Walking the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trails
Walking the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trails
$5133
Walking the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trails
11 Days Starting in Kyoto, Japan and ending in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting: Kyoto, Takahara, Wakayama, Kii-Katsuura, Nakatsugawa, Kiso-Fukushima, Tokyo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
978
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 13
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with the "Walking the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Trails" tour. This immersive experience begins in the historic city of Kyoto, where you'll explore iconic temples and the enchanting Gion District. Traverse the sacred Kumano Kodo Trail, visiting ancient shrines and soaking in the rejuvenating hot springs of Yunomine Onsen. Sail along the Kumano River and marvel at the majestic Nachi Falls. Continue your adventure on the Nakasendo Trail, discovering charming post towns like Magome and Narai, and savoring local delicacies. Conclude your journey in the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, where you'll explore both its traditional and modern facets, from serene gardens to bustling fashion districts. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and authentic Japanese experiences, making it ideal for solo travelers seeking a unique adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kyoto
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet with your guide and fellow tour participants at the hotel in central Kyoto. If you arrive early we recommend a visit to the following sights: Gnkakuji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple and the Gion District, or take a short train ride to Fushimi Inari and stroll through the bamboo forest. The day comes to a close with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 : Kyoto 6.6Km
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Head to the Kiyotaki area with your guide, and explore the northern parts of Arashiyama, home to many temples and shrines. Visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, known for its 8,000 commemorative stone statues. The day continues with a visit to Arashiyama’s famous bamboo grove, with a beautiful end to the walk at Tenryu-ji Temple, where you can stroll around its gardens and prayer halls.
In the afternoon, return to Kyoto for lunch and a performance with a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) to learn about their rigorous training in traditional Japanese arts. End the day with a walking tour of the Gion district, known for its wooden machiya restaurants and tea houses where maiko and geisha perform traditional dances and music.
Day 3 : Kyoto – Takahara 4.5Km
Location: Takahara
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tanabe or Wakayama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With your guide, take the train from Kyoto (3h) to Tanabe on the Kii Peninsula, then travel by local bus from Kii-Tanabe station to Takijiri (40mins), where the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo begins. From Takijiri, the path climbs steadily to the ridge-top village of Takahara, your last stop for today. Spend the night in a traditional Japanese ryokan with hot spring baths and views over the mountains. Relax at Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, or Kawayu Onsen, famous for its thermal water bubbling to the surface of the crystal-clear river.
Day 4 : Yagyu Village – Wakayama 7Km
Location: Wakayama
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tanabe or Wakayama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a 40mins walk to Kurisugawa where you take a local bus to Hosshinmon-oji and then descend to the Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, on the Kumano Kodo Trail. The symbol of the shrine is a three-legged crow, representing Hongu, Nachi and Hayatama Shrines. In mythology, the three-legged crow was sent to guide Emperor Jimmu on his journey from Kumano to the Yamato Plain, now named Nara Prefecture. After visiting the shrine, take a local bus back to Yunomine Onsen.
Day 5 : Boat Ride On The Kumano River And Nachi Grand Shrine 4.3Km
Location: Kii-Katsuura
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kii-Katsuura
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today your luggage is sent ahead to meet you on day seven due to the rural location of this evening’s accommodation, so you need to carry overnight essentials in your daypack. Transfer by local bus to the Kumano River to take a trip on a traditional wooden boat to Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, as Imperial pilgrims once did. Afterwards, continue on to the Daimonzaka slope, a sacred approach which follows an ancient stone staircase leading to Nachi Falls, Japan’s largest vertical drop waterfall. As well as to Seiganto-ji Temple and finally Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. Arrive at the port town of Kii-Katsuura with wonderful views over the island-studded bay.
Day 6 : Kii-Katsuura – Nakatsugawa 6.5Km
Location: Nakatsugawa
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Nakatsugawa or Magome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a train along the coast before heading inland to the Japanese Alps to begin walking the Nakasendo Trail in the Kiso Valley region. Along the way, we recommend trying an ekiben (train station bento box), a beloved tradition in Japan that offers a taste of local dishes whilst on the go. The guided walk takes you as far as the post town of Nakatsugawa in the early afternoon, so you have plenty of free time to explore once you arrive. You can also continue the walk along a paved portion of the Nakasendo Trail with traditional ishidatami paving stones, en route to the post town of Ochiai. Return to Nakatsugawa or nearby Magome, depending on your accommodation, for your overnight stay.
Day 7 : Magome – Kiso-Fukushima
Location: Kiso-Fukushima
Accommodation Name: Kiso-Fukushima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk to Magome and explore the inns, residences and woodworkers’ shops that line its streets. Known as the birthplace of the Japanese author Shimazaki Toson, this post town offers a glimpse into traditional life. We recommend you try gohei mochi, skewered sticky rice covered in a sweet paste of miso, sesame and walnuts. Continue on to the Magome-toge Pass and, from here, descend through forests and bamboo groves to the post town of Tsumago. Take some time to explore the town on your own before walking a short distance to Nagiso to be collected by your hosts for the night at a local ryokan.
Day 8 : Kiso-Fukushima – Narai
Location: Kiso-Fukushima
Accommodation Name: Narai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today your luggage is sent ahead to Tokyo due to the rural location of this evening’s accommodation, so you need to carry overnight essentials in your daypack. Take a shuttle bus to the regional hub of Kiso-Fukushima and explore the historic post town with your guide. See the remains of the Fukushima checkpoint, one of four checkpoints on the Nakasendo trail, and the fascinating Fukushima Seskisho Museum which contains original documents and other Edo-period artefacts. Travel by train to Yabuhara to begin the hike over the Torii-toge Pass to Narai. The Pass is linked to a local samurai who prayed here for victory in battle in the 15th century. After his success, he built Torii Gate and Ontake Shrine in gratitude to the mountain spirit. End the day in Narai, one of the most prosperous post towns on the trail.
Day 9 : Matsumoto – Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a train to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle, known as the crow castle for its dark, imposing presence. Visit a traditional miso maker, a sixth-generation producer who creates small-batch artisanal miso, which is aged for three years to achieve a mellow smoothness. Take another train to Tokyo where you spend the last two nights of your tour.
Day 10 : Explore Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, discover the two sides of Japan’s capital – old Edo and modern Tokyo. Accompanied by your guide, begin by exploring the traditional Hama-Rikyū Gardens, located on Tokyo Bay that were once popular duck-hunting grounds for local lords. Asakusa is home to Senso-ji Temple and the traditional shops and arcades of Nakamise-dori. Finally, transition into the modern era with a visit to Omotesando and Harajuku, home to contemporary fashion trends as well as pioneering architecture. Finish the day with a walk to the bright lights of Shibuya, and see the famed Shibuya Scramble square before a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 11 : Depart From Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Japan using a combination of local trains and buses, with scenic rides along the coast and into the Japanese Alps, complemented by a traditional wooden boat trip on the Kumano River.
Accommodation
Experience traditional Japanese hospitality with stays in ryokans featuring hot spring baths, and enjoy the comfort of hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo, offering a blend of modern amenities and cultural charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a performance with a geisha or maiko in Kyoto, where you can learn about their traditional arts. You will also visit various temples and shrines, such as the Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, and explore traditional post towns like Magome and Narai.
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Will there be any opportunities to experience traditional Japanese cuisine?
Yes, the tour includes meals at local restaurants and accommodations, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine. Additionally, you can try an ekiben, a train station bento box, and gohei mochi, a local specialty in Magome.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
Accommodations include traditional Japanese ryokans, some with hot spring baths, and hotels in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo. You will stay in various locations such as Tanabe, Kii-Katsuura, and Narai.
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Are there any special instructions for luggage during the tour?
Yes, on certain days, your luggage will be sent ahead due to the rural locations of the accommodations. You will need to carry overnight essentials in your daypack on these days.
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What kind of physical activity is involved in the tour?
The tour involves daily walking, with distances ranging from 4.3km to 8.3km per day. The walks include exploring trails, visiting temples, and walking through traditional towns and scenic areas.
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Is there any historical significance to the places visited on the tour?
Yes, the tour visits several historically significant sites, including the Kumano Kodo Trail, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Nakasendo Trail, which was an important route during the Edo period. You will also visit Matsumoto Castle and the Fukushima checkpoint.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.