Transportation

Bus, Airlines
Accomodation

3 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude

610 metres
Departure from

Wakayama station
Best season

Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type

Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals

All meals during the trek
Language

English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness level

Easy to Moderate
Group Size

2-15
Minimum Age

12
Maximum Age

65

Overview

From ancient times to the Middle Ages, faith in the Kumano Sanzan of Hongu, Shingu, and Nachi grew, and many people, from retired emperors and women to ordinary people, visited Kumano.
It is said that so many people made continuous pilgrimages to Kumano that it has been compared to the ants’ pilgrimage to Kumano.

The Nakahechi Route from Tanabe to Kumano Hongu, the Ohechi Route from Tanabe to Nachi/Shingu along the coastline, and the Kohechi Route from Mt. Koya to Kumano Hongu Shrine are the Kumano Routes. It is registered as a World Heritage Site as a Pilgrimage Route.

The Kumano pilgrimage route, Nakahechi, is said to have been walked by the most pilgrims. After completing this arduous journey, the first place you will arrive at is Kumano Hongu Taisha. It is said that the name “Fukuhai Oji” who first sees Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine comes from the fact that he bowed down and worshiped Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine when he finally reached it.

Highlights

Trek to the world-famous Kumano Hongu
Enjoy the amazing view of the Mt. Koya
Travel through the Kumano villages of Yoshida, Ueno, Kumaga, and Hongo
Visit Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.

Day 1 :

Depart from Osaka or Kyoto

Depart from Osaka or Kyoto and make your way to Tanabe, the gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. After arriving, visit the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center to learn about the history and spiritual significance of the ancient trails. Enjoy a relaxing evening at a local ryokan, where you can soak in the hot springs and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2 :

Begin your pilgrimage walk

Begin your pilgrimage walk along the Nakahechi Route, one of the most historic and well-traveled paths of the Kumano Kodo. Pass through dense cedar forests, ancient stone-paved trails, and several oji shrines along the way. Arrive at Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano, and take time to explore its solemn grounds and towering torii gate.

Day 3 :

Travel to Kumano Nachi Taisha

Travel to Kumano Nachi Taisha, set dramatically against a mountainous backdrop alongside the spectacular Nachi Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan. Explore the three-story pagoda and the adjacent Hiryu Jinja shrine, then walk the forested path to Seiganto-ji Temple. In the afternoon, continue to Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu, completing the sacred Kumano Sanzan pilgrimage circuit.

Day 4 :

Spend the morning exploring the Shingu area

Spend the morning exploring the Shingu area, including the ancient burial mound of Kamikura Shrine, reached by climbing 538 steep stone steps. Head back toward Osaka or Kyoto in the afternoon, stopping at Mie Prefecture's scenic coastline for a final glimpse of the Kumano region's natural beauty. Arrive at your destination in the evening, carrying with you the spiritual memories of the ancient pilgrimage.

FAQs

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Kumanokodo is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Kumanokodo trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 1000m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Kumanokodo?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in . There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Kumanokodo?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Japan? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Kumanokodo region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

保護中: 4 Days tour to Explore the Beauty of Kumanokodo

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

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Map

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