No need to take a tour the website has all the information required. It’s actually two small self-contained houses that are more like vacation rentals than guesthouses. The Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage trail in the mountains of Wakayama (south of Kyoto) where you can walk with a light pack from guesthouse to guesthouse for a few days. The walk starts near the small city of Tanabe which is located a couple of hours train ride from Osaka, and… Abseits der überfüllten U-Bahnen, grellen Leuchtreklamen und rasenden Schnellzüge der Großstädte hast du auf dem Kumano Kodo-Pilgerweg die Chance, einen Teil der japanischen Seele kennenzulernen. As noted above, the small city of Kii-Tanabe, on the west coast of Wakayama Prefecture, serves as the main gateway to the Kumano Kodo. The bus from Kii-Tanabe Station to the trailhead at Takijiri takes about 40 minutes. Arriving at your destination each day the traditional local guesthouses offer reviving onsens and wonderful local food. These pilgrims used a network of routes, now called the Kumano Kodo, which stretched across the mountainous Kii Peninsula. The upstairs room has the view but it’s less private. Kumano Kodo UNESCO Walk and Pilgrimage Trail The Kumano Kodo is a series of ancient pilgrimage trails that cross over Kii Peninsula on the bottom east corner of Honshu, the main island of Japan. However, it’s much more relaxing to spend a third night in Hongu or an onsen town nearby before heading back to the coast and heading north. Book your accommodation early, as some of the mountain villages are tiny. The Kumano Kodō is not one route but a network of trails through the deeply forested mountains, with no official start or end point and no prescribed hiking order. and feel at peace with nature this area is not to be missed. You do need to carry gear, for all weather, you can have sun and rain all in the same day. It’s a pretty easy climb. In most seasons, you’ll have no trouble getting a seat in the unreserved carriages (Shin-Osaka is where the train starts), but if you are concerned about getting a seat (say, in cherry blossom season), then you can reserve on in advance. You can see why this became such a major spiritual center in Japan. The grand shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The trek requires moderate fitness level to complete, perfect for practicing heavy-gear trekking. The mountains you pass through are not the highest but this trail does involve quite a bit of … Kumano Kodo (熊野古道, Kumano Kodō) refers to a network of pilgrimage trails through the southern Kansai region. This is a good place for a final picture from the trek. Walking the Kumano Kodo you get to stay in traditional ryokans and minshukus that provide an authentic Japanese hospitality experience, onsens and great regional food. If you’d like to continue your adventure in the Kumano area, read on. You can use a Japan Rail Pass for these journeys). Eventually, you’ll start to descend more steeply and come to a bridge. Between the Hyakken-gura Lookout and the ruins of the Sakura-jaya Teahouse the trail follows some gentle ups and downs then finishes with a nice ridge section leading us into the valley below along with occasional glimpses of the Akagi-gawa River … ;-) No need to take a tour. But, a few down the hill (meaning, you walk along the upper road then descend again). After descending for a while it briefly flattens out and then you start the steep final climb up to Takahara. Over this walk as I said your in a tunnel, one a few occasions (which I can count on one hand) there was a viewpoint to see the beautiful hills. This is because the train runs along the Pacific Coast of Wakayama, often within sight of the sea. If you’d like to keep trekking, you can walk for two more days along the Nakahechi section of the Kumano Kodo to reach Kumano Nachi Taisha. The Kumano Kodo, or Kumano Ancient Trail, is a pilgrimage route to Kumano, part of the mountainous Kii Peninsula which stretches south from the Kansai cities of Osaka, Nara and Kyoto. Those walking both routes can request a Dual Pilgrim Credential certificate on a complimentary basis at the Kumano Hongu Heritage Centre, located below the Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, or at the Kumano Kodo Kan Pilgrimage Centre located next to Takijiri-oji. Pilgrims praying at Kumano Hongu Taisha. Our only regret was not enough time. The advantage of winter is fewer crowds. If you’d like to head straight back to the big cities of Osaka, Kyoto and onward, then skip to the following section. We also provide Google maps for each section of the hike in the hiking guide section of this article. The Kumano Kodo is a 70km 5-day pilgrimage taking you through the most beautiful countryside in Wakayama. This is awesome in September when the water is still warm but the crowds have gone home. To get back on the trail after the Michi-no-Eki, cross back over the road and go to your right, working slightly uphill. March and April are both spring months and extremely popular along the trail to visit as it is cherry blossom season in Japan. Two friends and I did the Kumano Kodo 5 night self guided trek in May this year. You can also ask questions in English of the helpful people who work there. Here is where you can catch a bus back to Kii-Tanabe, or on to your next destination (see the following section). The Kumano Koodo is a maze of trails that travel up and down ridges, along the coast, and through old Japanese forests full of cypress and cedar trees. Just past the shrine is a lovely thatch-roofed teahouse. Check the overhead signs to figure out where to stand to get into the right carriage. Soon after the Tainai Meguri, the trail reaches a peak, after which it starts to descend. As I wrote above, if you get to Hongu before around 3pm on the third day of the hike, you have time to catch trains north to Osaka or even onward. Admire the iconic views of the spectacular cascading waterfall at Nachi Falls, and the traditional Nachi Taisha in Wakayama prefecture at the end of your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage adventure. You’ll need to pay attention to stay on track. Once you get to the upper road, check the map carefully and locate your lodgings for the night. There are vending machines and bathrooms here. About two hours and 15 minutes after leaving Shin-Osaka, you’ll arrive at Kii-Tanabe Station, where you get off. Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my, Check Kyoto accommodation availability on, Need tips on where to stay? In Nachi Taisha you find Japan’s highest waterfall, which is worshipped like a deity. All rights to this Kumano Kodo Trail Map belong to www.tb-kumano.jp This is a 4-day point-to-point trek in Wakayama Prefecture (South of Osaka and Kyoto), Japan, covering ~86km. (Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu Google map full size version). The route goes right through the middle of town. Hiking the Kumano Kodo really is a great immersion into Japanese culture. Carry one outfit in a dry bag or plastic bag to keep it dry and clean to wear in the guesthouses in evenings and on the bus/train on the way north. And before or after dinner, you can take a piping hot bath. The walk itself was an integral part of the pilgrimage process as they undertook rigorous religious rites of worship and purification. Sacred jizo watches over pilgrims on the Ogumotori-goe trail. The owner, Tetsu, speaks some English and is a great guy. This is a good place for a last-minute bathroom break or to grab a map. Iseji trail – Kumano Kodo in 7 days. Chris Rowthorn’s 10 Favorite Kyoto Temples, Kyoto’s Best Sentos – Japanese Public Baths, Internet In Japan For Tourists: Wifi, Pocket Wifi, SIM Cards, Rental Phones etc, Kyoto Shopping – The Best Shops And Gifts, Sword Dancing in Kyoto at Samurai Kembu Theater, Solo Travel in Kyoto (and the Rest of Japan), Solo Female Travel in Kyoto (and the Rest of Japan), Chris Rowthorn’s Favorite Movies, TV Shows and Documentaries on Japan, The Kumano Kodo Walking Trail: A Guide with Maps, The Kitayama Area: Bujo-ji, Miyama, Kayabuki-no-Sato, Best Japanese Tea and Sweet Shops in Kyoto, Best Kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) in Kyoto, Best Shojin Ryori (Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), Best Shokudo (All Round Restaurants) in Kyoto, The Nearest Airport To Kyoto and Kyoto Airport Transport, Arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX), Kansai International Airport (KIX) Airport Guide, Kansai International Airport (KIX) Hotels, How To Buy Shinkansen Bullet Train Tickets, How to Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online, JR Trains: Green Cars Versus Ordinary Cars, Japan Ferry Pass 21 – A Great Way to Explore Japan, How to Travel from Kyoto to Busan by Ferry, Kyoto Prepaid Cards: Icoca, Pasmo and Suica, Special Kyoto Bus, Train and Subway Passes, The Best Japanese Translation Apps For Japan Travel, 7 to 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima, 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Takayama, 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa, Japan Itinerary For Traveling With Children, Japan Rail Pass: How To Make The Most Of It, How to book accommodations on the Kumano Kodo, Recommended accommodations on the Kumano Kodo, A full guide to each day of the Nakahechi from Takijiri to Hongu, Other hiking routes and things to do in the Hongu area, Total hiking time: around 21 hours (over three days), Leave your big luggage in storage before heading south to the Kumano Kodo. It is said to insure a smooth deliver of babies for women and general good luck for men. In the summer, it’s usually just one pool or two, but in the winter, they dam the river to create a giant “Sen-nin buro” or 1,000-person onsen. There’s a small covered shelter here. Originally, Kumano Kodo was created as a way for religious leaders, samurai, and Japan’s wealthy elite to move between the sacred areas, but today anyone can take this journey. Hopefully, signage will have improved by the time you get there. The day starts off with the incredible Tsugizakura-oji Shrine, which is just down the road from the guesthouses. After checking into your guesthouse, dropping your pack and taking a break, head out and explore the village. There is a departure board above the platform that displays in English when the next Kuroshio is departing (they go about once an hour). For over one thousand years, a network of religious and spiritual trails have been used in the Wakayama Prefecture of Japan known as Kumano Kodo (熊野古道). You’ll be pretty happy by the time you get to Hosshinmon-oji, which is a small shrine in the woods. Most, difficult was actually the first kilometer, 40 minutes straight up. We went to Koyasan at the end of the trek, but that's another post :-), Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Kinki, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: Tickets & Tours‎, Samurai & Ninja Museum with Experience: Tickets & Tours‎, Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Eikando Zenrinji Temple: Tickets & Tours‎, Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes: Tickets & Tours‎, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple: Tickets & Tours‎. You can ask them anything about Japan, Kyoto and other popular tourists spots by chat or by talk session after the tour. This is a good choice for those who are already members of those sites or who want more flexibility than the official booking service provides. In addition to two great public onsen here, most accommodations have their own private onsen. Kumano Kodo near Tsugizakura-oji – image © Courtesy of the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau, Daimon-zaka section of the Kumano Kodo near Nachi Taisha Shrine, Torii (shrine gate) of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Nachi Taisha Shrine in cherry blossom season, Minshuku Irorian guesthouse in Nonaka on the Kumano Kodo – image © Chris Rowthorn, Hikari shinkansen bound for Shin-Osaka Station – image © Chris Rowthorn, Shin-Osaka Station sign – image © Chris Rowthorn, Kuroshio departure board – image © Chris Rowthorn, Kuroshio entering station – image © Chris Rowthorn, Kuroshio interior – image © Chris Rowthorn, Kuroshio tsunami notice – image © Chris Rowthorn, View of Pacific from Kuroshio – image © Chris Rowthorn, Kii-Tanabe Station sign – image © Chris Rowthorn, Tanabe Tourist Information Center – image © Chris Rowthorn, Bus ticket machine – image © Chris Rowthorn, Bus ticket machine close-up – image © Chris Rowthorn, Bus stop 2 at Kii-Tanabe – image © Chris Rowthorn, Bus 81 destination board – image © Chris Rowthorn, Takijiri Information Center – image © Chris Rowthorn, Takijiri-oji Shrine – image © Chris Rowthorn, Climbing out of Takijiri – image © Chris Rowthorn, Emerging from the Tainai Meguri – image © Chris Rowthorn, On the way to Takahara – image © Chris Rowthorn, Entering Takahara – image © Chris Rowthorn, Takahara Village – image © Chris Rowthorn, View from Takahara – image © Chris Rowthorn, Takahara Kumano-jinja Shrine – image © Chris Rowthorn, Camphor tree at Takahara Kumano-jinja – image © Chris Rowthorn, View from Hoshizora-no-Yado – image © Chris Rowthorn, View from bathtub at Hoshizora-no-Yado – image © Chris Rowthorn, Dinner at Hoshizora-no-Yado – image © Chris Rowthorn, Morning view from Takahara – image © Chris Rowthorn, Trail out of Takahara – image © Chris Rowthorn, Trail leaving Takahara – image © Chris Rowthorn, Trail sign above Takahara – image © Chris Rowthorn, Trail above Takahara – image © Chris Rowthorn, Bridge just before Michi-no-Eki – image © Chris Rowthorn, Hiker near Michi-no-Eki – image © Chris Rowthorn, Chikatsuyu Village – image © Chris Rowthorn, Route through Chikatsuyu – image © Chris Rowthorn, Leaving Chikatsuyu – image © Chris Rowthorn, Farm above Chikatsuyu – image © Chris Rowthorn, Road up to Hisohara-oji – image © Chris Rowthorn, Arriving at upper road of Nonaka – image © Chris Rowthorn, Minshuku Irorian – image © Chris Rowthorn, Minshuku 3rd Place – image © Chris Rowthorn, View from 3rd Place – image © Chris Rowthorn, Dinner at 3rd Place – image © Chris Rowthorn, Tsugizakura-oji Shrine entrance – image © Chris Rowthorn, Old teahouse at Tsugizakura-oji – image © Chris Rowthorn, Route out of Tsugizakura-oji – image © Chris Rowthorn, Trail leaves the road below Tsugizakura-oji – image © Chris Rowthorn, View from just below Detour Pass – image © Chris Rowthorn, Bridge before Yukawa-oji – image © Chris Rowthorn, Mikoshi-toge Pass – image © Chris Rowthorn, Mountains on the way to Hosshinmon-oji – image © Chris Rowthorn, Hosshinmon-oji sign – image © Chris Rowthorn, Hosshinmon-oji bus stop – image © Chris Rowthorn, Village below Hosshinmon-oji – image © Chris Rowthorn, Tea bushes in village below Hosshinmon-oji – image © Chris Rowthorn, Entrance to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine – image © Nelson Alvarez, Inner precinct of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine – image © Nelson Alvarez, Torii gate of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine – image © Nelson Alvarez, Massive torii in Hongu – image © Chris Rowthorn, Takijiri to Takahara Google map full size version, Takahara to Tsugizakura-oji Google map full size version, Tsugizakura-oji to Hosshinmon-oji Google map full size version, Hosshinmon-oji to Hongu Google map full size version, Walking the Nakasendo from Kyoto Guide and Map, Hiking in the Japan Alps: Kamikochi to Mt Yari-ga-Take via the Daikiretto Traverse, Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto), Kyoto Walking Tour 1: Nanzen-ji Temple to Yoshida-jinja Shrine, Kyoto Walking Tour 2: Tofuku-ji Temple to Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto Walking Tour 3: Classic Southern Higashiyama, Kyoto Itineraries for Families with Children, Kyoto One-Day Off-the-Beaten-Track Cherry Blossom Itinerary, The Most Romantic Hotels and Ryokan in Kyoto. No wildlife, in two days I saw 3 birds and a bum of a furry thing. There are a limited number of accommodations so it’s vital to have a secured booking. Here’s a picture of me emerging from the Tainai Meguri. The place I stayed in is called Minshuku 3rd Place. As you can see, the train is quite comfortable inside. Okay, this is your long day. These call to mind the magical tree in Hayao Miyazaki’s fantastic movie “Totoro.” They have been the spiritual heart of this village for centuries and you can still feel their power. It’s no wonder they built the shrine here. However, the real highlight here is the hot water that comes out of the river bottom. As soon as you get off, you’ll see the Takijiri Information Center across the river from you. The trail gradually climbs for 5 km or so to the Hyakken-gura Lookout and a vast panorama encompassing the 3600 peaks of the Kumano Mountains. It’s a brilliant way to experience Japan’s rural side and ancient religious traditions. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan. The view from the bathtub at Hoshizora-no-Yado is fantastic. Overnight stay at Kisho... NARUTO & BORUTO Anime Park with Shuttle Bus, Ugafuku Shrine ( Goddess of Money Washing), View all hotels near Kumano Kodo on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Kumano Kodo on Tripadvisor. If you’re going to walk the entire route to Hongu, you’ll need a relatively early start, especially in winter. Moderate to strenuous hiking options last a few hours to several days, taking in some of Japan’s top ‘power spots’ – temples, forests and waterfalls thought to enrich the soul. You put your ticket into the machine at the front of the bus when you get off. The trail climbs continuously through forest above Takijiri. The Japanese people are so friendly and always helpful even with the language barrier. We took this tour a year ago for my 50th b’day (April 2019) - apologies for late review, however I really want to share our experience as we had an amazing time and feel the reason was that we booked through Walk Japan. You’ll go in and out of forest and eventually wind up on the narrow paved road that leads up to your destination, which is variously and confusing called Nonaka, Hisohara-oji and Tsugizakura-oji. This is the walk we will describe in this article. Most of the accommodations are near where this road joins the upper road. The Kumano Kodo is an ancient pilgrimage trail in the mountains of Wakayama (south of Kyoto) where you can walk with a light pack from guesthouse to guesthouse for a few days. If you would prefer a bit more of a challenge and prefer more challenging walking then the Kumano Kodo Trail may suit you better. You’ll soon come to a road and a sign indicating the distance to the next village, Chikatsuyu. Rewarding despite landing in Osaka in October a day before the typhoon. The Tanabe city website tb-kumano has all the information including free maps and a local accommodation service. And for us if any country has engendered those feelings its Japan. A scenic self-guided walk of Japan's Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Trail. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. You can walk to Yunomine from Hongu or Hosshinmon-oji, but many people take the bus from Hongu. Summer is great but it can be pretty hot and humid (but not as hot as the cities). The walk we describe here is the main Nakahechi Route, which runs from Takijiri to Hongu, with overnight stops en route in the villages of Takahara and Nonaka (sometimes referred to as Tsugizakura-oji). Hike itineraries are typically 4-6 days, but you can extend or shorten them as you like.The altitude is fairly low (most of the hiking is below 600m), and the routes are relatively easy, provided you’re in good health. The trails were a bit wet, but with the exception of 2 steep sections fairly easy forested hills trails. The best way to get there is by the Kuroshio limited express that runs about once an hour between Shin-Osaka Station and Kii-Tanabe Station. It’s to the left when you get to the road junction (meaning, take a hard left when you get to the upper road). The journey takes about two hours and 15 minutes. The Onsens are amazing after a long day walking, you get over the embarrassment of being naked in front of strangers the first time you try them, we had a 65yr old female prude with us and we couldn't get her out after she tried the first one, she loved it, and you sleep like a baby after the relaxing hot water. And, if you suffer from claustrophobia, just walk around the rocks. In addition, several of the Wakayama guesthouses and lodges on the routes can be booked through sites like Booking.com a and Agoda.com. Thanks Japan, and thanks Walk Japan XXX. If you look in the seatbacks in front of you, you will find a notice explaining what to do in the event of a tsunami (or, perhaps it’s what to do in case you’re a panda and the train encounters a tsunami). There are only two rooms here, one upstairs and down. You will feel the power emanating from the inner hall of the shrine. In the center of town, a short walk from the shrine, you will find Kumano Hongu Heritage Center, beside which is the main bus stop. Kumano Kodo is an ancient network of pilgrimage trails located in Kii Mountain Range, south to Osaka in Kansai area. Some sections are roads, other sections have the road within a few feet so you do not feel like your in the Japanese countryside. Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Nakahechicho / Hongucho /Nachikatsuuracho, 646-0000, Walk Japan 9 day guided Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. It was an amazing trip and would highly recommend it. As you can see by the inset map it … You can catch a bus from here down to Hongu, but if you have the energy, I definitely recommend walking since the next 7km are mostly downhill and take you through some extremely picturesque little villages. It’s on the west side of the village, just after you enter Takahara. Buy trail snacks in convenience stores or supermarkets in Kyoto or Osaka before heading south. You can spend days hiking on the trails or if you are constrained by time you can do a very long day trip from Osaka or Kyoto to do a short hike to see one of the main temples and waterfalls in the area. The views from the houses are great. The pass is just a hair under 700m and it’s the highest point of today’s hike. One of the highlights of Kumano are onsen (hot springs). The name means “passing through the womb” and it might remind you of the Tainai Meguri at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. It’s really lovely and has some enormous sugi (cedar) trees. Hikers on the cobble lined Nakahechi route. The trailhead is marked with a sign, indicating that it’s 3.7km to your first night’s stop: Takahara. The Iseji trail runs along the east coast of the Kii Peninsula and … The villages are very nice, an hour walking around would be plenty of time to see everything and do your shopping. So for 9 days we walked parts of this pilgrimage and had an absolutely amazing experience - as accommodation and meals were all organized and we had our trusty guide at no point did we stress - and we stayed in some unique accommodation from a monastery (participating in the morning fire ceremony with monks), repurposed high schools (declining population), some huge 80’s hotel built into the side of a cliff like something out of a James Bond movie. 2-5 days hike depending on your chosen end. At larger train stations, in addition to lockers, you will find luggage storage offices (recommended over lockers). For some places to stay in the area, scroll down on this page. There are many options for walking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage route. The route number is displayed on the bus. The selection in Kii-Tanabe is pretty limited (at least near the station). The first day, you’ll need to wake up early to get to the Kumano Kodo trail first by bus. Since it was a network of trails, there is no one set trail. The trail is well marked out of the village. The views from the village over the valley and mountains are lovely, particularly in early evening. It has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Those network of paths is the Kumano Kodo trail, which many still walk to this day. Finally, you will find a huge torii (Shinto shrine gate) towering above the river behind the Heritage Center. Follow the signs for Platform 3, which is where you catch trains south to Wakayama. After crossing this, you’ll ascend continuously to Detour Pass (so named because this section is a detour around an older section that was destroyed in a landslide). The dinners served here are excellent and include a lot of local ingredients. The trail winds through second-growth forest, with some gentle climbs and descents for the next few hours. To start your hike in Kumano Kodo, you must get to the trailhead. Spring and autumn are both great times to hike, with warm weather and pleasant views (with cherries in late March/early April and fall foliage in October and November). These trails were used by pilgrims to " Kumano Sanzan " (熊野三山) or the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hongū Taisha (熊野本宮大社), Kumano Nachi Taisha (熊野那智大社) and Kumano Hayatama Taisha (熊野速玉大社). Takijiri to Hongu walks through timber plantations, all tall cedars in lines, no minimal undergrowth (because of the darkness). While some travelers thrive on conquering the difficulties of traveling in a foreign land, we would rather spend our well earned holidays enjoying ourselves without stressing over are we on the correct train line and are we heading in the right direction, or the like. Just a few kilometers southwest of Hongu is Yunomine Onsen, which is where many people stay on the third night of this trip. The other two, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, are both near the eastern coast of Wakayama and are connected to Hongu Taisha by well-traveled pilgrimage routes. At the Tanabe Tourist Center, you’ll find a ticket machine. If you’re fast, you can get to Hongu on the last day in time to get on a bus to Kii-Tanabe and catch a train north to Osaka on the same day. The downstairs room has no view, but is very private. Take off your pack and push it ahead of you and pass it to someone on the other side. This place is called 3rd Place because it’s the third house in the village. The actual trailhead is behind Takijiri-oji Shrine, across the road from the information center. Along the Kumano Kodo there are panoramic viewpoints on the mountain ranges and on crystal clear rivers snaking through the valleys. Enjoy traditional fresh bento boxes for lunch. After crossing Waraji-toge, you’ll come to a bridge across a small river. It is utterly enchanting and packed with plenty of photo ops as … The Kumano Kodo trails meander through the remote mountains of the Kii Peninsula, located approximately 100 kilometers south of Osaka. Along the trails, you will pass by many small shrines, called oji. They are the only pilgrimage routes besides the Camino de Santiago to be designated a world heritage site. The maps warn of the trail descending sharply to meet a river, but I couldn’t find this junction and wound up following the road all the way to Hosshinmon-oji. This is a rather drab section of the trail, but there are some nice views of the mountains along the way. The first of these is the Takijiri-oji, which marks the classic start of the Nakahechi Trail. Do this walk for the history now the views. (Takahara to Tsugizakura-oji Google map full size version). The route finding here is a little confusing and the route has apparently changed a bit recently. The ticket machine has buttons clearly marked in English. The Kumano Kodo is actually a network of several ancient pilgrimage routes that converge on Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, a powerful Shinto shrine in the mountainous heart of Wakayama Prefecture. Looking at this from a walking perspective, not taking into account it's history and the religious relevance that cannot be argued, it's prety boring. You’ll follow the mountain road for a while before the trail branches off down a hill on your right. The June rainy season can be wet, but it doesn’t usually rain every day. The whole Kii peninsula is interesting, with the oldest capitals of Japan, sakuras of Mt. The trail leaves the road after it makes a sharp descent. This isn’t such a bad climb – at least not quite as high as Detour Pass. If you need extra caffeine before starting, there’s a vending machine in the center of the village that sells coffee and tea. It’s a brilliant way to experience Japan’s rural side and ancient religious traditions. Since you can stay in guesthouses on the route, you don’t have to carry backpacking gear. You really have to crawl and slither to get through it. If you’re looking to do a trek in Japan, you’re probably considering either the Kumano Kodo, which is in Wakayama (southern Kansai), or the Nakasendo, which connects Tokyo and Kyoto via the mountains of Central Honshu. ... Two friends and I did the Kumano Kodo 5 night self guided trek in May this year. It’s also a great place to pick up a route guide (in this case, the “Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrim Route Map”). At Shin-Osaka Station, exit the shinkansen concourse into the regular train concourse. If you’re coming from Tokyo or Kyoto, you just have to hop on the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka and change there for the Kuroshio. From here, there’s a brief climb before you start to descend into the village of Chikatsuyu. It’s a nice scenic trail out of the village. If you like beaches, in warm months (May to October) you can go to the beach resort of Shirahama, which has both great onsen and a nice stretch of white sand beach.
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