a small fishing village approximately 20-minute bus ride from Nachisan. Relax and enjoy the completion of your extraordinary Kumano Kodo walk!

Ascent 1260m / Descent 930m

Meals: B, D

Day 7: DEPART KII-KATSUURA

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then transfer by train to your onwards destination. Train tickets are not included and can be purchased locally at the Kii-Katsuura train station.

Meals: B

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Map

Explore

Kii-Tanabe

Kii-Tanabe is the gateway town to the Nakahechi (‘Imperial Route’) of the Kumano Kodo. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains on the other. From here, it’s a 40-minute bus ride to the trailhead at Takijiri-oji.

CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
Takijiri

Takijiri is the traditional starting point of the Kumano Kodo walk and where you will find the Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Centre. The trailhead is behind the Takijiri-oji, which is considered to be where the passage into the precincts of the sacred mountains begins.

Chikatsuyu

The small village of Chikatsuyu sits at the base of the mountain trail at the Hidaka-gawa River. Inns and a couple small restaurants run along the main road, which runs east and west. The area features an ancient weeping cherry blossom tree, an ancient graveyard for warriors, a local experience centre and Chikatsuyu-oji.

Tsugizakura-oji

At the impressive Tsugizakura-oji shrine there are giant Nonaka-no-Ipposugi cedar trees. Some have a circumference of 8m and are believed to be up to 800 years old. This shrine, along with its trees, was scheduled to be demolished in 1906 as part of the government’s shrine consolidation program. It was saved by Minakata Kumagusu, an eccentric genius researcher and avant-garde environmentalist.

Hosshinmon-oji

Hosshinmon-oji is one of the most important sites on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. It marks the outermost entrance into the divine precincts of the Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the three grand shines of Kumano and the head shrine of over 3000 Kumano shrines across Japan. A long stone staircase leads to the sacred grounds of the shrine, located on a ridge and surrounded by giant cedar and cypress trees. On the riverbank is Oyunohara, the original shrine ground of Kumano Hongu Taisha, marked by an immense Torii gateway – the biggest in Japan!

Yunomine Onsen

Yunomine is a quaint little collection of inns tucked into a small valley deep in the heart of the sacred mountains of Kumano. It was discovered about 1,800 years ago, and it is thought to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The onsen culture in Japan is very rich, but the strong connection with spiritual culture found in Yunomine is unprecedented.

Kawayu Onsen

On the north side of this hot spring town is a diverse collection of places to stay. On the south side of the river is a green forested mountainside. The defining feature of Kawayu Onsen is the Oto river. In the evening, enjoy a soak while watching the warm mist from the river rise slowly into the clean mountain air.

 

 

Hyakken-gura pass

At the Hyakken-gura pass there is a beautifully positioned Buddhist statue on a hilltop with a backdrop of the most spectacular vista of the trip! The impressive lookout surprises walkers with a lovely panoramic view of the 3600 peaks of Kumano.

Koguchi

The small mountain village of Koguchi is nestled along the Akagi-gawa River almost directly in-between Hongu and Nachi. It is refreshing to put your feet in the river after a hot day’s hike.

Nachisan

Nachisan is where you’ll find the brightly coloured Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, the wonderful wooden Seiganto-ji temple and the spectacular Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall, which is the highest in Japan and can be seen from far out on the Pacific Ocean. The extra section of trail between Nachisan and Daimon-zaka is an impressive cobblestone staircase lined with centuries-old trees.

Kii-Katsura

Kii-Katsura is located on the southeast coast of the Kii Peninsula. It is in essence a fishing port turned hot spring resort. The most dominant landmark in Katsuura is the Hotel Urashima. It has the feel of an Onsen Disneyland or James Bond-like fortress and is located on an island-like peninsula in Katsuura Bay.

Inclusions

What's included?

Included
  • 1 night in Kii-Tanabe (twin share, shared bathroom)
  • 5 nights in traditional Japanese guesthouses (twin share, shared bathroom)
  • Daily meals included as listed in the itinerary
  • Orientation pack collected on arrival in Kii-Tanabe
  • Luggage transfers on the Kumano Kodo on all trekking days
  • RAW Travel’s exclusive interactive navigation app
  • RAW Travel luggage tag & buff
  • Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker
Excluded
  • Local bus tickets
  • Train tickets to/from trail
  • Flights to/from destination
  • Travel insurance
  • Single supplement
  • Beverages other than water at meals
  • Expenses and items of a personal nature
A rear view of a female hiker in a forest

On the trail

What it’s like underfoot

The Kumano Kodo is a mountain trek with waterfalls and shrines. Set mostly in the deep forest, there are a number of steep ascents and descents along the trail. Distances can be deceptive on the Kumano Kodo. Although the route does not go to great heights like some mountain walks, it is easy to underestimate the difficulty and effort required due to the regular ups and downs. The Kii-Peninsula is an exceptionally mountainous region. Paths vary from beautiful stone flagged sections to gnarly tree-root covered sections of bare earth and loose rocks. It can easily take 7 or 8 hours to walk as little as 14km a day (with breaks), especially if it has been raining and the path is slippery.

Man sitting at table looking out window in a tradition Ryokan in Japan

Accommodation

Where you stay

Most accommodation along the Kumano Kodo trail are ryokans and minshukus that offer a great chance to meet local people and enjoy a truly authentic Japanese atmosphere. Staying in traditional style accommodations will be without a doubt one of the highlights of your Kumano Kodo experience. Ryokans and minshukus are basic in style with shared toilet and bathroom facilities. They have great character and friendly hosts. They typically feature tatami mat flooring, have shoji sliding doors, futon beds and multi-course kaiseki meals. Yukata robes are also provided for your stay. Read more about staying in a ryokan.

KK-Sennin-buro-Kawayu-Onsen

The onsen experience

Japanese bathing

Onsens along the Kumano Kodo are a highlight of the pilgrimage experience, offering hikers a chance to relax and rejuvenate after a day on the trail.These natural hot spring baths offer a peaceful retreat, with mineral-rich waters believed to promote healing and rejuvenation. Whether soaking in riverside baths, open-air pools surrounded by nature, or baths with scenic ocean views, each onsen provides a unique atmosphere to unwind. The soothing heat eases tired muscles, while the tranquil surroundings help refresh both body and mind. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge before continuing your journey along this historic trail. Read our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Onsens.

Food, Japan

Food

The art of Japanese cuisine

The food is an incredible highlight of walking the Kumano Kodo! Japanese food is refined, elegant, pure and delicate: fresh sashimi and cooked fish, tempura, miso, rice (of course), pickled vegetables, delicious hotpots, soups and the alkalising umeboshi plum. Breakfast mostly includes a Japanese-style spread with rice, miso soup, grilled fish, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), pickles and sometimes natto (fermented soybeans). For lunch you can expect delicious Bento boxes with rice, fish, pickles, and vegetables, while dinner is a multi-course kaiseki feast usually including sashimi, tempura, simmered dishes and regional specialties like Kumano beef or wild mountain vegetables.

Kumano-Kodo-Destination-Guide-Cover

Exclusive Guide

get inspired

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.

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RAW Travel App

Navigation

Finding your way

Finding your way along the Kumano Kodo has become a lot easier with our exclusive APP, which has all your trip information and route guidance in one handy place. You still need to be self-reliant with wayfinding. For the best results, use a combination of road and trail signs and our app. Knowing the daily distances, elevation changes and notable landmarks will enhance your navigation. Our app can pinpoint and confirm whether you’re still on the correct trail. Like with any phone app, it’s not intended to be used constantly as you walk. Read more about all the great features of the app and how to use it for navigation.

Similar walks

Japan

Michinoku Coastal Trail - Northern Section (8 days Self Guided)
8 Days

Japan Walking Tours

Michinoku Coastal Trail – Northern Section (8 days Self Guided)

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • Self-guided hike along the Japan’s new coastal trail
  • Spectacular walking in the rugged and remote Tōhoku region
  • Soothing onsen, historic shrines and temples, and fresh seafood 
  • Wonderful Japanese hospitality
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$3,550.00

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Kumano_gallery0000
8 Days

Japan Walking Tours

The Autumn Trip – Kumano Kodo

Challenging - Strenuous Group Self Guided
  • 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
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$2,895.00

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Kumano_gallery0000
10 Days

Japan Walking Tours

The Extended Trip – Kumano Kodo

Self-Guided Strenuous
  • 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
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$3,950.00

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Kumano_Tori_gate
6 Days

Japan Walking Tours

The Highlights Trip – Kumano Kodo

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Stay in traditional minshuku and ryokans
  • Enjoy a traditional boat ride on the Kumano-gawa river 
  • Savour delicious Japanese cuisine
  • Visit all 3 Kumano Sanzan grand shrines
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$2,350.00

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Koyasan, Japan
9 Days

Japan Walking Tours

Koyasan and Kumano Kodo

Challenging - Strenuous Self-Guided
  • 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
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$3,390.00

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Kumano waterfall
8 Days

Japan Walking Tours

The Spring Trip – Kumano Kodo

Challenging - Strenuous Group Self Guided
  • 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
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$3,195.00

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Kumano Kodo
12 Days

Japan Walking Tours

Nakahechi & Kohechi trip – Kumano Kodo

Self-Guided Strenuous
  • Challenging hike through the rugged forested mountains
  • Walk the full length of both the Nakahechi and Kohechi routes
  • Journey along the Kumano-gawa river in a traditional boat
  • Stay in a Buddhist monastery in Koyasan
from

$4,850.00

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TRIP date selection

when would you like to travel?

Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

SELECT PREFERRED DATES