Walking the Kumano Kodo in Winter: Nakahechi Route
Walking the Kumano Kodo in Winter: Nakahechi Route
Walking the Kumano Kodo in Winter: Nakahechi Route
6 Days Starting in Kyoto, Japan and ending in Kii-Katsuura, Japan
Visiting: Kii Peninsula, Kumano Kodo, Hongu, Kawayu Onsen, Nachikatsuura, Kii-Katsuura
Tour operator:
Tour code:
981
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Japan’s ultimate spiritual trail, the Kumano Kodo, has carried pilgrims for centuries across the peaks and valleys of the Kii Peninsula, to worship at three magnificent Grand Shrines en route. This 258km walking route has various subsections, and our six-day, self-guided walking adventure covers the inland Nakahechi route. On this you get to see the Grand Shrines of Hongu and Nachi, while also enjoying some traditional treks and ryokans or minshukus. Walking the Kumano Kodo in winter is extra special, with generally crisp, clear weather and steaming thermal baths at the end of the day
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Travel To The Kii Peninsula
Location: Kii Peninsula
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kamiakizu
Meals Included: Dinner
Take a train from Kyoto (3h) or Osaka (2.5h) to the small town of Kii-Tanabe on the Kii Peninsula (included). A 15mins bus ride from Kii-Tanabe station takes you to the farming community of Kamiakizu. Tonight’s lodging is a renovated school, constructed from cedar and cypress and a community project focusing on sustainable tourism.
Day 2 : Takijiri – Chikatsuyu 7.8/14.5Km
Location: Kumano Kodo
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Chikatsuyu or Nonaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, a short transfer (30mins) takes you to Takijiri, starting point of the Kumano Kodo. From Takijiri, there is a steady climb to the ridge-top village of Takahara. From there, walk to the nearby bus stop and catch a local bus to Chikatsuyu for tonight’s accommodation. If you have time, explore the local art gallery and shops before dinner at a family-run guesthouse. For a longer hike, there is an option to skip the bus ride and continue along the Kumano Kodo, with a further 4h hike to Chikatsuyu.
Day 3 : Chikatsuyu To Hongu Grand Shrine 7/15Km
Location: Hongu
Accommodation Name: Accommodation a ryokan in Kawayu Onsen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Chikatsuyu and Nonaka, the trail continues through the mountains. Today there are shorter and longer hiking options to choose from, both including the walk between Hosshinmon-oji and Hongu Grand Shrine, and both manageable in shorter winter days. Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the other world which spirits travelled to in Japanese mythology. From Kumano Hongu, a short bus ride brings you to Kawayu Onsen. Take the time to soak in a Japanese bath before or after dinner.
Day 4 : Leisure Day Or Hike Along The Nakahechi Trail 12.4Km
Location: Kawayu Onsen
Accommodation Name: Accommodation a ryokan in Kawayu Onsen
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend a second night at Kawayu Onsen, taking time to explore the village before undertaking one of two possible hiking options: ascend the Kogumotorigoe path towards Koguchi or undertake another section close to Hongu. The first option begins with a short bus ride to Ukegawa on the banks of the Kumano River. From Ukegawa, start on the Kogumotorigoe path, which heads up to the Kogumotorigoe Pass before descending to the village of Koguchi.
Day 5 : Nachi Grand Shrine And Waterfall 15Km
Location: Nachikatsuura
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Nachi-san or in Kii-Katsuura. Optional upgrade to an onsen hotel, located on its own secluded island in Kii-Katsuura Bay. This extension also enables you to join the tuna auction at the port on your final morning.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The final section of the trail travels 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 to the port town of Kii-Katsuura with views over the island-studded bay.
Day 6 : Kii-Katsuura. Departure To Osaka Or Kyoto
Location: Kii-Katsuura
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kii-Katsuura is an active fishing port and has a lively early-morning fish market. Take the time to take in the views out over the island-studded bay. Take the train (included) around lunchtime to travel back around the Kii Peninsula to Osaka or Kyoto for mid to late afternoon.
What's Included
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Train Travel
Train travel from Kyoto (3h) or Osaka (2.5h) to Kii-Tanabe is included.
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Bus Transfers
Bus transfers from Kii-Tanabe station to Kamiakizu, from Takijiri to Chikatsuyu, and from Kumano Hongu to Kawayu Onsen are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in traditional lodges, minshuku, and ryokan throughout the tour.
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Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included each day of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Lunch
Lunch is not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel by train from Kyoto or Osaka to Kii-Tanabe, followed by a bus ride to Kamiakizu. Local buses are used for transfers between hiking points and accommodations, with a final train journey back to Osaka or Kyoto.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of traditional lodgings including a renovated school in Kamiakizu, minshuku in Chikatsuyu or Nonaka, and ryokan in Kawayu Onsen. Enjoy the option of a minshuku in Nachi-san or a Japanese-style hotel in Kii-Katsuura, with an optional upgrade to an onsen hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodations are provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodations in a variety of traditional lodgings, including a renovated school in Kamiakizu, minshuku in Chikatsuyu or Nonaka, and ryokan in Kawayu Onsen. There is also an option to stay in a minshuku in Nachi-san or a Japanese-style hotel in Kii-Katsuura, with an optional upgrade to an onsen hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast and dinner are included each day of the tour. However, lunch is not included in the tour package.
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What transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes train travel from Kyoto or Osaka to Kii-Tanabe, and bus transfers between various hiking points and accommodations. The final train journey back to Osaka or Kyoto is also included.
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What are some of the highlights of the Kumano Kodo hike?
Highlights of the hike include visiting the small town of Kii-Tanabe, climbing to the ridge-top village of Takahara, exploring local art galleries and shops in Chikatsuyu, walking through the mountains to the Hongu Grand Shrine, soaking in a Japanese bath at Kawayu Onsen, hiking along the Nakahechi Trail, visiting Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi-taki waterfall, and experiencing the lively early-morning fish market in Kii-Katsuura.
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What is the difficulty level of the hikes on this tour?
The tour offers both shorter and longer hiking options, making it manageable for different fitness levels. The hikes include steady climbs and descents, with some sections offering alternative routes to suit different preferences.
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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.