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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Japan, a remote and rewarding adventure steeped in history and spirituality. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, as you walk through serene mountain landscapes, visit the revered Grand Shrines, and relax in traditional hot spring baths. Stay in authentic Japanese accommodations, including ryokans and minshuku guesthouses, where you can experience exquisite local cuisine and warm hospitality. Begin your adventure in the historic city of Kyoto, explore the sacred trails, and conclude in the vibrant city of Osaka, known for its culinary delights and iconic landmarks. ...more ...less
Highlights
Walk the ancient pilgrimage route Kumano Kodo, one of Japan’s most remote and rewarding journeys
Witness the Grand Shrines, bathe in the hot spring thermal waters, and admire stunning views over the mountains towards the Pacific Ocean
Explore Kyoto, famous for its Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional teahouses
Pass several Oji shrines and descend to the village of Chikatsuyu
Visit the Kumano shrine at Hongu, one of the three ‘Grand Shrines of Kumano’
Relax in Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot-spring villages in Japan
Experience the final section of the trail to Nachi-san, home to Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi-taki waterfall
Explore the lively early-morning fish market and traditional covered shopping arcade in Kii-Katsuura
Itinerary
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Take the express train from Osaka Kansai Int. Airport to Kyoto City (approx. 70mins), then a local taxi to your first hotel. (approx. 10mins).
Overnight Kyoto.
Day 2
:
Explore Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a rest day in the incredible city of Kyoto, famous for its Buddhist temples, tranquil gardens, and traditional teahouses. We recommend visiting the historical city of Nara, full of cultural treasures and expansive parks, located approx. 1hr from Kyoto city on the train.
Overnight Kyoto.
Day 3
:
Takijiri To Takahara
Location: Kii-Tanabe
Accommodation Name: Japanese-style hotel or Minshuku Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your day begins by taking the train to Kii-Tanabe (included) then the bus to Takijiri (paid locally – total travel time approx. 3hrs 30mins); this is the gateway to the historic Kumano Kodo Trail and the start of your walking journey. You’ll walk the Nakahechi portion of the Kumnao Kodo pilgrimage route, climbing steadily from Takijiri to the ridge-top village of Takahara.
Tonight, you’ll stay in a small, Japanese style hotel in the tiny village of Takahara or in a Japanese Minshuku in the nearby village of Kurisugawa.
Overnight Japanese-style hotel, Takahara or Minshuku Guesthouse, Kurisugawa.
Day 4
:
Takahara To Chikatsuyu
Location: Chikatsuyu
Accommodation Name: Minshuku Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After your traditional Japanese breakfast, leave your inn following the trail as it winds through small settlements and peaceful countryside. You’ll pass several Oji shrines before finally descending to the village of Chikatsuyu.
Overnight Minshuku Guesthouse, Chikatsuyu.
Day 5
:
Chikatsuyu To Hongu
Location: Hongu
Accommodation Name: Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Chikatsuyu, the trail continues through the mountains to Hongu. The trail passes through small villages and forest trails over the Kii Mountains to the Kumnao shrine at Hongu, one of the three ‘Grand Shines of Kumano’. At the heart of these sacred mountains, Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the ‘other world' which spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. From the Kumano shrine at Hongu, a short bus ride brings you to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot-spring villages in Japan, or to Kawayu Onsen famous for the thermal water bubbling to the surface of the crystal-clear river. Enjoy a relaxing soak in a Japanese bath before or after your delicious dinner.
Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Yunomine Onsen.
Day 6
:
Rest Day In Yunomine Onsen Or Walk To Dainichi-Goe/Akagi-Goe
Location: Yunomine Onsen
Accommodation Name: Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A day at leisure in picturesque Yunomine Onsen or enjoy a walk on either the Dainichi-goe or Akagi-goe sections of the trail. From Yunomine Onsen you can visit the other nearby hot-spring villages of Watarase or Kawayu a couple of miles away.
Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Yunomine Onsen.
Day 7
:
Along Nakahechi
Location: Koguchi
Accommodation Name: Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take time to explore the atmospheric village where you spent the night, before undertaking one of two possible hiking options; ascend the Kogumotorigoe path towards Koguchi or undertake another section close to Hongu, with excellent valley views. The first option begins with a short bus ride to Ukegawa on the banks of the Kumano River. From Ukegawa, you start on the Kogumotorigoe path, which heads up to the Kogumotorigoe Pass before descending to the remote village of Koguchi.
Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Koguchi.
Day 8
:
Koguchi To Nachi-San
Location: Nachi-san
Accommodation Name: Japanese-style hotel or Minshuku Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The final section of the trail takes you from Koguchi up to the Ogumotorigoe Pass with a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It then descends to Nachi-san, the location of Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano and Nachi-taki waterfall. Stay overnight either in the small village of Nachi-san close to the shrine or take a local bus for the twenty-minute ride to the port town of Kii-Katsuura with wonderful views over the island-studded bay.
Overnight Japanese-style hotel, Kii Katsuura or Minshuku Guesthouse, Nachi-san.
Day 9
:
Kii-Katsuura And Onwards By Train To Osaka
たけほがら
Location: Osaka
Accommodation Name: Hotel Monterey Grasmere
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kii-Katsuura is an active fishing port and has a lively early-morning fish market. Enjoy the views out over the island-studded bay. There are intriguing backstreets and a traditional covered shopping arcade to explore, too. It is also possible to visit Hayatama Shrine, one of the three grand Shrines of Kumano. Take the train to Osaka, winding around the Kii Peninsula (approx. 4hrs - included), then a local taxi to your hotel (approx. 10mins).
Overnight Hotel Monterey Grasmere, Osaka.
Day 10
:
Rest Day In Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Known as the food capital of western Japan, Osaka gets its title in part from the fantastic Dotonbori area in the south of the city. Countless restaurants line the Dotonbori-gawa River offering dinner with views. The city is home to Osaka-jo – a symbolic castle, re-built to its grand size after repeated fires.
We recommend visiting the grand Sumiyoshi Shrine, an easy 10-minute ride on the Nankai railway from Namba station. The shrine grounds have beautiful nature such as sacred trees over a thousand years old, and the main shrine buildings feature the ancient Sumiyoshi-zukuri style of architecture which pre-dates the arrival of Buddhism to Japan.
Overnight Osaka.
Day 11
:
Depart Osaka
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking the train from Osaka Namba Nankai station to Osaka Kansai Int. Airport (approx. 35mins).
What's Included
Accommodation
Stay at modern western-style hotels, traditional ryokans, and minshuku guesthouses.
Meals
Most meals will be Japanese cuisine, with vegetarian options available but limited.
Train from Osaka Kansai Int. Airport to Kyoto City
Express train from Osaka Kansai Int. Airport to Kyoto City (approx. 70mins).
Train from Kii-Katsuura to Osaka
Train from Kii-Katsuura to Osaka, winding around the Kii Peninsula (approx. 4hrs).
What's Not Included
Lunches
Lunches are not included in the tour package.
Single supplements
Single supplements are not included in the tour package.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
Solo traveller supplement
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date) is not included.
Visas and vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included in the tour package.
Food
Accommodation
Hotels: Modern western-style hotels with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, TV, and fridges. Ryokan: Traditional Japanese-style inns with tatami matting and futons, communal hot spring baths, and exquisite multicourse meals. Minshuku: Family-run traditional inns with tatami-mat rooms and shared facilities.
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Mode of Transport
The tour includes express train travel from Osaka Kansai Int. Airport to Kyoto, local taxis, and train journeys to various destinations. Bus rides are also part of the itinerary, with some paid locally.
Check out our Q&As
What type of accommodations will we stay in during the tour?
You will stay in a mix of modern western-style hotels, traditional Japanese ryokans, and minshuku guesthouses. Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns with tatami matting and futons, often featuring communal hot spring baths. Minshuku are family-run inns with similar traditional features but usually do not have en-suite bathrooms.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Most meals are included and will primarily be Japanese cuisine. Vegetarian options are available but limited, and strict vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets may be difficult to accommodate due to the common use of fish-based stock, soy sauce, and miso in Japanese cuisine.
Will there be opportunities to experience Japanese hot springs?
Yes, you will have opportunities to experience Japanese hot springs, particularly in Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest natural hot-spring villages in Japan, and Kawayu Onsen, known for its thermal water bubbling to the surface of the river.
What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to several significant cultural sites such as the Grand Shrines of Kumano, Buddhist temples, traditional teahouses, and historical cities like Kyoto and Nara. You will also stay in traditional Japanese accommodations and have the opportunity to enjoy exquisitely prepared multicourse meals.
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What transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation includes express trains, local taxis, and buses. For example, you will take an express train from Osaka Kansai International Airport to Kyoto City and a train to Kii-Tanabe followed by a bus to Takijiri.
Are there any rest days included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are rest days included in the itinerary. For example, you will have a rest day in Kyoto to explore the city and another rest day in Yunomine Onsen to enjoy the hot springs or take a leisurely walk.
What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Osaka. You will take an express train from Osaka Kansai International Airport to Kyoto City at the beginning and return to Osaka from Kii-Katsuura by train at the end.
What are some of the highlights of the Kumano Kodo trail?
Highlights of the Kumano Kodo trail include walking through small settlements and peaceful countryside, visiting Oji shrines, experiencing the Grand Shrines of Kumano, and enjoying stunning views over the mountains towards the Pacific Ocean.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of
25%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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From Yunomine Onsen you can visit the other nearby hot-spring villages of Watarase or Kawayu a couple of miles away.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Yunomine Onsen.","lat":"33.829313","lng":"135.757589"},{"title":"Day 7: Along Nakahechi ","name":"Koguchi","description":"Take time to explore the atmospheric village where you spent the night, before undertaking one of two possible hiking options; ascend the Kogumotorigoe path towards Koguchi or undertake another section close to Hongu, with excellent valley views. The first option begins with a short bus ride to Ukegawa on the banks of the Kumano River. From Ukegawa, you start on the Kogumotorigoe path, which heads up to the Kogumotorigoe Pass before descending to the remote village of Koguchi.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Overnight Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), Koguchi.","lat":"36.766376","lng":"140.147232"},{"title":"Day 8: Koguchi to Nachi-san ","name":"Nachi-san","description":"The final section of the trail takes you from Koguchi up to the Ogumotorigoe Pass with a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It then descends to Nachi-san, the location of Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano and Nachi-taki waterfall. Stay overnight either in the small village of Nachi-san close to the shrine or take a local bus for the twenty-minute ride to the port town of Kii-Katsuura with wonderful views over the island-studded bay.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Overnight Japanese-style hotel, Kii Katsuura or Minshuku Guesthouse, Nachi-san.","lat":"33.673504","lng":"135.889711"},{"title":"Day 9: Kii-Katsuura and onwards by train to Osaka","name":"Osaka","description":"Kii-Katsuura is an active fishing port and has a lively early-morning fish market. Enjoy the views out over the island-studded bay. There are intriguing backstreets and a traditional covered shopping arcade to explore, too. It is also possible to visit Hayatama Shrine, one of the three grand Shrines of Kumano. Take the train to Osaka, winding around the Kii Peninsula (approx. 4hrs - included), then a local taxi to your hotel (approx. 10mins).<br/><br/>Overnight Hotel Monterey Grasmere, Osaka.","lat":"34.693725","lng":"135.502254"},{"title":"Rest Day in Osaka","name":"Osaka","description":"Known as the food capital of western Japan, Osaka gets its title in part from the fantastic Dotonbori area in the south of the city. Countless restaurants line the Dotonbori-gawa River offering dinner with views. The city is home to Osaka-jo – a symbolic castle, re-built to its grand size after repeated fires.<br/><br/><br/><br/>We recommend visiting the grand Sumiyoshi Shrine, an easy 10-minute ride on the Nankai railway from Namba station. The shrine grounds have beautiful nature such as sacred trees over a thousand years old, and the main shrine buildings feature the ancient Sumiyoshi-zukuri style of architecture which pre-dates the arrival of Buddhism to Japan.<br/><br/>Overnight Osaka.","lat":"34.693725","lng":"135.502254"},{"title":"Day 11: Depart Osaka","name":"Osaka","description":"Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking the train from Osaka Namba Nankai station to Osaka Kansai Int. Airport (approx. 35mins).","lat":"34.693725","lng":"135.502254"}]
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